On Wednesday, the publication "Comparative analysis of biodiversity parameters before and after the construction of hydropower plants in Zall-Gjoçaj" was presented by biologist Melitjan Nezaj. The publication was presented at the center of the "ATA" group in Kamëz, where activists from the community of Zall-Gjoçaj were also present.
"Many studies were carried out in Vjosa, for example, before it was declared a National Park, less were done in Valbona, even less in Zall-Gjoçaj," Biologist Nezaj revealed to Citizens.
For its realization, the expert, the residents of the area and activists of the ATA group have conducted several days of research in the field to inspect and record the balance of the effects on the flora and fauna of the area where the "Seke" and "Zajs" HPPs were built. ".
The publication is a mix of scholarly research, criticism and investigation. According to the biologist, the study shows a significant lack of many types of flora and fauna, which are indicative of a healthy environment.
Among the main difficulties of the work, the author mentions the difficult terrain, the canyons, but also the long nights in which he had to observe different species, such as bats. The work for this report started from June to November.
"We can mention the lack of trout, water snakes, different types of amphibians. For example, trout is a species that is in danger of disappearing completely from the river in the near future,” Nezaj emphasized.
From the conclusions published in the study, remains of working machines have been found in both the Flim and Urak rivers.
Plant species of dry environments have been found, due to the long-term lack of water in the bed. Landslides and rockslides are present in segments of the two rivers, caused by the opening of the road route.
"The report has been submitted to the court for all open court proceedings," "ATA" activist Ronald Qema told Citizens.
Dhimitër Koleci, the activist of the Zall-Gjoçaj case for four years, claims that despite the submission of this publication on October 15, it was not taken into consideration after the Court of Appeal decided in favor of the firm.
Koleci emphasized that the activists currently have four court cases open and assesses as a solution only the sending of the case to the international court.
"For us, this publication is a powerful weapon! What we claimed at the top of the time, about the damages that the HPPs would bring, today our claims are confirmed," insisted the College.
He points out that the costs of HPPs are visible in livestock, agriculture and migration.
"These HPPs brought depopulation and degradation of the area, it is a space of 80 km2, of both rivers drying up,” he concluded.
On September 26, the file of the residents of Zall-Gjocaj was decided for accelerated examination by the Administrative Court of Appeal. Although the decision of the Supreme Court was in favor of the residents of Zall-Gjoçaj in November 2022, for the removal of the license of the "Zais" hydropower plant, this decision was never implemented in reality.
The next session is expected to be held on December 19 at the Administrative Court of Appeal.
Zall-Gjoçaj joined Lura in 2018, forming the National Park with the largest area in Albania, "Lura-Mali i Dejës". In the same year, the private firm was granted permission to build two hydropower plants, one of which would be built in the heart of the National Park.
According to the law no. 81/2017 in the areas declared "National Park", category II, it is not allowed to build power production lines such as hydropower plants.
In January 2022, after the review of the protected areas, the territory where the dam in Zall-Gjoçaj has been erected today was removed from the "Lure-Mali i Deja" park and is no longer part of the National Park.
Also Read:
- After four years, the Court of Appeal decided to review the Zall - Gjoçaj case
- "Another victory for the residents of Zall-Gjocaj", the Supreme Court upholds the revocation of the license for the hydropower plant
He completed his master's studies in the department of Journalism and Communication Sciences at the University of Tirana. She has been reporting for more than four years in Citizens.al on issues of culture, urban development, feminism, etc. She is also a contributor to other local and foreign online media, and has worked in the editing of various materials. She is the author of the podcast "Pezull" on Citizens.al and is engaged as a coordinator of projects related to the empowerment of young journalists and migration issues.
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