Today, September 30, 2024, Albania officially submitted a request to UNESCO for the inclusion of the Vjosa River National Park as a natural world heritage site under the “Man and the Biosphere” program. The application is expected to be reviewed at the next session of the World Heritage Committee, scheduled for next year.
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| Segment of the lower part of the Vjosa River, some kilometers near the mouth |
The Vjosa River, often hailed as one of Europe’s last wild rivers, was declared a National Park by the Albanian government in March last year. This declaration followed years of efforts by both local and international environmental organizations to protect the river from the construction of hydropower dams that would threaten its unique ecosystem.
Mirela Kumbaro, the Albanian Minister of Tourism and Environment, highlighted the well-coordinated work behind the application. She mentioned that the dossier reflects the collaboration between Albanian authorities, UNESCO experts, and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). This effort runs parallel with the approval of the Integrated Vjosa Visitor Management Plan, aiming to preserve the natural heritage of the river while balancing sustainable tourism.
Stretching over 272 km, the Vjosa River originates in the Pindus Mountains in Greece and flows through Albania before emptying into the Adriatic Sea. It is among Albania's most significant rivers, both in terms of water flow and biodiversity.
Despite its protected status, the river’s lower stretches remain at risk from developments aimed at promoting mass tourism. In April of this year, a group of around 40 Albanian and international environmental researchers urged the Albanian government to extend the National Park boundaries to include the Vjosa River Delta. They also called for an end to large-scale tourism projects that could damage the delicate ecosystem.
If accepted by UNESCO, the Vjosa River would join a select list of natural wonders that are recognized for their global significance, marking a major step in its conservation and sustainable management.