Invitation to a media event in Albania on May 8, 2014
Vjosa River National Park Environmental groups to present the idea of a national park for Europe’s last wild river
Radolfzell, Vienna, 30/4/2014
Dear Sir or Madam, EuroNatur and Riverwatch are happy to invite you to a very special media event, which will take place on the picturesque islands of the Vjosa River in Albania. Several environmental organisations are going to present a new proposal for the future of the entire region: the creation of a Vjosa National Park.
Vjosa River: Location of press event (Ulrich Eichelmann) The Vjosa is one of Europe’s last living wild rivers. Along its entire course of over 270 kilometers it is virtually untamed and free flowing – the last one of its kind in Europe. However, the Albanian government in Tirana intends to have eight dams built along the river, thereby commissioning its destruction. We are proposing a sustainable alternative to the government’s plans: starting with this event, national and international environmental groups – in cooperation with residents and local businesses – will be lobbying for the designation of the Vjosa River as a national park. Your attendance is warmly welcomed! 1
When: May 8, 2014 at 11.30 a.m. Where: Qesarat, Tepelenë (meeting point: village centre, from where we will take you to the river) We are happy to organize car-pooling from Tirana.
List of speakers: •
Dr. Kujtim Mersini – CEO of PPNEA (Association for Protection and Preservation of Natural Environment in Albania)
•
Ulrich Eichelmann – CEO of Riverwatch, coordinator of the campaign “Save the Blue Heart of Europe”
•
Spase Shumka – one of Albania’s leading scientists
•
Hysni Cela – Mayor of Quesarat (municipality by the river)
Subsequent to the event, you are welcome to join a guided tour along the Vjosa River.
Kind regards, Your Blue Heart Team
Contact for further information: Ulrich Eichelmann – Riverwatch – ulrich.eichelmann@riverwatch.eu 0043 676 6621512 Romy Durst – EuroNatur – romy.durst@euronatur.org 0049 7732 927212
http://balkanrivers.net/en/key-areas/vjosa-river
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