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Prepared by Michael Waschak,
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1. Behrami, S., Bajraktari, F., & Zogaj, N. Kosovo Environment Protection Agency, (2008). Ground water pollution in mitrovica and surroundings. Prishtine: Retrieved from http://balwois.com/balwois/administration/full_paper/ffp-1084.pdf (Changed by Ylli Qerkini)
The authors argue that the drinking water quality in Mitrovica region is not satisfying. One of the contributors toward this is the pollution from the industry as well as the waste water. Indeed, this pollution includes the river of Ibri and Sitnica. This report presents the state of surface waters in the two main rivers of Mitrovica, and as such helps one determine the level of drinkable water in Mitrovica region.
This Article/Research Paper relates to Mitrovica and its water polution problems. Mitrovica is based in the North of Kosovo and owns the main part of natural resources. According to the article, Mitrovica is not only the most polluted city in Kosovo, but in Europe. The article discusses the water polution caused by exploiting those natural resources, which basically polluts the 3 main rivers that cross the city and from which the city gets the main water supply. It contains a lot of tables to make the contamination of the drinking water clear. The article is originally written in English.
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Demi Agron, A., & Sinani Nezir, N. (2011). Energy projects in kosovo. (07.09.2011), 24. Retrieved from http://www.kipred.net/web/eng.php?cid=2,3&id=2011
The article, “Energy Projects in Kosovo” has been recently published by the Kosovo Institute for Policy Research and Development together with GAP Institute and FIQ. The article mainly focuses on the privatization process of Kosova B thermal power plant. Also, it shows how the outside parties such as: Government of the Republic of Kosovo, World Bank, and the International Finance Corporation are associated with the problems which occur in energy related projects. Furthermore, this article mentions the standards of the European Union’s latest energy policy objectives and where Kosovo stands within the obstacle.
Didde Frese,Klitgaard, Kock Pedersen, Signe ,Rune,Eske. "Environmental Management in Kosovo Heavy Metal emission from Trepca." Environmental Management in Kosovo Heavy Metal emission from Trepca. N.p., n.d. Web. 20 Sept. 2011.<http://rudar .ruc.dk/bitstream/ 1800/210/1 /Environmental_management_in.pdf>
This is a project that focuses on the environmental impact that a huge dormant lead and zinc mining facility - Trepca causes. The project have focused on the pollution that have metals cause to the nearby river.
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1. Fresse, D.S, Klitgaard, R., & Pedersen, E. K. (2003/2004). Environmental Management in Kosovo – Heavy Metal emission from Trepca. TekSam. Retrieved September 19, 2011, fromhttp://rudar.ruc.dk/bitstream/1800/210/1/Environmental_management_in.pdf
The authors offer some guidelines and valuable lessons on environmental management in Kosova, particularly relevant to side effects caused by lead and zinc mining facilities in the Trepca region. The article argues that the heavy metal emissions from this area represent a high risk level for the local population. In addition to this, the authors continue into claiming that Kosova should focus more on environmental issues, as part of sustainable economic growth. I think this article gives some indication as to what extent environmental issues impact individuals, but it also contributes toward realizing that such concerns need immediate reaction that would lessen the negative consequences from it.
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1. Georgiev, Tomislav . "Poisoning Kosovo." Set Times. N.p., 22 June 2011. Web. 20 Sept. 2011. <www.setimes.com/cocoon/setimes/xhtml/en_GB/photo_essay/setimes/photo_essay/2011/06/22/photo_essay|www.setimes.com/cocoon/setimes/xhtml/en_GB/photo_essay/setimes/photo_essay/2011/06/22/photo_essay||||||||||||\>.
This article is for one of the major environmental problems that Kosovo faces that ishe pollution from old electrical plants and mine facilities of Obilic. Furthermore, this article tells of the pollution that is above any standard and the effects that it has in people-causing 5000 people to die from cancer each year.
2. Gazeta LAJM. (2011, April 21) Ndotja nga KEK-u jashtë standardeve. Retrieved September 18, 2011, from http://www.gazetalajm.info/ekonomi/6298-Ndotja-nga-KEK--jasht-standardeve.html
This article is focused on how Kosovo Energy Corporation (KEK) is polluting the air. Experts on Environmental sector believe that KEK is not making enough investments on reducing air pollution. On the other hand, KEK argues that they are implementing environmental projects in the amount of fifty million euros.
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1. Hakaj, N., Balaj, N., & Hoxha, V. (2007, November 23). Kosova- energy and environmental challenges to security. Retrieved September 19, 2011, from http://archive.rec.org/natoworkshop/draft_papers/hakaj_kosova.pdf
This research paper talks about the environmental challenges that Kosovo faces from the pollution that is caused by the old power plants in Obiliq and the dirty coal mines right next to them. It is based on other research that has been done in this field and it is written in English. Its main objective is to reduce the environmental impacts of the energy use and to promote environmental awareness to the people. It also discusses in general the power-plants and the coal mines aside their effects of pollution to the environment.
2. Hamidi, L., ( September, 2011). Ndotje enorme e ambientit. (p. 1). Pristina: Zeri. Retrieved
September 19, 2011, fromhttp://www.zeri.info/artikulli/1/34/29376/ndotje-enorme-e-ambientit/
This newspaper article discuses enormous amounts of air pollution emmited by KEK in Obiliq municipality, near Pristina. It also discusses how some of the residents of Obiliq have had to abandon their houses because of lung diseases emerging in their families caused by ash emission from thermo central B in KEK. Because this part of KEK lacks appropriate filters to reduce ashes, it releases approximately 280 milligram ash, which is above the average levels set by EU standards. The director of hydrometeorology institution of Kosovo, Syle Tahirsylaj, said that they are doing the best in order to maintain and control the quality of air in Kosovo. They have 4 stations which allow them to control the air. Syle Tahirsylaj, says that by the end of this year they will be able to control emissions from KEK and maintain air quality as required by European standards.
3. Hjortberg, A. S., & Wingqvist, G. Ö. (2008). Kosovo environment and climate analysis. University of Gothenburg, Retrieved September 16, 2011, fromhttp://www.sida.se/Global/Countries%20and%20regions/Europe%20incl.%20Central%20Asia/Kosovo/Environmental%20policy%20brief%20Kosovo.pdf
This is an analysis done by the authors Hjortberg and Wingqvist as part of the University of Gothenburg, Economics Department, prior to the Swedish collaboration on strategic environmental assessment in Kosovo. It stresses out few key points related to the environment in Kosovo, such as identification of environmental issues and its causes and effects. Moreover, this article continues to elaborate the situation by pointing out the actors on the management of the environment and analyze the so far progress in the issue. This article is very helpful in providing the readers with a general idea of what are the main environmental problems and the flaws in the management of environment. According to the authors, although being a young country, it is important to be cautious since natural resource degradation is negatively affecting Kosovo’s economic development. Even though the main purpose of this analysis is to provide information for a better collaboration between these two countries, it could be easily used for any research conducted about the Kosovo’s environment.
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Hyseni, V. (2009, December 8). BBCAlbanian.com | Rajoni | Kosova dhe problemet e klimës. BBC - Homepage. Retrieved September 17, 2011, from http://www.bbc.co.uk/albanian/reg
The article “Climate Problems in Kosovo” explains; that although small, Kosovo has a major contribution to the worldwide problem of Global Warming. It explains that one of the main issues is the electricity produced by coal. The article also has involved some concerns of the citizens of Kosovo. On the other hand, an environmentalist argues that the environmental issues have been left aside in Kosovo because of the huge economic problems that the country is facing
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- (2011, April 22)Kosova me mjedis të ndotur - Nacionale - Lajme - Gazeta Express. Gazeta Express. Retrieved September 18, 2011, fromhttp://www.gazetaexpress.com/index.php/artikujt/rubrika/C21/C6/rss.php?cid=1,15,52298
This article is about the environment in Kosovo. It shows us the level of pollution in Kosovo. The article was written in the Day of Earth when the president of Kosovo, Atifete Jahjaga, visited Obilic. This is the region where the power plants are located. This article shows that Kosovo is ranked as one of the most polluted states in Europe, and needs an immediate action to avoid the environment distruction.
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- Neslen, A. (2011, September 9). Greens alarmed as EU lobbies for Kosovo coal plant | EurActiv. EurActiv | European Union Information Website (EU and Europe). Retrieved September 18, 2011, from http://www.euractiv.com/climate-environment/greens-alarmed-eu-lobbies-kosovo-coal-plant-news-507494
This is an article where is shown a letter, which was sent by Mark Johnson, the World Wildlife Fund's senior policy advisor. He asks the members of European Union to help Kosovo built a new power plant because this is the only way to improve Kosovo’s environmental outcomes. He says that this power plant would be less polluting than the existing one, but the environmentalists disagree. They say that this won’t improve Kosovo’s environment outcomes and would not change the Carbon (CO2) emission.
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1. OSCE. (2008). Water supply issues in kosovo. Retrieved from http://waterwiki.net/images/f/f9/Water_supply_issue_in_kosovo-osce.pdf
This Research Paper written by the OSCE´s Monitoring Department deals with the Water supply issues that are present in Kosovo. It tells about water shortages that exists in Kosovo, as no household is provide with water for 24 hours, and it talks about the water management problems that exist. The article also deals with the future competences for water management and supply, including the financial and political problems that regard the realization of these projects. The article is originally written in eglish.
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"Preparatory Assistance to Sustainable Development in Dragas." UNDP-Kosovo. N.p., n.d. Web. 20 Sept. 2011. <www.kosovo.undp.org/index.php?cid=2,100,784|www.kosovo.undp.org/index.php?cid=2,100,784%20||||||||||||\ >.
This is an document that tells about a project dealing with the sustainable development plans/policies that would promote employment and environmental protection in Dragash, Kosovo .
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1. Rexhepi, F., Rugova, A., Arbneshi, T. (2010). Assessment of Heavy Metal Pollution in Ibër River
Sediment. Ohrid, Republic of Macedonia: BALWOIS. Retrieved in September 16, 2011,
from http://balwois.com/balwois/administration/full_paper/ffp-1681.pdf
This research paper written by Fatos Rexhepi, Ardian Rugova, and Tahir Arbneshi in English was intended to determine the quantity of lead, cadmium, copper and zinc in the sediment of the Ibër River as well as identification of the potential pollutants of this water. The authors conducted this study by the side of Department of Technology and the Department of Chemistry in University of Prishtina in 25, 29 May 2010.
This article written by Rexhepi, Rugova, and Arbneshi, contains a research over the heavy metal pollution in the aqua system, specifically in the Iber River. This river is a subject to this kind of pollution being very close to the major mines of lead and zinc in Zvecan and Mitrovica. The result from the research, which included an experiment of the water composition, showed that Iber contains copper, zinc, cadmium and increasing quotes of lead. This research gives data in one of the major environment related issue - that is water pollution. Thus it can be very useful in backing up the arguments over the water pollution in Kosovo.
2. Reintjes, R., Dedushaj, I., Gjini, A., & Rikke, T. (2002). Tularemia ]outbreak investigation in kosovo: case control and environmental studies. CDC, 8(1), 5. Retrieved fromhttp://wwwnc.cdc.gov/eid/article/8/1/01-0131_article.htm#suggestedcitation
This is a report from CDC (Center for disease control and prevention) about a disease called Tularemia which was going in certain parts of Kosovo after war and it was said that was caused from the water contamination.
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1.Salihu, A., (2005, February 25). Kosovo Pollution Fears. Institute for War & Peace Reporting.
BCR Issue 513.Retrieved in September 17, 2011, from http://iwpr.net/report-
news/kosovo-pollution-fears
This article written by Arben Salihu in English has the intention to tackle the pollution problem caused by Kosova A, one of two power stations of the Kosovo Energetic Corporation, KEK. It intensifies the fact that the villagers of Dardhishte are being seriously damaged (lung cancer and respiratory diseases) from the carelessness of the workers in the power plant that remove the filters for whatever reason. The article was issued on February the 25th in 2005 in Institute for War & Peace Reporting page.
2.Shala, F., Dragusha, B., & Sadiku, M. (n.d.). Air pollution in the area around the mining complex Trepça in kosovo. 310-314. Retrieved in September 16, 2011 fromhttp://www.wseas.us/e-library/conferences/2010/Cambridge/EE/EE-50.pdf
In this article, Shala, Dragusha, and Sadiku, present the results of a research conducted in the area near the Mining Complex Trepca in Kosovo, with the purpose of finding the level of environmental damage caused by the mine emissions. Their conclusion showed that the area around Trepca is negatively affected by the mining sector, specifically its toxic/acidic pollution, which comes as a consequence of unsafe working procedure and poor waste management. To evaluate their results, the authors use the limit values set by World Health Organization (WHO). Based on these data, they reach a conclusion that this area represents a major threat for the health of local inhabitants. Due to the lack of data and information regarding the level of pollution in this area, the article itself is very important source in building an argument how Trepca is one of the major pollutants in Kosovo.
3. Syla, A., Veliu, A., & Berisha, K. (2008). Air pollution with particulate matter and heavy metals of Kosovo thermal power plant. Retrieved in September 16, 2011, from http://balwois.com/balwois/administration/full_paper/ffp-972.pdf
The overview on Kosova’s air pollution condition provided by the authors indicates that area around the Power Plants, mainly Obiliq, is one of the largest sites of air pollution in the country. The article provides a background overview on electricity production, then it continues with the generation power from the two main power plants, and it also describes the various environmental impacts of mining operations. As such the article is helpful in identifying the concrete emissions released from the power plants which represent parameters that will define effective solution to improve air quality in Kosova.
This article elaborates the case of one of the greatest polluters in Kosovo – the thermal Power Plant in Obiliq. Kosovo being very rich with coal started to use this resource to generate the energy and as such, Kosovo A and B thermo plants represent the major sources of energy in the country. Nevertheless, operating in poor conditions, both power plants emit major dangerous elements in the air, polluting at the same time air, water and soil. These and other problems, such as management of ash, coming as a consequence of a bad operation of thermo plants are touched by this article. Discussing the case of KEK, this article could be very well utilized in any research over air, water, and soil pollution in Kosovo and how these impact the lives of citizens.
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School of Business, Economics and Law, UNIVERSITY OF GOTHENBURG. (2008). Kosovo environment and climate analysis. 17. Retrieved in September 18, 2011, from http://www.sida.se/Global/Countries%20and%20regions/Europe%20incl.%20Central%20Asia/Kosovo/Environmental%20policy%20brief%20Kosovo.pdf
The article argues the importance and impact of climate and environment in the territory of Kosovo. The Swedish government issues the environmental situation of Kosovo in order to integrate a cooperation strategy within the region. Regarding the development cooperation, the Swedish have concentrated their focus on: Energy; Water; Environment and Security; Adaptation to Climate Changes. Furthermore, the central aim to set stability and peace within the territory of Kosovo opens the path towards the European integration, through the presence of good governance, democracy, and economic development. Nevertheless, environmental concerns indirectly affect the public health, and so, they should be addressed seriously in order to avoid the degradation of natural resources, pollution, and to provide a healthy life in the society of Kosovo. Ultimately, for the above mentioned environmental reasons the Swedish have offered financial aids for environmental development and strategy in Kosovo, and by doing so, they are identified as a major source of solving these types of problems in Kosovo.
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Shah, A. (n.d.). Effects of Bombing on the Environment — Global Issues. Global Issues : social, political, economic and environmental issues that affect us all — Global Issues. Retrieved September 19, 2011, from [http://www.globalissues.org/article/131/effects-of-bombing-on-the-environment
]
This article is about the usage of depleted uranium (DU) by NATO in Kosovo during the bombing period in the war of 1999, which has put to risk the environment and the people in Kosovo as well as the entire Balkan region and other regions of Europe. What results as a major concern in this article, are the effects on the people who live near the bombed chemical factories and polluted rivers. Kosovo stands as the 13th biodiversity resource in the world. Yet, the UN agency that had gone to Kosovo, alleged that NATO air strikes have had a disastrous impact to Kosovo’s environment by influencing the agriculture, industries, employment, essential services, land, air, rivers, lakes and underground waters as well as the food chain and public health Nevertheless, in 1999, environmentalists had warned that KFOR troops and civilians may be prone to the effects of using depleted Uranium such as the Gulf War Syndrome, or other diseases. Also the United Nations Human Rights Tribunal had made a call upon states in 1996, to restrain the production of mass destruction weapons containing depleted uranium. As mentioned in the article, according to the World Health Organization (WHO) depleted uranium contains both chemical and radiological toxicity which mostly affect kidneys and the lungs. At higher dosage DU effects may also lead to the risk of lung cancer and kidney damage. Although the issue was put to discussion, the author points out that the issues concerning the bombing and its effects still remain unquestioned by the mainstream.
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Shala, F., Dragusha, B., & Sadiku, M. (n.d.). Recent Advences in Energy and Development. The World Scientific and Engineering Academy and Society. Retrieved September 18, 2011, from www.wseas.us/e-library/conferences/2010/Cambridge/EE/EE-50.pdf
“Air pollution in the area around the Mining Complex Trepça in Kosovo”
In this paper written by F.Shala, B. Dragusha, and M. Sadiku, is presented the situation in the city of Mitrovica, the polluted air that it gets from the Mining Complex Trepca.
The city of Mitrovica is the most polluted one in Europe. In this area, as explained also in the paper, also the four rivers that are around the city and pass through it have a very polluted water. Furthermore, except from the Mining Complex Trepca, the air in Kosovo is also polluted from the Kosovo Electric Corporation, which is situated very close to the city of Mitrovica. Both of these pollutants do not have highly technologically developed machinery due to low investments in Kosovo. And some experiments being done in the city of Mitrovica are presented in the paper, as well as the results
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1. United Nations Development Programme, UNDP. (n.d.). Environment . Retrieved September 19, 2011, from UNDP website:http://www.kosovo.undp.org/?cid=2,124
This web page discusses the major climate changes that have been going on in Kosovo and its environment due to a vast amount of pollution being emitted from old energy power plants. They lightly mention how the Kosovo legislation that is covering the issue of the environment is having a hard time actually implementing and enforcing it and that environmental awareness in general is very low among the public of Kosovo.
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1. Zeneli, L., Daci, N., Pacarizi, H., & Ajvazi, M. (2011). Impact of environmental pollution on human health of the population which lives nearby kosovo thermopower plants. Unpublished manuscript, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Prishtina , Prishtina, Kosova. Retrieved from http://ibe.sagepub.com/content/20/4/479.abstract
This study deals with the environmental pollution as a result of outflow from the coal processing industry. It concentrates on all the different elements that emerge when burning coal in the Power Plants and that might have a fatal impact on the environment. The study also talks about the ash that emissions from the 2 Power Plants and the direct effect on human health of the population living in the industrial area of Obiliç, who have to inhale that ash everyday.