Story perspectives

2,450 km of Balkan Rivers Lost to Hydropower

1/22/2026

Summary

Story summary

A study by EuroNatur and River Watch found that Balkan rivers have lost about 2,450 kilometers of pristine waterways over the past 13 years.
In Albania, the share of clean rivers fell from 68% in 2012 to 40% in 2025.
Bosnia and Herzegovina saw a 23% decline in high-value ecological stretches.
Hydropower development is identified as the primary cause of this degradation.
There are signs of progress, including Albania's Vjosa River being designated Europe’s first Wild River National Park, blocking nearly 40 planned dams, but the overall trend remains concerning.

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Story summary

A study by EuroNatur and River Watch found that Balkan rivers have lost about 2,450 kilometers of pristine waterways over the past 13 years.
In Albania, the share of clean rivers fell from 68% in 2012 to 40% in 2025.
Bosnia and Herzegovina saw a 23% decline in high-value ecological stretches.
Hydropower development is identified as the primary cause of this degradation.
There are signs of progress, including Albania's Vjosa River being designated Europe’s first Wild River National Park, blocking nearly 40 planned dams, but the overall trend remains concerning.