A new study on water abstraction in the Vjosa River basin highlights increasing pressure on the river’s natural flow and its ecosystems. The analysis identifies 20 key abstraction points along the Vjosa and its main tributaries, including irrigation canals, pumping stations, groundwater use, and infrastructure related to energy production.

The documented volume of abstracted water reaches at least 12.012 m³/s, while gaps in official data suggest that the actual impact may be even higher. Particularly concerning are large irrigation canals in the lower part of the river, which during summer divert a significant share of the flow—up to half of the river’s discharge during dry periods.

In the context of climate change and growing water demand, the study underlines the urgent need for improved monitoring, greater transparency, and full enforcement of the legal framework on water management. These measures are essential to ensure the long-term protection of the Vjosa River—one of the last wild river systems in Europe.