The Vjosa River, renowned as one of Europe's last wild rivers, achieved the status of a national park in 2023, marking it as the first national park of a wild river in Europe. This milestone was the result of collaborative efforts involving the Albanian Government, local and international experts, researchers and environmental organizations.
The APPEAR Project251: “Environmental assessment of the Vjosa riverscape as the basis for an integrated water management and sustainable catchment development” (VjoSusDev), running from 2022 to 2026 aims to establish a long-term research partnership between Albanian and Austrian scientists to study and protect the Vjosa River in Southern Albania. The Vjosa is a critical ecosystem that supports clean water provision, flood mitigation, and potential for ecotourism. This research will assess management options for sustainable development, aligning with Albanian and European environmental priorities.
Building on collaborations since 2014, the project will focus on four main areas: understanding the river’s physical structure, maintaining biodiversity, studying ecosystem services like clean water provision, and fostering science-society connections for sustainable management. Key activities include remote sensing, field surveys, and the establishment of a long-term monitoring program to study the river’s hydrology, habitat, flora, and fauna. The project also includes workshops with NGOs, government bodies, and the public to ensure community involvement.
Expected outcomes include enhanced data on the Vjosa’s ecological functions, contributing to informed management and conservation. Results will be made publicly accessible, promoting a participatory approach that supports sustainable water governance and positions the Vjosa as a model for river conservation in Europe.
When: Wednesday, 4 December 2024, 18:00-21:00
Where: OeAD building, Ebendorferstraße 7, 1010 Vienna, Saal 1
Moderator: Stella Asiimwe
Programme:
Walter Ehmeir (Austrian Development Agency)
Gerhard Volz (OeAD, Head of Department International Cooperation in Higher Education)
- Short presentations on VjoSusDev Project: “Environmental assessment of the Vjosa riverscape as the basis for an integrated water management and sustainable catchment development” (2022 – 2026).
Introduction to the VjoSusDev Project. Key activities implemented during the two first years
Sajmir Beqiraj (University of Tirana), Christoph Hauer (BOKU), Sophie Humenberger (BOKU)
Understanding the physical regime of the Vjosa River
Christoph Hauer (BOKU), Klodian Skrame (Polytechnic University of Tirana)
Maintaining biodiversity of the Vjosa catchment
Wolfram Graf (BOKU), Christian Griebler (University of Vienna)
Water quality and clean water provisioning in the Vjosa River and its tributaries
Roza Allabashi (BOKU), Gabriel Singer (University of Innsbruck), Christian Griebler (University of Vienna)
Characterization of biogeochemical self - purification processes in the Vjosa River network, with a focus on different spatial and temporal scales
Sonja Hoxha, PhD embedded in the VjoSusDev Project
Science - Policy interface for the conservation and sustainable management of the Vjosa river basin
Aleko Miho (University of Tirana), Fritz Schiemer (University of Vienna)
Open discussions and concluding remarks
Afterwards buffet and drinks will be served
Register here for the event
