29.01.2025. » 11:22

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Environmental Challenges in the Mitrovicë/a Region – Land Devastation and Water Pollution

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The Mitrovicë/a region, an area with exceptional natural potential, has in recent years been facing some of the greatest ecological challenges it has seen. Land degradation and water pollution are among the main problems affecting the daily lives of the region’s inhabitants. Although industrial development has brought economic benefits, it has also had serious ecological consequences that must be urgently addressed to ensure a more sustainable future.

Land devastation: Misuse and degradation

One of the main challenges in this region is land degradation. Over the years, industrial activities such as mining and natural resource extraction have led to the depletion of land resources and the destruction of natural ecosystems. Improper or negligent use of land and the passivity of protective policies have caused large areas of land to become "devastated lands." This is because humans have polluted the land to such an extent that it has turned into useless land. The pollution has come from uncontrolled use of pesticides and also the passage of the waters that come out of the sewers of houses, apartments and factories in those lands.

This process has been accelerated by intensive agricultural methods that make extensive use of pesticides and chemical fertilizers, adversely affecting biodiversity and negatively impacting soil fertility. This has direct consequences on agriculture, a key sector for many families in the region. Devastated lands have lost the ability to maintain the structure necessary for agricultural production, leading to reduced yields and increased rural poverty. We could say both the yield and quality of the wheat crop has been affected, as atmospheric conditions, soil pollution from floods and sewage pollution have led to reduced productivity.

Water pollution: Source of life in danger

Another ecological issue that seriously affects the Mitrovicë/a region is water pollution. Rivers and water resources of the region, which are crucial for agriculture and consumers, have been contaminated with chemicals, heavy metals, and various industrial wastes.[1] Efforts to control such pollution, have been insufficient to manage the amount of waste, contributing to the spread of harmful substances into surface and groundwater. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), contaminated water, along with inadequate sanitation and hygiene, contributes to approximately 1.4 million deaths and 74 million disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) annually. This represents about 2.5% of global deaths and 2.9% of global DALYs. Diarrheal diseases are particularly impacted, with over 1 million deaths and 55 million DALYs linked to unsafe water, sanitation, and hygiene[2] [3]. This includes diseases like cholera, dysentery, and typhoid fever. Contaminated waters also pose a threat to the life of many aquatic fauna species, which are important for ecosystem preservation.

Even closed landfills such as TREPCA pose ongoing risks that include contamination of underground water from the flow of metals.[4]

Various studies by the World Health Organization, the University of Vienna and the Ministry of Infrastructure, Environment and Spatial Planning in the Municipality of Mitrovica have shown that all areas in the Mitrovica region, including the valleys of the rivers Ibër/Ibar and Silnica/Sitnica from Leposaviq/Leposavic to Vushtrri/Vuciterna, represent an area with an environment polluted by lead and heavy metals. Soil pollution reaches down to 35 cm depth in seven locations analyzed. The concentration of heavy metals is several times higher than the allowed values of 450 (mg / kg).[5]

 

The role of environmental policies and community engagement

To address these ecological challenges, swift and decisive actions are necessary. Sound environmental policies are crucial for curbing land degradation and water pollution. They should include the prohibition of harmful industrial activities without proper protective measures, and the promotion of sustainable methods.

If immediate measures are not taken to prevent further land degradation and water pollution in the Mitrovice/a region, the consequences will be irreversible.

Women and young people can play an especially instrumental role in promoting and implementing policies and practices that protect the environment and ensure equality. They can actively participate in local efforts to promote policies that ensure a clean environment and sustainable resources. Addressing ecological challenges requires not only strong policies but also active community involvement, especially by the youth and women, who have the potential to initiate sustainable solutions and advocate for significant changes.

Recognizing the severity of these issues, UNDP Kosovo, alongside its CSO partners Education Code and ACDC from Pristina and Mitrovice/a North respectively, has taken significant steps to tackle these challenges at the community level in four northern municipalities, namely Zubin Potok, Leposaviq/Leposavić, Mitrovice/a North, and Zveçan/Zvecan. These efforts include advocating for the right to a healthy environment, and among others promoting sustainable agricultural practices to combat land degradation and raising awareness about water contamination from industrial waste. By empowering local communities, including women and youth, these initiatives aim to build a more sustainable and peaceful future and mitigate the environmental harm in the Mitrovicë/a region.

This article is part of UNDP’s “Inter-community Dialogue” project implemented with the financial support of UNDP Funding Windows. The Environmental Justice activities in the north were conducted in partnership with CSO partners Education Code and ACDC.

 

Gentiana Zeqiri

Civil activist

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