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RIVER INTELLECTUALSA network to protect the remainingfree-flowing rivers of EuropeDavid Farò - University of Trento Katja Pokorn
RIVER INTELLECTUALS
STUDENTS FOR RIVERS CAMP7 - 13 July 2019, Kobarid, Slovenia
sWe believethat nothingcomparestheto studyfrom a kayaking perspectiveGabrieland havingmore riverresearchscientists ongSinger,a real achievement for us.“I had no idea that there might be scientists interested in wild rithere were just some kayakers and some locals. I came here and fostudents that write PhDs and Master theses about this topic. I knowOne of the important outcomes of SRC is a close collaboration begap betweenthe wayslocalsandscience.”students,who are now findingof puttingtheirinitial ideas inWe felt it was extremely important to run the camp, not oninternational level, but also at the transboundary level. Gettingfrom the Balkans involved provides the region with local reprethat have the expertise to help protect their Balkan rivers.Dimitris Papage"It really opened my eyes to the potential for getting more reseaEXPERTLECTURESvalue and water quality of Balkan rivers. Knowing in more detailThe Students for Rivers Camp comprised of a wide range of lectures gwouldhelpourcampaignsimmenselythe field, practical classes and fieldwork. Our mornings were filledcovered the following topics.EXPERT LECTURESThe cleanriversystem“It’s inspiring whenyoucanmeet people who are not only attacheFrom mountains to the ocean, varied and numerous processes contriactive in k’smoThenaturalsystemriversystems. riverOur expertspeakers shed light on the vital inus near a tatsImpacts of hydropower development ts of hydropower development and alternatives Katja PokornalternativesEvgeniaHow does hydropower development influence opment special attention to the rivers in the Balkans. Which alternatives ca Examples from the BalkansDrivers of hydropower development
STUDENT PROJECTSThroughout the week, the students were given theopportunity to develop their own project ideas.They were divided into small groups and weretasked to come up with creative solutions to thechallenge of protecting the Balkan rivers from the3.000 proposed hydropower plants. By the end ofthe week seven inspiring projects were born andpresented to the locals of the Soca valley and thewhole Balkan Rivers Tour crew. Thanks to the FreeRivers Fund and a spontaneous grant of ‘Stritih,Sustainable Development Consultancy’, the threemost promising projects, which focus on bringingscience to the people and vice versa, received asmall kickstarter grant. Judging from the students’motivation (or the amount of schnapps drunk tocelebrate their success), we can expect the initialproject ideas to be transformed into practicalactions for river conservation in 2020.STUDENTSPROJECTS Katja Pokorn
BALKAN RIVERS TOURBALKAN RIVERS TOURTheBalkanStudents for Rivers Camp ran parallel to the BalkanThe Students for Rivers Camp ran parallel to theRivers Tour. This appeared to be a winning formula. RiversWhile Tour.the This appeared to be a winning formula. While thestudents got inspired by the rock’n roll way ofstudentsdrawinggot inspired by the rock’n roll way of drawing(media)attention to the rivers, the kayakers got to learn more(media) attention to the rivers, the kayakers got to learnmoreaboutabout the rivers they love and what other ways therearetheto rivers they love and what other ways there are toprotectthethem. Discussions continued late at night around theprotect them. Discussions continued late at night aroundcampfirecampfire along with bonding jam sessions wherepeoplealong with bonding jam sessions where peoplewere united by their passion and concern for rivers. were united by their passion and concern for rivers.On thelast day, most students and speakers joined BRT’sOn the last day, most students and speakers joinedBRT’sSoča Flotilla, the beer mile and the party. The mostFree Soča Flotilla, the beer mile and the party. FreeThe mostdedicated to the cause danced until sunrise!dedicated to the cause danced until sunrise!RIVER EXPERIENCEFor most students, the highlight of the week wasthe River Experience. Finally getting hands wetreinforced the purpose of the camp. Wecelebrated the free Soča, trying out everythinkable watercraft. Katja Pokorn
Katja Pokorn
WHAT’S NEXT? (2020) Katja Pokorn
Tara RiverStudents ForRivers Camp2Sept. 2020Where? Grab
GREENDOTTEDMAPGREENDOTTEDMAPNot just dams!!! We will create an interactive, green dotted map of events andactivities along the Sava and tributaries that can outweigh theinfamous red dotted map of planned hydropower dams. Do youwant your project to be on there? Let us know! We are happy tobrainstorm about how Sava; Bohinj to Belgrade can boost yourproject! Let’s make this into one urgent, collective movementthat stands up for the values of free-flowing rivers and highlightsthe importance of an ecologically healthy Sava and tributaries.Call for actions (November)Starting with: Sava catchmentNext: All Balkans
What do the River Intellectuals do? Follow us!
What do the River Intellectuals do? Follow us!Offer your scientific contribution and support
What do the River Intellectuals do? Follow us!Offer your scientific contribution and supportWe provide “easier” access to data and localknowledge (through the network)
What do the River Intellectuals do? Follow us!Offer your scientific contribution and supportWe provide “easier” access to data and localknowledge (through the network)help spread the word about activities, researchresults, projects, open positions
Come and join us!www.riverintellectuals.org@riverintellectuals Katja PokornA network of bold students, researchers apassion for free-flowing rivers, who comexpertise to effectively protect rivers fromdevelopment and other environmental thris to strengthen the connection betweenriver conservation. We are aiming to turn ta powerful toolwhichwillnewsletter!help to influencJoinourinternational level.In 2020 we will organise the second Stu
For the last four years, Balkan River Defence has connected the dots of river conservation efforts in the Balkans. Through four successful Balkan Rivers Tours, their actions were effective in funneling media attention to the local river protection fights, and exposing the injustice and destruction of rivers in the Balkans. Their documentary The
