Environmental organisations Mediterranean Institute for Nature and Anthropos (MedINA), EuroNatur, and RiverWatch have sounded the alarm over the future of the Vjosa River in northwestern Greece, warning that a lack of environmental water flow from the Vjosa Springs Dam is threatening both biodiversity and the river’s natural water regime. A newly published scientific study, released as part of the Save the Blue Heart of Europe campaign, highlights the severe impact this issue is having on one of Europe’s last wild rivers. Environmental flow is not just about maintaining a minimum level of water. It’s about ensuring a steady, natural flow that allows river ecosystems downstream of dams to retain their essential characteristics and continue functioning as they should.

The Vjosa River, stretching 260 kilometres, is one of Europe’s few remaining rivers to flow freely along most of its course. It rises in Greece, flowing through the Northern Pindos National Park and 13 Natura 2000 protected areas before crossing into Albania and emptying into the Adriatic Sea. The river forms a vital ecological corridor, enabling the movement of key wildlife species, and is part of the transboundary Vjosa river system – recognised for its environmental importance under both European and national law.

The dam that changed everything

However, in 1987, the construction of a dam as part of the Vjosa Springs Hydroelectric Plant and the creation of an artificial lake cut off the river’s water supply downstream completely. This intervention has triggered a cascade of negative effects throughout the wider ecosystem.

Legal gaps and missed commitments

According to the EU Water Framework Directive (2000/60/EC) and the Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC), member states must ensure adequate river flow to maintain a “good ecological status” and to protect habitats and species that depend on natural water systems. Yet, despite these obligations, Greek legislation does not currently require the enforcement of environmental flows at large hydroelectric dams – effectively leaving rivers like the Aoos without essential safeguards.

Scientific findings: Alarming consequences of zero flow

The new study by RiverWatch, EuroNatur, and MedINA provides clear evidence for the urgent need to implement environmental water flow regulations at the source of the Aoos.

  • The organisations report that the stretch of the river downstream from the dam has been reduced to little more than a trickle, narrowing to just 1.3 metres in places. This has led to serious changes in the river’s shape and depth, as well as extensive damage to its riverbanks.
  • The lack of water has caused a sharp decline in fish species and populations, and a dramatic loss of habitats – especially for species like the Balkan Trout (Salmo farioides), which is protected under the EU Habitats Directive.
  • The situation is especially dire during the summer, when low water levels and high temperatures make conditions particularly harsh for aquatic life – a problem only expected to worsen with climate change.
  • The cumulative damage caused by the absence of environmental flow is already visible within parts of the Aoos that fall inside three Natura 2000 protected areas and the Northern Pindos National Park.

The study concludes that restoring a consistent environmental flow is critical to the survival of the river’s ecosystem. It calls for the immediate introduction of a permanent minimum environmental flow of 0.37 cubic metres per second – roughly equivalent to the average summer flow before the dam was built. Additionally, it recommends a supplementary flow equal to 20% of the average daily flow prior to the dam’s construction, to accommodate natural seasonal variations such as fish spawning and riverbed regeneration.

Urgent action needed: A call for environmental flow regulations

Alexis Katsaros, Executive Director of MedINA, stresses:

“The Vjosa is more than just a river. It’s a vital link between nature, culture, and local communities. Ensuring its flow isn’t just an environmental issue – it’s essential for a sustainable future.”

MedINA, EuroNatur, and RiverWatch are now urging the Greek authorities – including the Ministry of Environment and Energy and relevant regional bodies – to take immediate action and establish legally binding environmental flow requirements at the Vjosa Springs Dam. They are also calling for Greek legislation to be updated to explicitly require such measures for all large dams, following the standards already applied to small hydroelectric projects.

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