The Vjosa Valley, home to one of Europe’s last wild rivers, has been officially designated as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, marking a historic milestone for nature conservation in Albania and across Europe.

The decision was adopted during the session of the International Coordinating Council of UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme, held in Paris, recognising the Vjosa Valley’s outstanding ecological, scientific, and cultural value.

The Vjosa is one of the last major free-flowing rivers in Europe, untouched by dams along its entire course. It represents a unique ecosystem hosting exceptional biodiversity, including rare and endangered species.

The designation of the Vjosa Valley as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve recognises it as a living laboratory for sustainable development, where environmental protection, scientific research, and the well-being of local communities go hand in hand.

This status strengthens Albania’s long-term commitment to preserving natural heritage, empowering local communities, and promoting development models that respect nature and biodiversity.

The recognition of the Vjosa Valley is the result of broad cooperation between public institutions, scientists, environmental organisations, and local communities, transforming the Vjosa into a European symbol of wild river protection.