Transboundary River Forum: One river, two countries. A step closer to creating Europe’s first Transboundary Wild River Park, Aoos/Vjosa

The Transboundary River Forum (TRF) took place in Ioannina on September 24–26, 2025 bringing together scientists, academics, policymakers, civil society organisations, and engaged citizens, to discuss challenges and opportunities related to the sustainable management of transboundary rivers, with an emphasis on the Aoos/Vjosa River, one of the last wild rivers of Europe. It was organised by MedINA, in collaboration with EuroNatur and EcoAlbania, in the framework of the international Save the Blue Heart of Europe campaign, made possible with the generous support of PONT and the Holdfast Collective. The TRF culminated with a field trip and concert in the central square of Konitsa, where acclaimed Greek artist Foivos Delivorias performed on the occasion of the World Rivers Day.

Throughout the three days, participants emphasised the urgent need for a unified protection status for the Aoos/Vjosa, from its springs to its delta, and the fundamental importance of transboundary cooperation for the river’s protection, conservation, and restoration. A strong message of cooperation between Greece and Albania, with the contribution of scientists, institutional representatives, local communities, and environmental organisations, marked the successful conclusion of the TRF.

Discussions addressed the complex challenges facing transboundary rivers – ranging from development pressures, biodiversity loss, and the climate crisis, to institutional and governance gaps – highlighting the need to strengthen community participation in decision-making (full agenda available). At the same time, successful examples of cross-border cooperation, such as the Prespa Lakes, the Danube River and others, were presented, offering important lessons learnt and a hopeful path forward.

The speakers and panelists stressed the importance of spatial and environmental planning for sustainable land use planning as well as the importance of scientific data exchange and harmonised methodological approaches for the sustainable management of transboundary rivers. On the matter of the lack of ecological flow at the Aoos Springs dam, a key pressure to the river’s connectivity, Giorgos Amyras, Member of Parliament for Ioannina with New Democracy, reported that he recently submitted a parliamentary question on the matter and assured that a bilateral working group with Albania has been set up to promote cooperation towards the creation of the Aoos/Vjosa Transboundary Park.

The cultural and socio-economic value of rivers as ecological corridors for both species and people, and the decisive role of local communities, who must be involved at every step was highlighted throughout the TRF.

“Nature protection is not a sprint, but a marathon that requires cooperation, trust, a common vision, and collective effort,” stressed Pavlos Vasakos, President of the Cultural Association of Gorgopotamos. His message resonated with Olsi Nika, Founder and Executive Director of EcoAlbania, who described the decade-long struggle of communities and organisations to establish the Vjosa National Park on the Albanian side of the border. This was further underlined by Vassilis Nitsiakos, Professor of Social Folklore at the University of Ioannina, who noted: “The transboundary Aoos region hosts a diversity of local cultures that mirrors the ecological diversity of the river itself.”

Alexis Katsaros, Executive Director of MedINA, closed the Forum saying: “This Forum marks a renewed commitment to transboundary rivers that connect, sustain people and nature, and inspire across borders. For the Aoos River, we are hopeful that it will be protected more effectively from now on, through fruitful cross-border collaboration, the active participation of local communities, and the adoption and implementation of a strong institutional framework,” before giving the floor to the Polyphonic Caravan, that led participants in a unique choral performance.

The TRF was a key action in the framework of MedINA’s Ri-Connect project funded by PONT that aimed to conserve the Aoos/Vjosa river as a transboundary ecological corridor and a resource for community development. In October 2025 the second phase of this project has been launched which will strengthen MedINA’s diverse activities on conserving the free flow and safeguarding the good ecological status of the Aoos river basin while enhancing much needed transboundary collaboration.

By: MedINA