The Balkans are home to some of the last free-flowing rivers in Europe, but this natural heritage is under threat. According to the report “Hydromorphological Status of Balkan Rivers 2025” by the Save the Blue Heart of Europe campaign, the situation is rapidly deteriorating. The study reveals an alarming reality: satellite analysis of 83,800 kilometers of rivers across 11 countries shows that, over a 13-year period, 2,450 kilometers of free-flowing river stretches have been lost. The share of natural rivers has declined from 30% to 23%, while sections converted into artificial reservoirs have increased by 18%. The “suffocation” of rivers is mainly due to hydropower projects, water diversions, and interventions in natural riverbeds.
Despite the overall negative trend, there are encouraging examples showing that timely institutional protection can halt degradation. A leading example is the Aoos/Vjosa River, which on the Albanian side has been designated as Europe’s first Wild River National Park.
For the first time, the report also includes Greece, focusing on the mainland and Evia. The findings reveal a picture of sharp contrasts: Although 35% of Greek rivers remain in a natural state and 33% show mild interventions, pressures are intensifying. More than 3,500 km of river networks -mainly in lowland areas- have already been significantly modified. At the same time, heavily altered sections are found primarily along the country’s major river axes and account for just 4%.
Special mention is made of small and medium-sized streams in mountainous areas, which remain in a natural condition yet are directly threatened by the expansion of small hydropower projects. Experience from the Balkans underscores the urgent need for action: free-flowing rivers are not merely natural resources, but our most valuable allies in preserving biodiversity and strengthening resilience against the climate crisis.
Here you can explore the story map, which presents the key findings of the report through maps and visual material, as well as examine all available data in detail via the interactive map, which allows searching and comparing information for each river.
Featured image: Small Hydropower Plant (SHP) in Distrato, on a tributary of the Aoos River © MedINA/D. Papageorgiou