Review
Published in: Holistic Approach Environ. 8(2018) 4, pp. 115 – 124
Paper reference number: HAE-157
Download Full text PDF
___________________________________________________________________________________________________
TRADING-OF FRESHWATER BIODIVERSITY AND HYDROPOWER IN A UNIQUE BALKAN HOTSPOT (VJOSA RIVER WATERSHED, ALBANIA)
Spase Shumka*, Ferdinand Bego**, Sajmir Beqiraj**, Anila Paparisto**, Lulezim Shuka**, Lefter Kashta***, Aleko Miho**, Laura Shumka****, Sotir Mali*****
* Department of Natural Sciences, Agricultural University of Tirana, Koder Kamza
** Department of Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Tirana²
*** Research Center of Flora and Fauna, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Tirana³
**** Albanian University, Tirana, Albania4
***** University “A. Xhuvani” Elbasan, Albania
___________________________________________________________________________________________________
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
___________________________________________________________________________________________________