Athens, October 1, 2025 – A strong message of cooperation between Greece and Albania, with the contribution of scientists, institutional representatives, local communities, and environmental organisations, marked the successful conclusion of the Transboundary River Forum (TRF). The Forum was organised by MedINA, in collaboration with EuroNatur and EcoAlbania, in the framework of the international Save the Blue Heart of Europe campaign, and took place in Ioannina and Konitsa on September 24–27, 2025. At the heart of the Forum lay a shared commitment: the creation of Europe’s first Transboundary Wild River Park, Aoos/Vjosa.
Discussions addressed the complex challenges facing transboundary rivers – ranging from development pressures, biodiversity loss, and the climate crisis, to institutional and governance gaps – highlighting the need to strengthen community participation in decision-making. At the same time, successful examples of cross-border cooperation, such as the Prespa Lakes, the Danube River and others, were presented, offering important lessons learnt and a hopeful path forward.
Throughout the Forum, participants emphasised the urgent need for a unified protection status for the Aoos/Vjosa, from its springs to its delta, and the fundamental importance of transboundary cooperation for the river’s protection, conservation, and restoration. They also stressed the cultural and socio-economic value of rivers as ecological corridors for both species and people, and the decisive role of local communities, who must be involved at every step. As noted by Michalis Petrakos, Secretary General of the Municipality of Prespa, and Myrsini Malakou, Director of the Society for the Protection of Prespa: “We began to look at our own place, rather than outward. Local traditional knowledge is of vital importance in environmental management. The ultimate goal, to protect nature, can be achieved – but only if we create a new socio-ecological system with transformed mindsets.”
“Nature protection is not a sprint, but a marathon that requires cooperation, trust, a common vision, and collective effort,”stressed Pavlos Vasakos, President of the Cultural Association of Gorgopotamos. His message resonated with Olsi Nika, Founder and Executive Director of EcoAlbania, who described the decade-long struggle of communities and organisations to establish the Vjosa National Park on the Albanian side of the border: “From 2013 until 2023, when the first Wild River National Park in Europe was established, we managed to build bridges of collaboration with researchers, scientists, lawyers, the media, and engaged citizens. Through tireless effort, we confronted all the threats the river faced, overturned plans for dozens of hydropower plants, and realised our shared vision.”
River ecosystems face increasing pressures by fragmentation and hydropower development, land-use changes, the climate crisis, and pollution – all of which threaten their ecological integrity. In this context, Manolis Christodoulakis, Member of Parliament for Eastern Attica and Head of the Environment Sector of PASOK-KINAL’s Parliamentary Group, underlined the importance of spatial and environmental planning for sustainable land use planning, noting: “Transboundary rivers should unite us and become fields of cooperation, not conflict”. Giorgos Amyras, Member of Parliament for Ioannina with New Democracy, reported that he recently submitted a parliamentary question on the ecological flow of the Aoos Springs dam and assured that a bilateral working group with Albania has been set up to promote cooperation towards the creation of the Aoos/Vjosa Transboundary Park.
The Transboundary River Forum opened dialogue between institutions, civil society organisations, and – most importantly – gave a voice to local communities to actively participate in decision-making for the management of their rivers. This was further underlined by Vassilis Nitsiakos, Professor of Social Folklore at the University of Ioannina, who noted: “The transboundary Aoos region hosts a diversity of local cultures that mirrors the ecological diversity of the river itself.”
Participants also emphasised the importance of scientific data exchange and harmonised methodological approaches for the sustainable management of transboundary rivers. Once again, the unique natural and cultural value of the Aoos/Vjosa – at local, regional, and international levels – was brought to the forefront, along with the urgent need for effective management and restoration across the entire river basin. As poetically described by Author Julian Hoffman, “It is a river system that works like a polyphonic song. Every tributary contributes to a song of many waters.”
Alexis Katsaros, Executive Director of MedINA, closed the Forum saying: “This Forum marks a renewed commitment to transboundary rivers that connect, sustain people and nature, and inspire across borders. For the Aoos River, we are hopeful that it will be protected more effectively from now on, through fruitful cross-border collaboration, the active participation of local communities, and the adoption and implementation of a strong institutional framework,” before giving the floor to the Polyphonic Caravan, with Alexandros Lampridis and Aliki Gana leading participants in a unique choral performance.
The Forum concluded with a big celebration on Saturday, September 27, in the central square of Konitsa, where acclaimed artist Foivos Delivorias performed in honour of the Aoos on the occasion of the World Rivers Day. “Tonight, we sing for the Aoos, the magnificent river that unites peoples!” he declared, as the crowd joined voices in song.
