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| The Minister of Tourism and Environment Mirela Kumbaro and Ryan Gellert signing the document |
Albania has initiated procedures to include the Vjosa River and its tributaries in the category of a National Park, thus ensuring a high degree of its protection. The Albanian Ministry of Tourism and Environment signed today, for this purpose, a Memorandum of Understanding with the US organization "Patagonia", internationally known for its commitments in the field of environment, with active participation in many environmental causes.
Through the signed document, the parties commit to work together for the inclusion of the Vjosa River in the category of a "National Park". Within 45 days, it is foreseen to set up a working group, which will draft a complete and professional proposal for the status of the National Park, through zoning and demarcation of its boundaries, consultation with stakeholders, and consideration of opportunities for the development of ecotourism.
The Vjosa is considered to be the last wild river in Europe, with a length of 272 kilometers that serves as the habitat of over 1,100 species, of which 13 are endangered species globally. According to the Albanian authorities, "these ecological and cultural values offer great opportunities for ecotourism and other economic benefits for the people living in this region".
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| Landscape of the Vjosa River near Fier |
The leader of the organization "Patagonia" Ryan Gellert, said during his speech that "what we have here, with the Vjosa River, is something truly unique because we have intact branches, which create a river system that is unparalleled in Europe." While for Prime Minister Edi Rama, the vision for the future is, “to build a space for a development that protects the environment and at the same time nourishes the generations that will leave the legacy of Vjosa a legacy to generations to come."