Category Archives: Uncategorized

River IntellectualsThe idea of incorporating academics into the BRD network came up a year ago and has been gaining interest and momentum. The idea behind River Intellectuals (RI) is simple; to bridge the gap between academics and river conservationists. Research can prove the value of free flowing rivers but often does not reach the NGO’s that need this academic backup. Moreover, research is dependent on funding and the interest often lies elsewhere. Luckily, many students and an increasing amount of professors are eager to have an impact with their research and want to use their studies for a bigger cause. Information is a powerful tool and our RI network funnels […]

Naš celovečerni dokumentarec ‘The Undamaged’ ali po domače ‘Nepoškodovane’ prihaja v slovenske kinematografe in s tem do vas.  Film sledi Balkan Rivers Tour-u 1 ter ob tem prikazuje boj vsakodnevnih ljudi iz Balkana (in ekipe kajakašev) za divje reke in s tem proti nepotrebnim pregradam hidroelektrarn. Balkan je zadnji košček Evrope, ki še gosti prosto tekoče reke in z njimi povezane bogate ekosisteme, običaje in skupnosti. Pohlep iz tujine in vladnih uradov, ki poganja 3.000 načrtovanih jezov, se na le-te ne ozira in v varnem medijskem mrku počne, česar ne bi počel na svojem domačem pragu. A ta nepravica s pisanimi kajaki in pestro mednarodno ekipo v njih postaja znana […]

On November 7th hydro investors from across the Balkans and around the world gathered in Budva, Montenegro for the 2nd International Summit and Exhibition Hydropower Balkans (aka #budvadirtyhydrosummit), to wheel and deal inside a fancy hotel, making corrupt plans to turn the flow of Balkan rivers into cash flow into their pockets. But outside, over 70 people from 8 countries gathered with banners, whistles, loud voices and lots of energy to remind decision makers, locals, investors and national media, that hydropower is not green, and that these rivers belong to everyone. The banners, whistles and megaphone to tell investors that hydro is dirty energy and investing in it is a terrible […]

Paddling into downtown Banja Luka. Dropping mini waterfalls on the Mrežnica. Flotillas on the Mura and Sava. Final protest in Ljubljana. A misty morning on the edge of the Vrbas River in Bosnia and Herzegovina turned into sunny day on the river where the crew got into some fun whitewater and lots of laughs. As the Balkan Rivers Tour Team floated into camp, a riverside press conference was waiting for them. The message we wanted to share was one from the locals along the river. That despite that fact that there are already 3-4 dams on the Vrbas, it’s still worth it to fight for this river. It’s surprisingly still […]

Brainstorming for river defence in Bukovica. Press Conference downtown Nikšić. Meetings in Sarajevo. Food, fun and film screening in Kruščica.  When you turn off the main roads, that’s when you meet the real warriors of river conservation in the Balkans. The community of Bukovica have created an NGO to protect their river. Each community member donated 5-10 euro and that’s how them are fighting the private investors that want to dam their river. By the warmth of the wood stove in a smoky local pub we discussed strategies, created a press release and organized a press conference for the following day in the city of Nikšić. All this in 3 […]

A blockade in Valbona NP. Portaging through the city in Podgorica. Partying and paddling at Kayak Fest Tara. It was cold and dusty sitting on the ground, but the most painful part was the view of construction site. Just over a year ago the BRT 2 team were in Albania’s Valbona National Park and witnessed the start of the construction of the hydroelectric dam. Now, a wall has been built and the river is almost stopped. After a wild year of court cases, appeals, and all the twisted, corrupt acts you can imagine in a country where the prime minister owns shares in the hydro electric company destroying their wild […]

Paddling in Tepelene. Premiers in Tirana. Exploring Mavoro NP. Protest in Skopje city centre.  Balkan Rivers Tour 3 started off where the first tour ended; the streets of Tirana, Albania. BRT3 has a simple formula and builds off the energy of the first two tours. In each major city and one river-side or rural city of the six countries this tour stops in, the team screens their feature-length documentary, The Undamaged. The film tells the story of how this kayaker-led river defence movement started, spotlighting locals who speak emotionally and energetically, dispelling the myth that hydro is green energy. After the screening a day of paddling and adventuring is planned, […]

Balkan Rivers Tour 3 has officially started… on the road and on the water! Starting in Albania we are heading north through Macedonia, Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia ending in Slovenia. Six countries, 32 days and 17 events including film premiers of our documentary The Undamaged, street protests, creative actions and lots of kayaking. On day one we hit the water, kayaking the largest free flowing river left in Europe – the mighty Vjosa. What a way to kick off the tour, celebrating a river that so many locals have worked so hard to protect?! So, it seems fitting that we had the first (of many) premiers of The Undamaged […]

  The tour starts in 5 days! The format of BRT 3 makes it different than past tours, but just as interactive and effective. Tour formula: Film Premier + Party – At least one FREE film projection in each of the 6 countries the tour travels through Kayaking – A day to enjoy the water we are fighting to protect Protest – A creative action or protest organized by the locals in defence of the rivers that need the most support Events in each country are coming together. When you attend an event you add your face and your voice to the fight. There is nothing easier, more fun and more […]

Sunshine, whitewater, flotilla, beer running and live ska music, we made an epic weekend celebrating the Soča and Učja rivers, telling $€NG to cancel plans to dam them. For many years SENG refused interviews with Slovenian national radio and TV on the topic of damming the upper Soča and Učja rivers. They broke their silence one day before our flotilla with a public statement saying they will go ahead with their plans and that they hope the public does not fall for the words of Rok Rozman. Big business publicly naming a member of the BRD team?! People having fun, paddling and partying in defence of the rivers they love?! […]