The Shushica River’s glistening emerald waters meander through southern Albania, facing the threat of diversion due to a development project.
The country’s coastline is experiencing a construction boom fueled by tourism, leading to a high demand for water.
This has triggered a conflict between developers and locals, with the latter fearing economic consequences if water is diverted to support coastal projects.
In the Shushica valley, residents are resisting a plan to redirect river water to assist in coastal development.
“The fight for water is a fight for our future and our children,” said Lulezim Bardhi, a resident of Brataj village.
“This water sustains our lives, and we will continue fighting to protect it,” Bardhi added.Â
– Conflict Continues –
In a nearby construction site, blue pipes sit idle as work is halted pending an environmental impact assessment for the disputed project.
The project aims to transfer water from a spring of the Shushica River to the bustling Ionian coast using a 17-kilometer pipeline.
Local residents are advocating for the cancellation of the project, which was initially financed by a 9.5-million-euro loan from the German bank KfW.
Residents like Sotir Zaho Aliaj of Brataj village have expressed concerns over the potential social, economic, and environmental repercussions of the project.
“None of these projects were implemented in the past due to their adverse consequences,” Aliaj stated while displaying a banner reading “Save our Shushica”.
The 80-kilometer Shushica River is a tributary of the Vjosa River, which was declared a national park by the Albanian government last year.
This designation provides the highest level of protection to the river and its tributaries.
“Any diversion of river waters is prohibited in a national park. Such a project would impact biodiversity, the ecosystem, and the local economy,” said Besjana Guri of EcoAlbania.
Albania’s Environment Minister Mirela Kumbaro refuted these claims, asserting that the project does not encroach on a protected area.
“The source for the aqueduct is not within the national park,” Kumbaro defended the government’s plans for sustainable tourism development.
– Conservation Efforts –
Despite government assurances, conservation groups are urging action to protect the river.
Activists from Albania and Bosnia recently protested near Brataj against the project, including the “brave women of Kruscica” who successfully opposed construction projects in their country.
Protesters like Ilia Bombaj emphasized the importance of water for agriculture and livelihoods.
While supporting economic development, most protesters are calling for sustainable solutions from the government.
Furthermore, climate change is affecting the Shushica River, causing reduced flow in some areas.
Albania, with its abundant water resources, faces challenges due to poor resource management.
“Preparing for climate change scenarios is critical,” said Ferdinand Bego, a professor at Tirana University, highlighting the significance of managing water resources effectively.
As the battle for “blue gold” intensifies, the future of water management in Albania remains a key concern.
