Integrated Water Resources Management in Kosovo (IWRM-K)

The ultimate beneficiary is the population of Kosovo in terms of sustainable access to good quality water resources. Direct target groups are:

Macro-level: national institutions, primarily Ministry of Environment Spatial Planning and Infrastructure (MESPI) and subordinated institutions (i.e. River Basin District Authority, Environment Protection Agency, Hydro-meteorological Institute) in fulfilling their role in IWRM.

Meso-level: multiple stakeholders, such as municipalities, regional water companies, public irrigation companies, and private sector stakeholders, in the process of continued revision and implementation of RBMPs.

Micro-level: citizens and CSOs in raising awareness on IWRM, enabling them to participate in the sustainable planning and management of water resources.

Outcome 1: Kosovo institutions and other relevant stakeholders establish the framework for long-term equitable allocation of good quality freshwater resources.

Outcome 2: Authorities at central and local level are able to protect and manage water resources in an informed and inclusive manner.

Outcome 3: Citizens, civil society organizations and private sector actively engage in a dialogue on use of water resources and environment related issues.

Resultados previstos:  

• Alignment of Kosovo's water policy and planning framework with EU standards achieved.
• Implementation of RMBPs and Programmes of Measures (PoM) are catalyzed (incl. scaling up pilots to reduce water pollution).
• Harmonization of the regulatory framework and institutional capacity for IWRM accomplished.
• Capacity for interrelated water monitoring and information systems application is enhanced.
• Continuous development of water resources management knowledge and skills institutionalized.
• A highly participatory approach to water resource management is achieved as a new norm.
• Nation-wide awareness of water related issues and stakeholder mobilization in IWRM are enhanced.

Resultados de las fases anteriores:  

Switzerland is recognized as competent and reliable long-term partner and donor coordination leader in the water sector of Kosovo. With its support to the water sector institutional reforms, its substantial investments in improving water supply services, as well as its reliable engagement in the sector since 1998, Switzerland substantially contributed to a water supply coverage in Kosovo of 92%. Specific achievements of IWRM-K Phase I include:

• Under the lead of the Ministry of Environment 4 RBMPs in line with EU guidelines developed (covering entire Kosovo; 1 supported by Sweden).
• Institutional capacity building resulted in the development of a national water information systems, the launch of a IWRM M.Sc. program and the training of 350 people representing key IWRM stakeholders in Kosovo.
• Establishment of Multi-stakeholder participation mechanism fostering inclusive water management.
• 22 new CSOs contributed to successful stakeholder mobilization and promoting a more democratic approach to water management.
• Successful pilots contributed to the reduction of water pollution by 90 farmers and 6 industrial operators, which simultaneously improved their operational performance.

Fase 2 01.05.2024 - 30.04.2029   (Active)