Tirana, April 22, 2025 — With great pride, EcoAlbania announces that two of our colleagues, Olsi Nika and Besjana Guri, have been awarded the 2025 Goldman Environmental Prize, the world’s most prestigious award for grassroots environmental activism.
Often referred to as the “Green Nobel,” this prize honors individuals from around the globe who have taken extraordinary steps to protect nature, often facing personal risks and major challenges along the way. Only 6 environmental activists — one from each continent — are selected each year, making this a historic moment for Albania and for Europe.
This international recognition highlights the tireless efforts of Olsi and Besjana — together with the team at EcoAlbania and our partners at EuroNatur Foundation and Riverwatch — to protect the Vjosa River, one of the last wild rivers in Europe.
“There have been many moments of deep disappointment, hard times, dilemmas — but in none of these moments did we ever think this was the end, or that we would stop our efforts.” — Olsi Nika, Executive Director of EcoAlbania
Through advocacy, legal battles, and deep engagement with local communities, this long-standing commitment culminated in a historic achievement: the declaration of the Vjosa Wild River National Park in March 2023 — a unique protected area in Europe.
“Without EcoAlbania’s tireless efforts to protect the Vjosa, we wouldn’t be where we are today.” — Gabriel Schwaderer, Executive Director of EuroNatur
This award represents much more than individual recognition; it is proof of the power of collaboration and the transformative impact that courage and commitment can have in nature protection.
“Many times, I haven’t fully realized the weight that my work and the Vjosa campaign have carried.” She sees this campaign as a source of inspiration for activists both in Albania and beyond. “The most special thing is that my daughter will be very proud of her mom in the future — and many young girls like her will have a model to follow.” — Besjana Guri, Activist and Public Relations Officer at EcoAlbania
Today we celebrate this global recognition — tomorrow we continue our mission for a healthier and better-protected environment.
Read the announcement from our partners: Olsi and Besjana’s Profile
Read more about the Goldman Environmental Prize here: Goldman Environmental Prize
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