Few know that in all of Europe there is only one river that has not yet been touched by human intervention. There are no buildings along its course and the waters are still pure.
Is the Voiussa River, in Albanian Vjosë, in Greek Aóos. It begins in the northwest of Greece, in the Pindus chain, in Epirus, where it runs approximately 80 of its 272 kilometers, ending in Albania. After crossing the border between the two states, it reaches southern Albania, winds through the Balkans and empties into the Otranto Canal, 24 km north of Vlora.
The area crossed by the river is called blue heart of europe, due to the river and its tributaries that make up its profile. This river offers glimpses of extraordinary beauty and passes through some of the most beautiful places on the Balkan Peninsula. The landscape is spectacular. Pristine.
This earthly paradise could soon disappear. The Albanian government's programs include the construction of 36 dams and the drying up of some sections of the river, which would disfigure the national parks through which the Voiussa passes and create irreparable damage to the rivers, to life and to the communities living near its course, in addition to ruining the tourism that is developing in this area.
In the Balkans there is incredible biodiversity, several endangered species still live, such as the lynx for example, which could disappear. In addition, fresh salmon are still caught, and if entire stretches of waterways disappeared, they would disappear too.
Albania is living its golden age, the number of tourists who are beginning to visit the country, precisely because it is a still uncontaminated place, is constantly growing. Visitors are attracted not only to the sea and beaches, but also to lakes, mountains, valleys and forests. Many consider that Albania The last secret corner of Europe..
Along the river there are mule tracks, paths and bridges to cross on foot, where merchants once passed with their mules loaded with goods. Some are engineering masterpieces, such as the Vradetho staircase or the triple arches of the Kalogerico Bridge.
On the way they meet orthodox churches, like the Stomio monastery where some monks still live. This entire area, between Greece and Albania, has become part of the list of geoparks ofUnesco, for its unique natural and historical characteristics.
More than 3500 square kilometers, partly made up of national parks, with vegetation ranging from Mediterranean to Alpine flora, where 140 species of birds live, including vultures and eagles, and 24 species of mammals such as bears and wolves. In short, an area that attracts more and more nature-loving visitors.
Since 2000, arrivals have increased 13-fold, reaching a record 4,1 million. And the numbers are constantly growing. Ruining a pristine place like this, one of the few left on the Old Continent, would be a real shame.
