1. Because Kosovo is one of the most diverse regions in Europe.
Reasons for this include the diverse topography, the highly heterogeneous geological substrate, and the still widespread extensive small-scale agricultural land use. Additionally, biogeographically, the West Balkan region was one of the most important retreat areas for displaced Central European species during the Ice Ages, and many so-called endemisms have developed here.
2. Because the data on biodiversity in Kosovo is deficient.
While some efforts have been made in recent years (including the creation of Red Lists), the data situation is still deficient compared to other countries in the West Balkans. There are no species registers. Foreign specialists rarely find their way to Kosovo.
3. Because there are numerous threats to this nature here.
Kosovo is a country in transition. On the one hand, it still suffers from the consequences of conflicts with Serbia and the Kosovo War; on the other hand, moderate economic development and an approach to the EU are noticeable. Environmental damage is still significant: waste disposal and water purification are hardly regulated. An old lignite power plant produces electricity right outside the capital, Prishtina. Private heating systems are responsible for additional significant air pollution every winter. Unregulated waste disposal is ubiquitous in the landscape, and forests suffer from extensive illegal logging due to demand for firewood. Tourism, especially in the mountains, is hardly sustainable, and illegal weekend and holiday settlements are emerging in the highlands.
Since when and how has the Department of Biology been involved?
The first contacts in Kosovo took place in 2014, and the first two-week Summer School occurred in 2015.
We quickly realized that there was a lack of educational offerings on biodiversity and sustainability, as well as a need for nature conservation-oriented collaboration among educational institutions, government agencies, and NGOs. Additionally, there is no publicly accessible natural history exhibition.
From this, the idea emerged to help establish an environmental center in Kosovo: the 'Kosovo Environmental Education and Research Center' (KEERC).