Albania's Pristine Vjosa River Fights Pollution and Degradation

As of October 2025, Albania's Vjosa River, once celebrated as one of Europe's last uninterrupted waterways, is now facing a stark paradox. While the river meanders through picturesque tree-lined gorges and lush valleys, its waters are marred by plastic scraps and raw sewage.

Further upstream, the river's path is being altered and its banks destabilized by the extraction of gravel for concrete. Despite these immediate threats, the Vjosa valley received significant international recognition last month, being designated by UNESCO as one of 26 new Biosphere Reserves. This initiative aims to safeguard some of the planet's richest and most fragile ecosystems.

The Albanian government has also declared the Vjosa River a national park in 2023, representing a considerable boost for the country's environmental efforts. However, environmentalists remain concerned that these designations alone may not be enough to translate into tangible improvements for the river's health.

Albania's Environment Minister, Sofjan Jaupaj, acknowledged the problems and stated that his ministry plans to spend more than 150 million euros to treat sewage water and close all landfills. For many locals, the damage is already done, as oil wells and bitumen pits line the river, further risking pollution.