Biodiversity constitutes one of the most important natural assets of the Republic of Kosovo. Despite its relatively small territory, the country is characterized by a considerable diversity of ecosystems, ranging from alpine and forested areas to aquatic and lowland habitats, which support numerous plant and animal species, including relict and endemic forms of regional and international importance (source: https://askapi.rks-gov.net/Custom/d3582df5-78f6-4951-a363-21ffc2c2b394.pdf).

However, this natural wealth is facing continuous and multiple pressures.

According to analyses by international NGOs conducted several years ago, “Kosovo is the only country on the European continent declared to be under ‘water stress,’ indicating an insufficient amount of renewable water per person and resulting in water shortages during certain periods of the year, while climate change, population growth, and increasing water demand are expected to further intensify pressure on already damaged freshwater ecosystems” (source: https://www.koha.net/en/arberi/kosova-shteti-i-vetem-ne-evrope-ne-stres-uji).

The construction of hydropower plants, the pollution of rivers due to insufficient wastewater treatment, the uncontrolled extraction of gravel and sand, and construction activities carried out without proper planning are actions that contribute to the degradation of critical ecosystems (source: https://www.oecd.org/en/publications/western-balkans-competitiveness-outlook-2024-kosovo_ff74ae0e-en/full-report/component-18.html).

Furthermore, infrastructure development, illegal logging, the exploitation of wild plants and animals, as well as environmental pollution in general, create a mosaic of pressures that make biodiversity conservation more difficult (source: https://kryeministri.rks-gov.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Koncept-Dokument-per-Fushen-e-Mbrojtjes-se-Natyres.pdf).

Although in the last decade the institutions of Kosovo have made efforts to improve the legal and strategic framework for nature protection, the implementation of these public policies remains a serious challenge due to the lack of human capacities, insufficient data, and the limited enforcement of protection policies.
This has also been highlighted in the latest report of the European Union, which emphasizes that nature protection is at an early stage of meeting the required standards and that capacities are limited at both the local and central levels (source: https://enlargement.ec.europa.eu/document/download/127563ea-4c03-44a4-b56c-2d569afd86a5_en?filename=kosovo-report-2025.pdf).

In such a situation, the loss of biodiversity in Kosovo is not occurring in an immediate or visible manner, but through a gradual process of degradation, which often remains outside public and institutional attention. For this reason, the identification and assessment of sensitive biodiversity areas constitute a crucial step toward the sustainable protection of nature.

The report, ‘’Assessment of Vulnerable Biodiversity Areas’’ prepared by the SRD Institute

 and published by EC Ma Ndryshe, presents an advanced scientific approach, focusing not only on the listing of species but also on the analysis of habitats and ecological functions.

This approach reflects the contemporary understanding of biodiversity as an interconnected system, where the degradation of a single element such as water quality, habitat fragmentation, or microclimatic changes, directly affects the stability of the entire ecosystem. The use of biological indicators, such as aquatic insects, allows for the early detection of negative environmental changes and provides a reliable basis for informed decision making.

The findings of the report confirm that areas of high ecological value in Kosovo are increasingly exposed to anthropogenic impacts. The main pressures identified include the degradation of aquatic ecosystems due to pollution, hydrotechnical interventions, and insufficient wastewater management, the uncontrolled exploitation of natural resources, including gravel extraction and illegal logging infrastructure development and urbanization without integrating biodiversity into spatial planning; habitat fragmentation and the loss of ecological connectivity.

These processes not only affect species loss but also weaken ecosystem services that are essential for the daily life of local communities, including water supply, flood protection, and resilience to climate change.

Kosovo has established a legal and strategic framework for nature protection, including the Law on Nature Protection, biodiversity strategies and action plans, as well as river basin management plans. In this context, the “White Drin” River Basin Management Plan represents an important instrument for the integrated management of water resources and the protection of interconnected habitats.

However, the report and institutional analyses indicate that the main challenge remains effective implementation on the ground. The lack of systematic monitoring, limited institutional capacities, insufficient spatial data, and weak cross sectoral coordination continue to limit the real impact of existing policies.

The assessment of sensitive biodiversity areas should not be seen merely as a technical or academic exercise. It constitutes a necessary foundation for responsible spatial planning, sustainable development, and forward looking public policies.

Biodiversity conservation is inseparable from objectives related to economic development, social well-being, and climate change adaptation. For this reason, an integrated approach is required, involving public institutions, the scientific community, civil society, and international partners.

Sensitive biodiversity areas in Kosovo represent a strategic asset that demands attention, responsibility, and sustainable action. The report published by EC Ma Ndryshe provides valuable knowledge and evidence, based recommendations, creating a strong starting point for improving nature protection policies and practices.

At this level, biodiversity is not only a biological value. It is a critical element of climate resilience, a source of ecosystem services, and a foundation for rural development and long-term well-being. Its preservation is an investment in the social, economic, and environmental stability of Kosovo.

Therefore, the report calls for a reconsideration of our relationship with nature not as a backdrop for development, but as a vital partner. The fundamental question is not only what we are losing today, but what kind of future we are building for future generations and for the vitality of nature.