4 minutes agoConstruction of hydropower plants in Valbona rejected
Periskopi(9 years ago)
(9 years ago)The Administrative Court in Tirana has decided on November 3rd 2017 to allow the construction of two hydropower plants in the Valbona Valley National Park. Non-governmental organisations have reacted to this and expressed regret at this decision, saying it would significantly and without return damage to the biodiversity and ecosystem of [...]
The Administrative Court in Tirana has decided on November 3rd 2017 to allow the construction of two hydropower plants in the Valbona Valley National Park.
Non-governmental organisations have reacted to this and have expressed regret at this decision, saying it would significantly and without return to the biodiversity and ecosystem of this protected area.
Moreover, since the development decision is based on poor environmental impact assessment and in a process of inadequate public participation, we are afraid that a dangerous precedent will be set that can lead to the destruction of rivers and freshwater resources across the country” said Petra Remeta programme manager for fresh waters in the OIF Adria.
While Catherine Bohne, chairman of the non-governmental T organisation OKA, he said the battle will not stop because they will immediately file complaints.
“Bete won't stop here because we plan to immediately file a complaint. Water and biodiversity sources are far more important than being ignored when plant development decisions are made, and the local community's opinions on what is happening in their country --” highlight Catherine Bohe chairman of the non-governmental organisation Earth.
Residents of the Valbona Valley and the non-governmental TOKA organisations have filed charges on May 16th 2017 near the Administrative Court in Tirana against the development of two hydropower plants in the Valbona National Park. The indictment was filed against four government institutions: The Energy Ministry, the National Council of Territory, the National Environment Agency and the Territory Development Agency. The plaintiffs are represented by Kalo & Associates, the renowned legal firm and are financially supported by the WIF. The first hearing was held May 24th, and we have in total held 14 court hearings throughout the summer. The indictment was a major step in the campaign of the local community and non-governmental organisations in the protection of the National Valley of Valbona Park.
