Green Platform and Strategic Advocacy Propel Action Against Environmental Degradation
Photo Credit: Kosovo Democratic Institute (KDI)
In recent months, significant progress has been made in addressing environmental degradation in Kosovo*, driven by the âGreen Platformâ, a tool developed by UNDEF partner Kosovo Democratic Institute (KDI) to enable citizens to report and address environmental issues directly with local authorities.
One notable success was the removal of illegal dumpsites in Rahovec and Prishtina. In Rahovec, a hazardous site containing industrial waste, construction debris, and household trash was reported through the platform. This led to a coordinated advocacy effort, including local Green Hour meetings, budgetary hearings, and direct discussions with the mayor. As a result, the municipality of Rahovec organized a successful clean-up operation, showcasing the Green Platformâs effectiveness in driving local environmental change.
&²Ô²ú²õ±è;âJoining the cleanup was essential to protect our environment and health. We all share the responsibility for a cleaner future. Environment is everyoneâs responsibility.â Ardian Mucaj, KDI
Encouraged by this success, similar efforts were carried out in Prishtina, where residents reported two additional illegal dumpsites in Kodra e Trimave and Shkabaj. Through continued advocacy and multi-layered engagement, including public discussions, media campaigns, and local government meetings, municipal authorities cleared the sites, marking another achievement in promoting environmental action.
Additionally, the Municipality of Peja addressed critical environmental concerns communicated via the platform, including the open discharge of sewage near âXhevdet Dodaâ Primary School. Swift action was taken by local authorities to improve sewage infrastructure, reducing health risks and environmental impact. The municipality also introduced new waste management systems in Rugova National Park to address challenges caused by littering and waste left by visitors.
In Gjakova, following advocacy through the Green Platform, immediate action was taken to remove garbage from the Shkugëz Protected Zone, highlighting the continued success of citizen-driven activism.
âWe have assessed the state of the environment and spent months advocating for change. Now, we can see some improvements, driven by the belief that âOur life is the environment itself, and through citizen activism, we must all work to keep it clean.ââ Sakibe Doli, citizen activist
The ongoing efforts across Kosovo demonstrate how the , supported by local civil society organizations, is creating a model for effective community-driven environmental advocacy, leading to cleaner, safer communities and promoting a sustainable future in Kosovo.
*References to Kosovo should be understood to be in the context of the Security Council resolution 1244 (1999)
