Albanian and international science community stands up against damming the Vjosa
++ 776 scientists demand in a petition an end to the dam projects on the Vjosa in Albania ++ Scientists demand Albanian government to respect scientific standards in Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for the Kalivaç hydropower project ++
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EU becomes active for Romania's primeval forests
EU announces legal action against Romania for illegal logging of Europe’s last natural forests.
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Romania’s government called on to protect the forests
In a joint letter to Romania’s president, head of government and environment minister, EuroNatur and other conservation organisations are calling on these politicians to introduce rapid and long overdue measures for the comprehensive and long-term conservation of all the primeval and ancient forests in the country.
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Comment on the forest policy of the European Union
At the EU Forest Conference of 4th-5th February, the Commission vice-president, Frans Timmermans, expressed clear support for the conservation of Europe’s forests. However, the fear still exists that Europe’s woodlands will continue to be seen primarily as a source of timber.
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More rigorous protection needed for Europe’s virgin forests
On 4 and 5 February, the EU’s future forest policy was discussed at the EU International Conference on Forests for Biodiversity and Climate in Brussels. In his opening speech, Frans Timmermans, Commissioner for the European Green Deal, spoke emphatically about the work which needs to be done - but these words must now be followed by actions. Outside, forest conservationists protested against logging in Europe’s last remaining virgin forests.
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Shooting of bald ibis in Croatia
The northern bald ibis is one of the world’s rarest birds with only tiny remnant populations in the Middle East and along the Atlantic coast of Morocco. Currently, there is an elaborate plan to reintroduce these birds in the Alps where they bred until the 16th century. The project to protect this endangered species suffered a severe setback in December when three of the bald ibis were shot and killed in Croatia.
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Rebuke for Albania: Bern Convention insists on Albanian government to suspend hydropower projects on Vjosa river
The Bern Convention Standing Committee has decided to keep the case against the Albanian government in regards to the projected Pocem and Kalivac hydropower plants on the Vjosa River open. The Committee is also alarmed about the expansion of hydropower in northern Macedonia.
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Planned revision of Albania’s protected areas
The Albanian government is currently preparing a reappraisal of the country’s network of protected areas. In an open letter to the government in Tirana, the Mediterranean Alliance for Wetlands, a confederation of 25 nature conservation organisations, has expressed deep concern at the plans and called for a rethink.
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Europe’s rivers are damned by dams
++ New study reveals extent of hydropower frenzy all over Europe ++ Plans for more than 8,700 new hydropower plants ++ Devastating impacts on biodiversity and society particularly in the Balkans ++
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Holiday complex on the Karavasta Lagoon blocked
Plans for a large holiday complex on the Albanian Karavasta Lagoon have been scrapped after the government in Tirana threw out the project. As a result, the internationally important wetland area will be preserved.
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