The Administrative Court of Tirana has overturned claims for the Environmental Impact Assessment to companies seeking to build the Kalivac dam in Vjosa.
“Ayen Enerji” and “Fusha sh.p.k” consortium filed a suit against the Albanian government after the Ministry of Tourism and Environment refused to approve the Environmental Impact Assessment, which would have then paved the way to building the dam. Both companies now argue that the decision was “unjust”.
The environmental organization EcoAlbania, which has been following the case closely, released a press statement noting that the Court dismissed the companies’ claims as “fundamentally groundless”.
EcoAlbania, along with international NGOs such as EuroNatur, Riverwatch, as well as 39 locals from Kalivac were strongly in support of the ministry’s decision warning that the construction of a dam would severely undermine biodiversity as well as the lives of the surrounding communities.
“We presented in court the argument made by many foreign and local scientists that have criticized the Environmental Impact Assessment report compiled by the companies”, said Vladimir Meci, one of the attorneys.
For at least seven years, various environmental groups have called on the Albanian government to designate the entire area as a National Park in order to protect the free flow of the River Vjosa.
Their request has echoed in the international community, including renowned actor and environmental activist Leonardo DiCaprio.
“We welcome the decision of the court and I think that this is another message to the Albanian government to renounce once and from all from building dams and declare as soon as possible Vjosa a National Park”, wrote EcoAlbania.
In December 2020, the government gave the status “Natural Park” to various parts of Vjosa, however, environmentalists fear that it is not enough and the threat for future construction plans is still there.
YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE
