First Management Plan for the new Vjosa Wild River National Park in Albania

The Vjosa River in Albania is one of the last wild rivers in Europe. It is free of hydropower and wa therefore able to preserve its natural character. In March 2023, the Vjosa Wild River National Park was established, which ensures the highest protection for the river from the border with Greece to the Adriatic Sea, including four tributaries. In order to support the future management of the National Park and to define the main activities, objectives and plans for the next ten years, E.C.O. was commissioned by IUCN to prepare the first management plan. Together with national and international partners and a broad stakeholder process on site, a planning document is being created to support the first steps of the Vjosa towards becoming a high-level protected area.