Water resources are among Kosovo’s most valuable natural assets, but at the same time they are among the systems most sensitive to human pressure and climate change. The new report by EC Ma Ndryshe, “Assessment of Policies and Practices for River Basin Water Management” (link: https://www.ecmandryshe.org/.../15_08_2025_18641777...), analyzes how governance, legislation, and environmental policies are affecting the condition of rivers, particularly the preservation of aquatic ecosystems and biodiversity in Kosovo.

The research highlights that water management in Kosovo remains an ongoing challenge, caused by a combination of climate change, pollution, lack of institutional coordination, and weak enforcement of existing laws. Through a detailed analysis of policies, strategic documents, and practices at both local and national levels, the report provides an overview of the current situation and identifies areas that require urgent action.

At the same time, it shows that climate change has begun to significantly alter the natural water cycle and the ecological condition of river basins. Higher temperatures, prolonged drought periods, and more frequent floods are affecting the ecological structure of rivers such as the White Drin, the Prizren Lumbardh, and the Toplluha. These changes are leading to reduced water flows and degradation of habitats, making it increasingly difficult for aquatic species to survive.

Human activities have further accelerated this process, as the uncontrolled use of water and natural resources, construction near riverbeds, and continuous pollution from urban wastewater and agricultural runoff have made aquatic ecosystems even more fragile. These interventions have sped up the degradation of aquatic habitats and limited the ability of ecosystems to adapt to new climatic conditions.

Biodiversity is also being directly affected by this situation. Endemic species and those that are ecologically more sensitive, which depend on cold and clean waters, are now more endangered than ever. In Sharri National Park, one of Kosovo’s areas with high natural value, climate change is affecting mountain water sources and the distribution of aquatic fauna, causing species displacement and the loss of suitable habitats.

The report also analyzes the legal and institutional framework, noting that despite the existence of a solid legal basis, practical implementation remains limited. It highlights that the Law on Waters of Kosovo (Law No. 04/L-147), the Law on Environmental Protection (Law No. 03/L-025), and the Law on Waste (Law No. 04/L-060 on Waste, amended by Law No. 08/L-071 and Law No. 08/L-262) constitute the main pillars of the legal framework in this field. However, coordination between central and local institutions is weak, and water quality monitoring is carried out only partially.

Another challenge is that Kosovo still lacks a complete system for integrated river basin management, as required by the European Union Water Framework Directive (2000/60/EC, https://ammk-rks.net/.../Direktiva_Kornize_e_Ujerave_e_BE...).

According to the report, current strategies and plans do not include sufficient measures for climate change adaptation, pollution prevention, or biodiversity conservation. As a result, many local plans are not harmonized with environmental policies at the national level.

Waste management legislation is also directly linked to water quality, as untreated waste often ends up on riverbanks or in surrounding areas. Although laws exist, the lack of infrastructure and weak enforcement mean that much waste contributes directly to water pollution and the degradation of natural habitats.

This report published by EC Ma Ndryshe emphasizes that water resources and biodiversity should not be viewed solely as environmental issues, but as important factors for economic development and social well-being. Rivers, wetlands, and water resources are an essential part of citizens’ daily lives and the functioning of communities. Only through sustainable management and responsible implementation of public policies can these ecosystems remain alive, clean, and protected for future generations.