Story perspectives

Volunteers Plant Trees to Save Vjosa River Ecosystem

1/28/2026

Summary

Story summary

In January 2026, volunteers joined a tree-planting effort along Albania's Vjosa River, part of preserving Europe’s first wild river national park.
EcoAlbania and Riverwatch lead the effort to restore the river’s ecosystem, damaged by deforestation and erosion.
Ulrich Eichelmann, chief executive of Riverwatch, highlighted threats from dams to freshwater ecosystems.
The government has been slow to implement the park management plan, raising worries about the resource’s future.

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Story summary

In January 2026, volunteers joined a tree-planting effort along Albania's Vjosa River, part of preserving Europe’s first wild river national park.
EcoAlbania and Riverwatch lead the effort to restore the river’s ecosystem, damaged by deforestation and erosion.
Ulrich Eichelmann, chief executive of Riverwatch, highlighted threats from dams to freshwater ecosystems.
The government has been slow to implement the park management plan, raising worries about the resource’s future.