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Free rivers, free living

Balkan River Defence is the largest grassroots movement for river protection in Europe. With a mix of adventure, science, and activism, they are fighting against the construction of thousands of harmful hydropower plants in the Balkans.

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Why

The Balkans are home to the last untouched river systems in Europe. Over 2,700 planned dams threaten these unique ecosystems, local communities, and rare species such as the Balkan lynx and the Danube salmon. Balkan River Defence fights against this destruction and showcases the value of wild, free rivers.

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Impact

Mission & goals
  • Reveal: make the beauty and ecological value of Balkan rivers visible.
  • Unmask: show why hydropower is not a sustainable energy source.
  • Provide alternatives: through science, education, and ecotourism.
  • Support: strengthen a network of local activists.
Actions
  • Balkan Rivers Tour: annual kayaking trips and protests to raise awareness.
  • Research and publications: providing scientific evidence about the impact of dams.
  • Media and documentaries: such as The Undamaged, a film about their struggle.
  • Legal and political action: collaborating with local communities and NGOs to halt dam construction projects​.

“You don’t have to be a biologist or a scientist to protect nature. Just a person with a voice.”

Rok Rozman – founder of Balkan River Defence

How your donation helps

Your support helps Balkan River Defence with:

  • Organizing campaigns and actions to stop dam projects.
  • Funding legal actions against illegal hydropower plants.
  • Education programs to train the next generation of conservationists.

Donate and help keep the last wild rivers of Europe free!

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