How Leonardo DiCaprio Helped Protect Albania’s Vjosa River from Destruction
By: Abraham Mengistu
The Importance of Celebrity Environmental Activism
Celebrities have the platform to make an impact by using their platform to advocate for highlighting and bringing solutions to specific issues. Leonardo DiCaprio, a well-known actor and environmental activist, advocated for Vjosa River to be designated a national park. The Vjosa is a river that flows through Albania and Greece. Environmentalists and scientists label it the last “wild” river in Europe. It is known as the last wild river since it flows uninterrupted for 170 miles from Greece and Albania to the Adriatic Sea without power stations or dams interrupting the river’s flow.
In 2021, DiCaprio posted on X (formerly known as Twitter) that granting the Vjosa River National Park status would protect it from oil and gas drilling. Previously, in 2019, DiCaprio raised awareness about the Vjosa. He commented on how the damming of the Vjosa River can harm the environment. DiCaprio highlighted that the flow of water and sediment can be blocked and that the chemistry of the river’s water can be a breeding ground for toxic algae. In 2023, Albanian Prime Minister Ed Rama officially announced the Vjosa Wild River National Park. National park status will preserve all of the Vjosa and protect it from damming, mining, and other activities impacting the river’s flow.
The Vjosa River: Europe’s Last Wild River Under Threat
The valley surrounding the Vjosa provides a crucial natural route between Epirus and the Adriatic Sea. In antiquity, the Greeks referred to the river as “Aoös.” Urban centers and fortifications were built in the mid-7th century BCE. Greek colonists established the trading colony of Apollonia around 600 BC. Along the river’s banks, two major battles were fought in antiquity. In 274 BC, a battle was fought between the Greek kingdoms of Epirus and Macedon. In 198 BC, a battle occurred between the Roman Republic and Macedon as part of the Second Macedonian War.
Oil Drilling and the Environmental Dangers the Vjosa Faced
In 2021, Shell Corporation announced it would explore areas near the Vjosa River for oil. Shell’s announcement has caused pushback from locals, environmental organizations, and scientists alike. Locals believe oil drilling near the Vjosa will have a severe environmental impact, including contaminating water sources and the soil and disrupting wildlife.
Oil drilling impacts water. The process requires chemicals that penetrate the surface and contaminate underground water sources. For example, a study was conducted regarding oil production and its impact on water sources in Turkey. Oil production waters were injected into one underground reservoir. However, the study found that contaminants had moved 20 kilometers towards a city. The study also projects that within 40 years, the city’s drinking water will be polluted.
Additionally, oil drilling impacts local wildlife. The noise caused by drilling, along with the movement of heavy machinery, can disrupt the communication and breeding of local species. Oil spills can negatively impact wildlife in several ways. Animals can become trapped in the oil, and sea creatures (like dolphins and whales) can inhale oil. Exposure to oil can also affect sea life by impacting their growth, immune system, and reproduction.
Conservation Efforts in Greece and Albania for the Vjosa
Conservation efforts have taken place both in Greece and in Albania. In March 2023, the Albanian government designated the Vjosa as a National Park. Additionally, In November 2023, the Greek Ministry of Environment and Energy gave the source of the Vjosa River protected designation. These designations came after coordinated efforts of different environmental organizations, like EuroNatur, EcoAlbania, and Riverwatch. The ultimate aim of these organizations is to have the river fall under a transboundary National Park. Having a transboundary National Park will ensure that the Vjosa’s ecological diversity is protected.
Eco-tourism in Albania
Albania is one of the fastest-growing travel destinations in Europe. In 2022, it welcomed 7.5 million visitors—more than double the number of people who live there. Albania’s stunning natural beauty and varied landscapes attract travelers from all over the world. In particular, many are drawn to the Vjosa. The Vjosa is home to 1,000 species, including rare animals and plants. It is a special place for nature lovers. Activities like rafting, canoeing, and kayaking are becoming more popular, bringing tourists to enjoy Albania’s untouched landscapes.
Eco-tourism along the Vjosa benefits local people. It helps the economy by creating jobs and supporting small businesses. Sustainable tourism also ensures visitors have a positive impact by protecting local culture and improving roads and other infrastructure. As more people discover the Vjosa, responsible tourism can ensure this unique river is preserved for future generations. The Vjosa can remain a thriving natural and cultural treasure for years by balancing conservation with community needs.
Environmental Issues Facing Albania
Albania is affected by several environmental issues, notably air pollution, water pollution, and deforestation.
Air Pollution
Air pollution is especially prevalent in bigger cities. Car ownership, a lack of green spaces, and secondary activity that contributes to air pollution are driving factors for air pollution. In the Albanian capital, Tirana, the average concentrations of PM10 and NO2 are above the limits set by the World Health Organization. Air pollution poses a threat to public health. According to UNICEF, 99% of children across the Western Balkans region (including Albania) are exposed to air pollutants that negatively impact their health.
Water Pollution
Untreated wastewater and sewage, trash disposal, and industrial pollution contribute to water pollution. According to UNECE, a lack of adequate infrastructure impacts the availability of quality freshwater. A factor that affects water quality is the discharge of untreated wastewater from various sources, such as urban settlements, industrial locations, and pesticides in agricultural applications. These reasons contribute to the deteriorating quality of groundwater.
Deforestation
Illegal logging threatens Albanian forests. Some illegal logging is done for the subsistence needs of rural populations rather than being commercially driven; illegal logging that is subsistence-related is often tolerated by local authorities. Overharvesting, overgrazing, and forest fires negatively impact Albanian forest ecosystems. According to Global Forest Watch, from 2001 to 2023, Albania had a 7.2% decrease in tree cover.
Celebrity Environmental Activism
Celebrities play a crucial role in environmental activism. They use their platforms to raise awareness and inspire action on issues that might be overlooked. Their visibility helps connect scientists, policymakers, and the general public. Leonardo DiCaprio is a well-known example of a celebrity environmentalist. Besides protecting the Vjosa River in Albania, he is known for fighting deforestation in the Amazon and promoting ocean conservation. DiCaprio also founded the Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation in 1998. The foundation funds initiatives to protect biodiversity, combat climate change, and support renewable energy.
Other celebrities have joined efforts for environmental activism. Emma Watson advocates for sustainable fashion through projects like the Green Carpet Challenge. Shailene Woodley has campaigned against environmental threats, including her activism and arrest during a protest of the Dakota Access Pipeline. In 2019, Jane Fonda organized “Fire Drill Fridays,” which were public demonstrations in Washington, D.C. that demanded urgent climate action from lawmakers. These are a few examples of how celebrities can mobilize communities and support grassroots efforts. While critics raise questions about privilege and access, their influence remains a powerful force for change.
What You Can Do to Help: Joining the Fight for River Conservation
Leonardo DiCaprio has used his fame to engage the public and increase awareness regarding environmental issues such as the Vjosa River. It is important to use our platforms to mobilize support. We can mobilize people to take action and ensure that we protect rivers, oceans, and beaches.
Ocean Blue Project organizes ocean cleanups to protect the Earth’s oceans. By supporting Ocean Blue Project, you can directly impact keeping our rivers and oceans safe from pollution and climate change. You can support Ocean Blue Project by signing up for our newsletter, organizing a local beach cleanup, or donating to Ocean Blue Project!
Author bio: Abraham Mengistu studied Supply Chain Management at Western Michigan University. In his free time, he enjoys watching action shows, reading, and learning new things.