30 years of the European Stork Villages initiative
From 5 to 7 June, the 21st meeting of the European Stork Villages will take place in Čigoć, Croatia. It is an anniversary for the hosts and the entire network: Čigoć was the first municipality to be recognised as a ‘European Stork Village’ by EuroNatur in 1994.
More ...Luxury construction projects threaten Albania's coastline
Luxury construction projects spearheaded by Jared Kushner and US diplomat Richard Grenell pose an imminent threat to Albania's pristine coastline, raising concerns among environmental advocates worldwide.
More ...Still plenty of room for improvement in the Western Balkans
There is still a long way to go for all the countries of the Western Balkans if they want to become members of the EU - especially when it comes to nature conservation. Every year, the EU Commission publishes country reports on all EU accession candidates. The latest reports are particularly critical of the construction of hydropower plants as well as of an airport construction project in Albania’s Narta Lagoon.
More ...Controversial airport construction in Albanian protected area casts shadow as far as Munich
++ Operating company Munich Airport International (MAI) is linked to illegal Vlora airport ++ Construction to take place in protected area of special importance for international bird migration ++
More ...Stork Village meeting in Tykocin, Poland
It was an anniversary celebrated in style: For the 20th annual meeting, representatives of the European Stork Villages met for the first time in the Polish Stork Commune of Tykocin/Pentowo. The hosts organised an event that not only ran smoothly but was also packed with atmosphere.
More ...A slight sigh of relief for the Dalmatian pelicans
The Dalmatian pelicans at Lake Skadar are breeding successfully. This is all the more gratifying because last year's breeding season was disastrous.
More ...Airport construction threatens Albanian bird paradise
++ Construction work for airport in Narta Lagoon continues unabated despite significant protests ++ Resting area is internationally important for hundreds of thousands of waterbirds ++ 13 May is World Migratory Bird Day ++
More ...Lead ammunition finally banned from wetlands
Good news for Europe's waterbirds: the use of lead shot ammunition in wetland hunting has finally been banned. The law came into force on 15 February 2023. For bird conservationists, however, this should only be the beginning.
More ...Further opposition to Albanian airport construction
European governments request that the Albanian government suspend the construction of the airport in the Vjosa-Narta Protected Area. The main argument: the apparent lack of adherence to national and international laws.
More ...Environmental groups suing the Albanian authorities for the illegal construction of the Vlora Airport
Environmental groups challenge the contract for the construction of Vlora International Airport as null due to the irregularities and the violation of laws. The airport, which is already under construction, is a massive threat to the natural ecosystem of the Vjosë-Nartë Protected Landscape. The development permit was issued before the finalization of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), and the EIA process itself is irregular and not in compliance with general requirements according to the law.
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