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The holistic approach to environment, Vol. 8 No. 4, 2018.

Review article

TRADING-OF FRESHWATER BIODIVERSITY AND HYDROPOWER IN A UNIQUE BALKAN HOTSPOT (VJOSA RIVER WATERSHED, ALBANIA)

Spase Shumka orcid id orcid.org/0000-0002-5930-6034 ; Department of Natural Sciences, Agricultural University of Tirana, Koder Kamza
Ferdinand Bego ; Department of Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Tirana
Sajmir Bequiraj ; Department of Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Tirana
Anila Paparisto ; Department of Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Tirana
Lulezim Shuka ; Department of Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Tirana
Lefter Kashta ; Research Center of Flora and Fauna, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Tirana
Aleko Miho ; Department of Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Tirana
Laura Shumka ; Albanian University, Tirana, Albania
Sotir Mali ; University “A. Xhuvani” Elbasan, Albania

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Abstract

Inland waters and freshwater biodiversity in Albania constitute a valuable natural resource, in economic, cultural, aesthetic, scientific and educational terms. Amongst them Vjosa River watershed represents a unique feature, while its conservation and management are critical to the interests of local population, national and regional one. This review explores the special features of Vjosa River as one of the last living wild rivers in Europe. Along more than 230 kilometers in Albania it is untamed and free flowing, characterized by beautiful canyons, braided river sections and meandering stretches. Together with its tributaries, the Vjosa River creates a dynamic near-natural ecosystem, a true regional natural heritage. However, eight dams are foreseen along its course in Albania. These dam projects would destroy the unique river system. The river itself, from delta to upland flows, is migration corridor for European eel (Anguilla anguilla Linnaeus, 1758) and many other marine species.

Keywords

ecosystem; inland water; faunal migration; ecological integrity; degradation

Hrčak ID:

215208

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/215208

Publication date:

16.12.2018.

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