Environment:

Environment has not been on the high agenda for the Kosovo government. During the transition period from a socialist into a market economy, environmental issues were constantly neglected in Kosovo. However, environmental degradation is closely linked to the issues of human health and sustainable development, hence making it an extremely important issue that needs to be addressed. UNDP and the Kosovo Institutions have created a common platform to address the over increasing environmental challenges. Concrete steps have borne fruits especially in 2009.

The Government of Kosovo is equipped with most legislation covering the issue of environment; yet, there is a great lack of human and institutional capacity regarding their implementation and enforcement. Additionally, environmental awareness is very low among the public, which is an obstacle for the effective implementation of environmental projects. Environment also is an important criterion upon fulfilling the European integration agenda; hence, additional preparation to achieve the levels of international environmental conventions will be extremely important for Kosovo.

Climate Change

The climate is changing, and humans are at least, in part, responsible. This is a scientifically proven fact that was recognised by the Nobel Peace Prize in 2008. The consequences of this change and of climate variability are being felt all over the globe – and Kosovo is not an exception.

Through this conference, key speakers from United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, World Bank, European Commission, United Nations Development Programme and United Nations Environment Programme will provide information regarding international frameworks and mechanisms of climate change. In addition, institutions and environmental practitioners of Kosovo will greatly benefit from neighboring countries’ experiences.

The Climate Change Conference was co-organized by the Ministry of Environment and Spatial Planning and UNDP. The conference will bring together speakers and participants from Kosovo institutions, representatives from the region, donor countries and international organisations.

View related press releases