In a letter to the Prime Minister of Albania, Edi Rama, and the EU authorities, the winner of the “The Right Livelihood” foundation, otherwise known as the alternative Nobel Prize, calls for the proclamation of the Vjosa River as a National Park to save it from HPP constructions.
“The Vjosa in Albania is one of the last virgin rivers in Europe with one of the most prominent ecosystems on the continent. In the light of the extraordinary deterioration of natural habitats and biodiversity in Europe and in the world, Vjosa is a great gift not only for the inhabitants of Albania, but for all Europeans and beyond “, writes the 79-year-old ecologist in the letter.
Professor Succow, who in this letter is supported by other alternative Nobel Prize winners, calls on Albania to start planning the proclamation of the Vjosa National Park, along the entire lenth of the river as soon as possible, including its tributaries. According to Succow, about 30 new HPP projects along the river pose a risk of ecosystem destruction.
Succow also calls on the European Union to support with funds and expertise Albania in its goal to create the First National Park of a virgin river in Europe.
About 36 environmental organizations have addressed the issue to the Albanian government since February, including e message from Hollywood actor Leonardo di Caprio.
According to “EcoAlbania”, 1,175 species of animals and plants currently live along the Vjosa, including 119 species protected under Albanian law and 39 species that are listed in the International Red List of Threatened Species of the IUCN association. Experts think the number of rare species is much higher, as many areas of the Vjosa and its tributaries are still unexplored.
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