Cross-Border Science Week for Aoos/Vjosa: Preserving Europe’s Last Free-Flowing River

This June 28th, a week-long Science Week will take place on the Sarandaporos River, one of Aoos/Vjosa’s main tributaries. Located in Greece and Albania, Aoos/Vjosa is Europe’s only wild river and the last large free-flowing river in Europe. The event aims to protect and preserve this unique ecosystem that spans over 270 kilometers.

The Mediterranean Institute for Nature and Anthropos (MedINA), the organizer of this event, is working with Euronatur, RiverWatch, and Eco Albania to raise awareness about the importance of preserving Aoos/Vjosa. With MedINA leading the way, these organizations aim to convey the message “Aoos without barriers: We join forces for the first Cross-Border Free River Park in Europe.”

During this week-long science event, European volunteer scientists from seven countries, five research centers, and 17 universities will collaborate to collect data on the ecosystem. The primary objective is to study biodiversity and enhance protection efforts for rivers like Sarandaporos. This event is a first in Greece as it seeks to promote Transboundary Wild River Parks in Europe that span across borders.

Despite recent protections put in place by governments, threats continue to pose a risk to Aoos/Vjosa’s ecosystem. Technological disruptions caused by potential dam construction or hydroelectric plant stations could cause irreversible damage not only to Greece but also Albania. The hope is that this Science Week event will inspire increased protection efforts for Aoos/Vjosa’s entire ecosystem in the future.