Anesa Colakovic, Kastriot Shala,Nita Nishliu, Hevzi Abdullahu, Argjira Lluka, Edona Begu, Gentiana Mahmuti, Rita Saraci, Adelina Bilalli, Abetare Gojani, Shpend Bytyqi, Rina Rezniqi, Hana Gafurri, Dafina Prekazi, Rrona Kelmendi, Dijana Simijonovic, Edona Bajrami, Blerina Halili, Nart Orana, Ljubica Jankovic, Ylli Qerkini, Miroslav Jacimovic, Ejona Blyta, Laure Lumezhi, Deniz Tortoshi, Festim Selimi, Blond Gerqari, Buleza Ahmeti, Lirim Bllaca, Sinan Thaqi, Brishen Iannitelli-Pombo, Besart Grabanica, Kreshnik Zeneli,Valon Hasanaj, Ermira Birinxhiku, Kaltrina Sulejmani, Mimoza Selmani, Leotrim Krasniqi, Qendresa Imeri,

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Anup Shah, A. S. (2001). The Kosovo Crisis. Retrieved from http://www.globalissues.org/article/126/the-kosovo-crisis

As many other articles talk about war and its impacts on Kosovo’s environmental issues, this article talks about war as well. Further, it argues on the last war (1999) in Kosovo with Serbia and it shows the consequences of the war on the environment. 

Arben Salihu (2005). Kosovo Pollution Fears. Retrieved September 18,2011 from http://iwpr.net/report-news/kosovo-pollution-fears

This article/blog was written by Arben Salihu from Balkans-Regional Reporting & Sustainable Training. He clearly points out very important issues on how the current situation in the village of Dardhishte, which is near the chimney Kosova A, is affecting many residents’ lives. Many residents are blaming KEK for the death of many of their family members. However, on the other side, some KEK representatives are accepting the fault but at the same time claiming that there is nothing that can be done, considering that there is no sufficient budget to build a pro-environment plant house that would not harm anyone. This article tackles the deep reality of many Kosovars who are suffering from this issue therefore; it would be a very good article to find arguments.

          The article here is talking about the negative effects of the Kosovo A powerplant on its close environment, mostly on the village of Dardhishte, which is located right beside the plant and therefore absorbs most of the negative effects of the plant, such as pollution. Namely, high emissions of particles and poisonous gas coming from the chimney of the plant, as well as other toxic materials which are poured into the rivers and streams of this area have caused many casualties in this region, especially in the village of Dardhishte. In this area, people consider themselves lucky if none of their family members has died as result of pollution, which apparently causes lung cancer. Namely, the emissions of Kosovo A were 74 times higher than the maximum allowed by European standards (Salihu, 2006 , par. 3). Such huge emissions are largely due to the poor quality of the filters installed on the chimneys, which need to be replaced with more efficient ones.

            The magnitude of the pollution seems to be caused by the human factor as well, as the workers, and presumably, the managers, would remove the filter for greater power production (Salihu, 2006 , par. 10). As the news about the filter removal was spread, the management of KEK came out to say that they are not aware that something like that happened, and did not even initiate an investigation to at least prove that nothing has happened. The ministers of the energy sector say that “this situation is tragic, yet we must run the plants in order to provide enough electricity for the people of Kosovo” (Salihu, 2006 , par. 32).

            The idea of development and modernization is to find new and improved ways that people can benefit. Do we see that here? Apparently not. The statements of the ministers that we must choose whether we want a healthier environment or more energy is also tragic. There is always something that can be done to ensure that the tradeoff does not exist, or to at least minimize it. But nothing can be done if people who can make a difference stand idle. A lot more must be done to raise awareness of the subject, because, like you and me and everybody else living in Kosovo, people of Dardhishte village and its surrounding deserve the same living conditions we have. For if we do not do that, then there will be no equity in our society, and the environment and the people will suffer more and more. 

Salihu, A. (2005, February 21). Air Pollution Fears_. Lung cancer and respiratory diseases are cutting a swathe through villages next to Kosovo’s ageing electricity stations._ Retrieved September 10, 2012, from http://iwpr.net/report-news/kosovopullution-fears

I this article, issues of the chemicals that release air pollution from the concrete chimney of Kosovo A (KEK,) are effecting the health of the civilians in a small village called Dardhishte. Many of the people that live in Dardhishte die of lung cancer or other diseases, caused by the air pollution.  Muhamet Gerguri (a village leader,  says, “you consider yourself lucky if no one in your family has yet died, or is now dying of, cancer.”  This shows the tragedy of the people that live in that small village. The problem is KEK cannot prevent the air pollution from happening. While many people in the village have moved to safer areas, villages, and towns, families who are too poor to move out of the village have to suffer the consequences of an early death.

            This air pollution causes the death of 68% of babies near the cities and villages of KEK. The chemicals also go into the rivers, making the water unsafe not only to animals, but for humans to drink. The ministry of Environment is doing their best to help prevent such deaths. They promised to move families out of the areas where the air pollution is affecting them but not much has actually been done or enforced. Because KEK is in so much debt from the nonpaying users of electricity/energy, KEK is unable to afford filters for the power plants. KEK cannot stop working because we need our energy, but they also cannot prevent the harmful air pollution.

            This article explains just some of the dangers caused by KEK. But the only ones to blames are us. The people who don’t pay their bills caused KEK to be in debt. We are the causes of many deaths in the cities, towns, and villages near KEK.

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Bajraktari, K. (2007). Environmental Deterioration risks Kosovo'sfuture*. Retrieved September 18, 2011, from KIJAZ

http://www.kijacnews.net/vnews/display.v/ART/2007/03/20/45ffbe7f00c1a

This article was published by Kreshnik Bajrtaktari in KIJAC – Kosovo Institute of Journalism and Communication under the name “Environmental Deterioration Risks Kosovo’s Future”. It writes about the idea of producing the Kosova C energy plant. This article argues that the production of Kosova C energy plant is not a good idea. Firstly, because we already have a lot of dust or air pollution from Kosova A and B, thus we do not need another plant to create more dust. Second, the amount of money that will be invested in this plant is very high. The two energetic plants are causing not only air pollution but also deceases like the simple act of breathing, an increase in cases of bronchial asthma, emphysema and lung cancer cases. Unfortunately, there are not enough data that can prove that Obiliq is causing most of the lung cancers, so there is no one who will be willing to invest in this. UNMIK also stated that it would be very difficult to build a new energetic plant around Obiliq because it is near Prishtina, in which almost half of the population lives and most of them drive every day through that road, so the air is being polluted even more. The main criterion of this problem is definitely health of the citizens of Kosovo. Also, another criterion is the cost that Kosovo government would have if they decide to find a solution for this problem.

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

Authors of this article argue that the drinking water quality in the 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 it is the most polluted city in Europe as well. The article discusses the water pollution caused by exploiting those natural resources, which basically pollutes 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 was originally written in English.

Bekteshi, F. (2001). Challenges Facing Kosovo *. Retrieved September 18, 2011, from REC Kosovo  http://sector.rec.org/assistance/urban/kosovo.pdf*

The first source is a document published by Firdezi Bekteshi and it’s called “Challenges facing Kosovo.” Moreover, in this document the author explains how Kosovo is a landlocked territory in Balkan Pennsylvania, and what its environmental problems are. One of the problems that he mentions is water pollution. As a landlocked country, Kosovo has many rivers in different geographical parts. But these rivers are much polluted and the water quality in those lowland rivers is very poor. Moreover, it has a lack of proper water treatment; nevertheless, you can use them for a small volume of water supply. Comparing it to other heavily polluted rivers, which cannot be used as a water supply tool for citizens, Kosovo is having many difficulties in providing the whole society with a 24 hours water supply. As a result of wasted water, there is a high incidence of water-borne diseases causing the society many health problems. He also states that: “Recent chemical and bacteriological monitoring show that the majorities of Kosovo’s rivers are polluted and may not even be used for industrial needs without prior treatment” meaning that the cost of cleaning the water is very high, so the government may not consider it in their agenda because they might not have the money to afford its treatment.

Borgna, L., Di Lella, L. A., Nannonni, F., Pisani, A., Pizzatti, E., Protano, G., Riccobono, F., & Rossi, S. (2009). The high contents of lead in soils of northern kosovo. Journal of Geochemical Exploration, 101(2), 137-146. Retrieved from http://www.sciencedirect.com.ezproxy.rit.edu/science/article/pii/S0375674208000617

This article was written by a group of researchers from the University of Siena. The researchers conducted a soil-based geochemical survey in an area of about 350 km2 in northern Kosovo around the Zveçan Lead-Zinc smelter. The article shows that the surface area, especially around the smelter is heavy polluted with heavy elements such as Lead, Zinc, Cadmium etc. The article also contains many graphs of pollution levels and also some maps of the heavy polluted areas. One of the findings of this article is that the pollution in this area exceeds by large the EU standards on soil pollution. Additionally, the authors also warn of the effects of this pollution in the air quality and in the wild and cultivated plants that enter the food chain. Concentrations of heavy elements related to mining activities significantly decreased with depth; hence the pollution basically affected the upper 50 cm of soil, and it decreased systematically with distance from the smelter. Finally, the authors also argue that Soil remediation could be rather simple and relatively inexpensive owing to the limited depth of penetration of the contaminants.

Brian H. Bowen, P. (2011). Energy Efficiency, Economics & Environment. Prishtine: Center

for Energy and Natural Resources.

This report is about the air pollution in Prishtina. According to the center for Energy and natural Resources, “air pollution comes from three main sources: Coal-Fired Power Plants, Wood Burning Stoves, and Road Transportation. The only recorded air pollutant in Prishtina that does not meet with EU requirements is PM10 (Particulate Matter, 10 micrograms per cubic meter).

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Canolli, L. (2011). Zëri • INFO - Kryeqyteti  - Kroi, Dobi apo Dëm për Banorët e “Taukbashçes”. Zëri • INFO. Retrieved September 19, 2011, from http://www.zeri.info/artikulli/27/27/33070/kroi-dobi-apo-dem-per-banoret-e-taukbashces/

This online article argues on how the neighbors of the “Taukbashçe” neighborhood are complaining about the destruction of the environment, the fountain, and the noise of the tractors’ tanks. According to the citizens, the ones who are responsible for all this are the employers of the “Hortikultura” Company. They argue that every day, 15 to 20 tractor tanks fill their reservoirs with water from the fountain. These tanks are damaging the environment and making a lot of noise. Seems like, the reason that the employers are taking this huge amount of water is not just for watering, but rather for other purposes.

Carbon dioxide.  Water Treatment and Purification - Lenntech*. Retrieved October 3, 2011, from [http://www.lenntech.com/carbon-dioxide.htm*|http://www.lenntech.com/carbon-dioxide.htm*]

Since the industrial revolution in 1850 began, human processes have been causing emissions of greenhouse gasses, such as CFC's and carbon dioxide. This has caused an environmental problem: the amounts of greenhouse gasses grew so extensively, that the earth's climate is changing because the temperatures are rising. This unnatural addition to the greenhouse effect is known as [global warming|http://www.lenntech.com/greenhouse-effect/global-warming-overview.htm]. It is suspected that global warming may cause increases in storm activity, Melting of ice caps on the poles, which will cause flooding of the inhabited continents, and other environmental problems. This article talks about CO2 in general, all of its effects on the environment and the human health, as well as about it chemical origin.

Read more: [http://www.lenntech.com/carbon-dioxide.htm#ixzz1Zkzl49nB|http://www.lenntech.com/carbon-dioxide.htm#ixzz1Zkzl49nB]

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Didde Frese, Signe, S. D. F., Klitgaard, Rune, R. K., & Kock Pedersen, Eske, E. K. P. (2003/04). Environmental Management in Kosovo - Heavy Metal Emission from Trepca.. Retrieved from http://rudar.ruc.dk/bitstream/1800/210/1/Environmental_management_in.pdf

This online article is about the project that is related to the environmental management in Kosovo. It focuses in the huge impact that Trepca (lead and zinc mining facility) causes to the environment. The investigation has tried to determine the extent of the heavy metal pollution of the nearby river, and has found that the mining waste is a source of heavy metal pollution to the river. In addition, this project argues that the pollution contains health risk to the population. This project analyzes some tools which might help Kosovo’s environmental management of Trepca in the future. 

This study points out the conditions of the Trepca mine and the environmental impact that it has on the life of the nearby citizens. It talks on how Kosovo should not advance economically while damaging the environment, but should rather advance environmentally and by this create situations where it would benefit in both economic and environmental aspect.

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European Union. (2007). Rebuilding the energy sector in kosovo*. Prishtine: European Agency for Reconstruction.Retrieved fromhttp://ec.europa.eu/enlargement/archives/ear/publications/main/documents/EnergyKosovoJuly07.pdf*

This is a research paper, financed by the European Union and written by the European Agency for Reconstruction, regarding the new energy sectors that are going to be build in Kosovo. It gives information about the amount of money that has been invested up till now in Kosovo's energy sector in order to maintain it, and it tells about the efficiency a new power plant would have.

Elezaj, Q.Selimi, K, Letaj, A.Plakiqi. S. I. Mehmeti and A. Milaimi. (2011). Metal Bioaccumulation, Enzymatic Activity, Total Protein and Hematology of Feral Pigeon (Columba Livia), Living in the Courtyard of Ferronickel Smelter in Drenas. Journal of Chemical Health Risks , 6.

This report is about the  environmental issue of the air pollution from Ferronikel. “The smelter Ferronikeli is located in Drenas. Drenas is located 20 kilometres far from Prishtina (capital of Republic of Kosovo) in the West. The smelter has operated since 1982. Ferronikeli has three open pit mines: the Dushkaja mine with estimated reserves of 6.2 million tonnes; the Suka mine-0.8 million tonnes and the Gllavica with 6.8 million tones”. This environmental issue has affected the residents of Drenas and villages around Drenas.

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Fatos Rexhepi, F.R, Ardian Rugova, A.R, Tahir Arbneshi, T.A. (2011). Assessment of Heavy Metal Pollution in Ibër River Sediment, Kosova. Retrieved, 20 Septemeber 2011, from, 
http://balwois.com/balwois/administration/full_paper/ffp-1681.pdf

This article was written by three University of Pristina graduates (Fatos Rexhepi, Ardian Rugova and Tahir Arbneshi).  The study, which was written in English, showed the various metal substances which were found in the Iber River. The elements found in the river are some of the prime constituents of water pollution generally. Concentrations of lead, cadmium, copper and zinc, were some of the heavy metals which were found in the Iber River.

Ferat Shala, F.SH, Bedri Dragusha, B.D, Milaim Sadiku, M.S. (2011). Air Pollution in the area of around the Mining Complex Trepca in Kosovo. Retrieved, 20 September 2001, from, 
http://www.wseas.us/e-library/conferences/2010/Cambridge/EE/EE-50.pdf

This article was authored by three fellows from the Mechanical Engineering Faculty of the University of Pristina. The authors were as follows: Mr. Sc. Ferat Shala, Dr. Sc. Bedri Dragusha and Mr. Sc. Milaim Sadiku. The article was written in English, and it reports on the levels of pollution around the Trepca mining facility. Results were compared with WHO standards, which showed the high levels of pollution in the areas around the Trepca mining facility.  Amongst other observations it was established that lead dispositions are four times higher than the acceptable norm set up by WHO.

Firdezi Bekteshi, F.B. (2011). Challenges Facing Kosovo. Retrieved September 2011, from, http://sector.rec.org/assistance/urban/kosovo.pdf

Firdezi Bekteshi is the author of the article named “Challenges Facing Kosovo.” This journal article is written in English. Some of the main points discussed are the major environmental issues that Kosovo has been facing for a long time. Water waste and industrial pollution are considered as some heavy environmental problems that are present in our country. Poor management of waste is also a crucial problem; people show little interest in reducing the quantity of such dangerous waste or recycling them, which later lead to other major issues, such as affecting in human’s health.

Fetah Halili, F. H. (2009). National Background Report on Environmental Research for Kosovo (under unscr 1244). Retrieved from http://www.wbcinco.net/attach/1Report_Kosovo_UNSCR1244.pdf

This article says nothing more or less then everything about Kosovo’s environment. It talks about its framework, and research projects on environmental issues. It also includes a SWOT analysis for Kosovo’s environment strength.

Frese, S. D., Klitgaard, R., & Pederson, E. K. (2003/2004). Environmental issues in kosovo. Retrieved from  http://www.rucsdigitaleprojektbibliotek.dk/bitstream/1800/210/1/Environmental_management_in.pdf

This article is about environmental management in Kosovo. The main issue and focus of this article is the impact that the mining industry located in Trepca has to Kosovo’s environment. The article was published in 2003/2004. According to the article a lot of mining waste contaminates the water of a river that is located near the mining industry. This is dangerous for the population of that area and statistics show high levels of lead and cadmium in the water, much more than the normal and accepted level. Lawsuits are analyzed in order to provide the government of Kosovo with a concrete solution and effective management for the whole mining industry, especially for Trepca. It is argued in the article that a better management of the metal emission from Trepca would lead Kosovo to economic and environmental benefits.

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Hjortberg, A. S., & Wingqvist, G. Ö. (2008). Kosovo Environment and Climate Analysis. University of Gothenburg, Retrieved September 18, 2011,  from http://www.sida.se/Global/Countries%20and%20regions/Europe%20incl.%20Central%20Asia/Kosovo/Environmental%20policy%20brief%20Kosovo.pdf

This article was written by Hjotberg and Wingqvist from University of Gothenburg and it argues about the environment issues that Kosovo is currently facing and it describes the reasons why do these issues happen. Therefore, considering that this article stresses one of the most important issues that Kosovo is dealing nowadays, it might be useful to find argument and argue about this topic.

This research paper discusses several environmental conditions and issues within the territory of Kosovo but from a different point of view – a point of view which would help Sweden to identify the ways in which it could help Kosovo in improving in the environmental conditions in Kosovo and by this also help Kosovo to get closer in meeting EU standards.

Hyland, J. . Depleted uranium responsible for cancer among Europe's Balkan troops. World Socialist Web Site*. Retrieved October 3, 2011, from [http://www.wsws.org/articles/2001/jan2001/uran-j09.shtml*|http://www.wsws.org/articles/2001/jan2001/uran-j09.shtml*]

This article was published by the International Committee of the Fourth International (ICFI) and it gives information about the effects of depleted uranium on Balkans in general. It sets the uranium as the main cause of high cancer rate in Balkan countries affecting as well the people that came to work and help the after war countries, the troops present in Balkans. Italy is the latest European country calling on NATO to investigate a possible link between its use of depleted uranium weapons in the Balkans and the emergence of leukaemia-like illnesses amongst some soldiers who served there.

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Isufi, F., Gashi, G., Ramadani, I., & Bulliqi, S. (2007). Electric Power, Environmental Problem in Kosovo. Retrieved September 17, 2011, from World Scientific and Engineering Academy and Society (WSEAS) Stevens Point, Wisconsin, USA ©2007: http://dl.acm.org/.cfm?id=1974193

The purpose of this article is to explain how Kosovo’s air is polluted by the power plants built in the Municipality of Obiliq. They are built at a quite huge area, an area which can be used for agricultural purposes. In this article environmental issues are discussed, and it uses two criteria to elaborate the problem. One is the air pollution created by burning lignite, and the second one is the mines where raw materials for power plants to work are extracted.

IslamicAwakening.Com: The Deadly Legacy of Nato Strikes in Kosovo. IslamicAwakening.Com*. Retrieved October 3, 2011, from http://www.islamicawakening.com/viewarticle.php?articleID=464*

This article argues that the high death rate in Kosovo comes as a result of the NATO bombing during the Kosovo war. Furthermore, it talks about the effects of depleted uranium on young and old people, as well as on unborn children.

PROVISIONAL INSTITUTIONS OF SELF-GOVERNMENT, Kosovo State of The Environment Report, received from http://enrin.grida.no/htmls/kosovo/Kosovo_SOE_part1.pdf

At the end of this article you can find a subtitle that is about the Environmental pollution impact in the health of the citizens of Kosovo.    

Drinking water and sanitation, waste issues, dust and heavy metals, other types of pollution produced by industries and heavy traffic are mentioned as the most important environmental problems that Kosovo faces with.

In this article you can also find several statistics that have been made on several issues, such as only 28 of population that has access to sewage system. Also drinking water in many areas is contaminated by waste water, and according to this a high percentage of peoples are being infected from diffuser diseases.  

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KEK’u Vështirëson Frymëmarrjen - Ambient - Gazeta Jeta në Kosovë. Ballina - Gazeta Jeta në Kosovë. Retrieved October 28, 2011, from http://www.gazetajnk.com/?cid=1%2C978%2C441

This is an article which is released in October 28 2011 and explains the way that the workers in KEK have problems breathing because of the old chimneys in KEK. But still none cares about the poor workers there. Throughout the article it is shown that the workers there are the ones who are most affected by respiratory diseases.

Kosovo Cleans Up Environmental Legacy; Project Aims to Remove Ash Heaps Outside Prishtina, Turn Over Reclaimed Land for Farming, Construction, and Other Uses. (2006). M2PressWIRE. Retrive from EBSCO host.http://web.ebscohost.com.ezproxy.rit.edu/ehost/detail?sid=fa98a2b0-e416-406e-9415-209d3086a5b0%40sessionmgr104&vid=1&hid=119&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWhvc3QtbGl2ZQ%3d%3d#db=nfh&AN=16PU1915348205

In this article, the authors, whom are not mentioned, talk about how Kosovo is making a big step towards the clean environment with the project of cleaning the ash heaps that are outside Prishtina. It also states that the World’s Bank has given Kosovo a fond of $5.5 Million. These subsidize are for the Energy sector clean up and Land reclaim projects.

Kosovo State of The Environment Report. (2003). Retrieved from UNMIK - PROVISIONAL INSTITUTIONS OF SELF-GOVERNMENT,: http://enrin.grida.no///_SOE_part1.pdf

The purpose of this publication is to identify and highlight the environmental problems in the country. These problems are the ones who required treatment from the ministry and government.
The three most common criteria used to evaluate the problems are:

• The severity of the problem: How serious is the problem for the environment of the country? What are the impacts in the future?
• Impact of economy in the environment: Is the agriculture development damaging the environment?
• Impact of the environmental pollution in the health of citizens of Kosovo: Which are the main factors that pollute the environment and what is their impact in the health of the population?

The article is mainly focused in the environmental situation of the post-war Kosovo. War played a substantial role in the poor environmental condition; therefore it aims to address this issue. The three main criteria used to evaluate the environmental problems are: the severity of the problem, the economical impact in the environment and the impact of pollution in the health of citizens.

Kosovar Media Resource & Information Online Magazine. (2011). Retrieved November 7, 2011,

from http://www.newskosovo.tk/

The article is about the danger that appears the danger for the workers on the factory. The Greek Management has faced many complaints from its employees. And there were many explosions that were caused because of insufficient working conditions and equipments

This is an article taken from UNDP Kosovo describing millenium development goals. Here you can find useful and important topics about Kosovo

http://www.ks.undp.org/?cid=2,120

Kasapolli, Ariana. "Normat E Larta Të Ndotjes." Evropa E Lirë - Radio Evropa E Lirë © 2012. 16 Oct. 2009. Web. 24 Jan. 2012, from http://www.evropaelire.org/content/article/1853222.html

In this article we can find some norms and interviews with some environmental experts. Some of them say that the air pollution in Kosovo is 3 to 6 levels higher than should be. One of the environmental experts says that the “Ferronikel” in Drenas is most polluted factory in Kosovo. Also, they inform us that Kosovo has a station when they can measure the quality of air. Also the cars pollute the air, but the government create a law, Kosovo's citizens can not register any cars which are older than eight years. 

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Luhaj, L. (2011). Gjelbërimi Përballë Thatësisë.Zeri Info. Retrieved September 19, 2011, from http://www.zeri.info/artikulli/27/27/34290/gjelberimi-perballe-thatesise/

The point of this online article is that even though there are a lot of parks in Prishtina, people are not putting much effort to maintain them, as they should. There are litters everywhere; most of the wooden chairs are damaged, which does not give any good image of our behavior. Although Kosovo’s Municipalities had done some investigation for finding better ways to maintain the parks, still it is the citizen’s responsibility for their negligence. This source is very useful and the information is reliable since we have also the citizens’ comments towards the maintenance of the parks.

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Marzouk, L., & Çollaku, P. (2012, June 12). Ndotja dhe Humbja e Kushtueshme e Ujit - Ambient - Gazeta Jeta në Kosovë. Gazeta Jeta në Kosovë - Ballina - Gazeta Jeta në Kosovë. Retrieved September 13, 2012, from http://gazetajnk.com/?cid=1,978,2432It is an online article on Gazeta Jeta ne Kosove, published on June 12, 2012, talking about two reports from the World Bank regarding environmental issues in Kosovo.These two reports have warned that the pollution of the land, water and air is costing Kosovo up to 330 million Euros per year and the early death of thousands of people, but not only this, it may also lead Kosovo to a conflict with neighboring countries. It mainly discusses how the waters in Kosovo are contaminated from different sources, starting from the throwing of the sewage directly to the rivers and the dumping of industrial remaining from KEK. It explains how this is not only a problem for Kosovo, as for example, the city of Prishtina throws the sewage directly to Sitnica River which flows in the Iber River, and then continues in the Danube, the latter two pass through Serbia. So, the article suggests that the authorities immediately undertake the necessary steps to stop the contamination of the water, in order to protect the citizens of Kosovo, as well as prevent any possible conflict between Kosovo and neighbor countries.

Ministry of Environment and Spatial Planning. (2003).Kosovo State of the Environment Report. Retrieve from http://enrin.grida.no/htmls/kosovo/Kosovo_SOE_part1.pdf

This other article say basically everything about Kosovo and its environment. It starts with what type of climate Kosovo has, to continue with Impacts of economy in environment, transportation and to end it up with the hazardous waste and hazardous materials.

This report gives a lot charts, data, facts, and figures regarding Kosovo’s environment and natural resources. It gives insights on all factors which are related to the environment and the pollution in Kosovo (i.e. economic growth, environment related diseases, vehicle distribution, etc.) All the data are given in order to prove that the reason why Kosovo has pollution issues is uncontrolled economic growth..

MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND SPATIAL PLANNING. (2006).Kosovo Environmental Action Plan 2006 – 2010. Retrieved from

http://waterwiki.net/images/b/b9/KosovoEnvActionPlan.pdf

In this article the Ministry of environment and spatial planning explains what the government of Kosovo at that time had in plan for Kosovo’s environment. Moreover, they talked about climate change, air quality etc. In other words they talked about what are their plans for Kosovo’s future 4 years.

Ministry of Environmental and Spatial Planning (2001). Environmenta problems in Kosovo, receiver on 27,2012 form http://enrin.grida.no/htmls/kosovo/SoE/index.htm

This article is written by Ministry of Environment and Spatial Planning. I have found this web site really useful regarding the essay that we had to write about the problems which Kosovo faces with. And here you can find which problems Kosovo faces with mostly nowadays, and statistic regarding to those problems how they harm environment and people’s health. Some of them that are mentioned here are: waste management, water pollution, air pollution, degradation, biodiversity, climate change, forestry, and some others.

Ministry of Environment and Spatial Planning, Reports: Water Resources, Water demands,Water balance assessment and Programme of measures. http://siteresources.worldbank.org/INTKOSOVO/Resources/Report_Exec_Summ_Water_Security_for_Central_Kosovo.pdf (25/03/2011)

This article talks about a study done by Government of Kosova in Cooperation with World Bank. World Bank was asked by Government of Kosova to help them in accomplishing a study on the quality of water in Kosova. The target of this study was river basin of Ibri and Hidrosystem of Lepenci. Their aim was to find the source of water, demands for water, and estimation for quality of water.

Musliu, Jeton. (September 21, 2011). Living Under the Shadow of Death. Gazeta Jeta në Kosovë. Retrieved from http://gazetajnk.com/?cid=1,978,39

“Living Under the Shadow of Death” is a newspaper article that was published in the local newspaper, Jeta në Kosovë, just over a year ago. It was written by the acclaimed, Pristina-based journalist, Jeton Musliu. It was originally written and published in Albanian language; however, this review is of the version that was translated to English language. Musliu has written and worked for several different newspapers and new companies, covering stories in both Pristina and other parts of the Balkans. He has also traveled to other European countries to research and work on various news stories and articles. In this particular article, Musliu focused on the village and villagers of Dardhishtë, which is near to Obiliq, another fairly small village, outside of Pristina and very close to the KEK power plants. 

In the article, Jeton Musliu focuses on the deadly amounts of pollution that are emitted by the KEK coal-fired power plant, known as Kosovo A. This power plant is very old and outdated and it was built long before safety regulations were considered to be a serious concern. The plant was supposed to be closed down between 2015 and 2017, so that Kosovo could begin to work towards the European Union’s standards and limits on Carbon emissions. However, according to this article, this idea of closing down Kosovo A power plant has “unofficially” been rejected, and KEK plans to keep the plant open until 2025. Musliu chose to visit the village of Dardhishtë and talk with the people who live there for this story because they are the people who are most endangered and most harmfully affected by the use of the coal-fired power plant and by KEK’s negligent activities and decisions. Many if not most, of these villagers include KEK employees and their families, which is one reason why they live within clear sight of the plant. Doctor Musli Mehaj, a specialist at the Institute of Medicine of Labor, believes Dardhishtë to be the most dangerous place to live in relation to the Kosovo A power plant. He says that they see between 200 and 300 patients a day, mostly KEK employees and their families, all suffering from repertory problems, and some with other illnesses as well. Of all of Kosovo, Dardhishtë has the highest rate of people who are affected by cancer. The issues of extreme air pollution, discussed in this article are very important because they are having deadly effects on the people living in villages near to the power plant. If the Kosovo A power plant is not closed down, the terribly polluted air will continue causing disease and death. This article is also something to consider in regards to the push to build a new coal-fired power plant in the corresponding area.  

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Nelsen, A. Greens alarmed as EU lobbies for Kosovo coal plant | EurActiv.EurActiv | European Union Information Website (EU and Europe). Retrieved September 20, 2011, from http://www.euractiv.com/climate-environment/greens-alarmed-eu-lobbies-kosovo-coal-plant-news-507494

Kosovo C' would be less polluting than the existing 'Kosovo A' plant, and so enable Prishtina to meet its obligations under the Energy Community Treaty, and also to fulfill the requirements of the EU's Large Combustion Plant Directive.  

We urge the Bank to continue its involvement in the New Kosovo Power Plant as the best and only way to improve Kosovo's environmental outcomes. Europe should be using all of its powers to help Kosovo and its neighbors a path towards eventual European integration.  
Lignite is a form of coal which high levels of CO2.The European Bank of  Reconstruction and Development and European Investment Bank are together providing €770 million of loans to a lignite coal plant.

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This is a PDF from OSCE website about Water Supply Issues in Kosovo released in July 2008

http://www.osce.org/documents/mik/2008/07/32394_en.pdf

Direct Link Location: http://www.osce.org/kosovo/32988

(the place of the link below was changed if you dont want to wait 10 seconds for the redirecting click to the second link).

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Rexhepi, F., Rugova, A., & Arbneshi, T. (2010). Assessment of Heavy Metal Pollution in Ibër River Sediment, Kosova. Retrieved September 18, 2011, from http://balwois.com/balwois/administration/full_paper/ffp-1681.pdf

This article discusses the issue of air pollution in particular matter and heavy metals of Kosovo Thermal Power and it is written by Arbneshi, Rexhepi,and Rugova.

Considering that Kosovo is a mountainous farm region which in the past was in the process of industrialization because of its rich coal and mineral resources, the problem of air pollution in the surroundings of power plants appeared as early as 1954 when Thermal Power Plant of Kosovo started working in Obiliq. As a result, the Iber River is mostly exposed to the pollution caused by several metals, such as zinc and copper; therefore this is a very good article that can be used to argue about the pollution in Kosovo.

Ryan,F.F.(2000). Kosovo’s Wounded Environment. E: The Environmental Magazine, 10(5), 23. Retrieved from EBSCO host. http://web.ebscohost.com.ezproxy.rit.edu/ehost/detail?vid=3&hid=119&sid=084c513f-1a1a-4b8da231e92d7a0217a%40sessionmgr113&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWhvc3QtbGl2ZQ%3d%3d#db=afh&AN=24064157

This is an early article written on Kosovo’s environmental issues. In this article, the author explains how the NATO bombings in Kosovo had an impact on the environment of Kosovo.

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 Selani, A. (2011). Ndotja kërcënon banorët e Obiliqit. Evropa e lirë - Radio Evropa e Lirë © 2011. Retrieved November 7, 2011, from http://www.evropaelire.org/content/article/3545433.html

Over the past year, there were 14 new cases of cancer presented on the municipality of Obiliq, where the major cause of this disease is considered to be the high environmental pollution in the municipality. The power plants of Corporation of Electricity of Kosova (KEK), located in Obiliq, are the main cause of environmental pollution and health related diseases.

Shala, F., Dragusha, B., Dr., & Sadiku, M. . Air Pollution in the Area Around the Mining Complex Trepça in Kosovo. Retrieved September 18, 2011, from Republic of Kosovo < http://www.wseas.us/e-library/conferences/ 2010/Cambridge/EE/EE-50.pdf> as well as this source UNDP. (n.d.). Projects of UNDP*. Retrieved September 18, 2011, from UNDP       http://www.kosovo.undp.org/?cid=2,92,26*

This research document was published by three student of University of Prishtina named “Air pollution in the area around the Mining Complex Trepça in Kosovo.” Furthermore, they did a lot of research and came up with a very specific presentation of the problem of Trepca. They say that Kosovo is threatened by the toxic metals especially Mitrovica which has a high level of pollution with the dust particles where the maximum value reaches 5560.8 mg/m2/day that is 20 times more than WHO recommends. With all the details that they found the authors came to conclusion that these toxic metals from Trepca represent immediate health risks to the adjacent residential areas through uncontrolled emissions of airborne dust. And they suggest that this problem has to be treated as a long-term one, measuring the airborne dust concentration in the air as well as the percentage of the toxic's in air. This way the air quality will be better and the dust percentage will be lower. The criterion of this problem is the health condition of the citizens as well as the cost of solving this problem. Nonetheless, UNDP project in another article (source) said that they already informed the government for this problem and they have a plan how to solve it. Moreover, they will find out the levels of the pollution of mining in, will create underground waters, superficial waters such as streams and rivers etc.

Shllaku, L., & Beqiri, E. . Një Përrallë Moderne Kosova C 2100. PDF. Retrieved November 7, 2011, from kos.rec.org/albanian/pdf/Nje_Perralle_Moderne.pdf

Currently, Kosova A and B power plants, located in Obiliq, are enormous air polluters, especially considering the amount of dust that is emitted from these power plants. Hence, the level of dust emission from the power plant Kosova A is 40 times higher than the maximum permitted concentration by the EU regulation whereas the emission from Kosovo B is 10 times higher.

Swiss Development Cooperation Office. UNDP, Energy Development. (2007). Energy for development - human development report 2007. Retrieved from         http://www.kosovo.undp.org/repository/docs/KHDR_eng_opt.pdf

This is an Report written by the Swiss Development Cooperation Office, researched in Kosovo, to determine the Development of the Energy Sector, in connection with Human Development, Energy Supply Changes and Challenges, and it talks about Energy Consumption: Trends, Perceptions and Attitudes. The report is written in English, and the information it gives is very useful, based on the quality and the graphs.

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Tahirsylaj, Sylë; Afrim Syla;  Agron Veliu; Inxh.Dip;, Letafete Latifi. Spatial Distribution of Settled Air Pollution in Mitrovica : Comparison Between Seasons 2006-2007

http://www.undp.org/energyandenvironment/sustainabledifference/PDFs/Europe/Kosovo.pdf<<

UNIVERSITY OF GOTHENBURG, School of Business, Economics and Law, Environmental Economics Unit (2008). Kosovo Environment and   Climate Analysis. Retrieved 18 September 2011, from, http://www.sida.se/Global/Countries%20and%20regions/Europe%20incl.%20Central%20Asia/Kosovo/Environmental%20policy%20brief%20Kosovo.pdf

The School of Business, Economics and Law (University of Gothenburg) wrote this draft paper in English language. It discusses some of the main environmental issues concerning Kosovo, such as air pollution and unclean water. There are also mentioned various impacts that such environmental issues have on public health.

United Nations Development Programme, U. N. D. P. (2010). Environment and Climate Change. Retrieved from http://www.kosovo.undp.org/?cid=2,124

This article speaks about the level of environmental awareness and action in the post-war Kosovo. It also explains the first steps which have been taken in making environment a part of the Kosovo's government agenda. Further it gives information on how Kosovo will benefit from the experiences that other countries had in this field in the past.

Article 1: Water

Water Supply In Kosovo. _http://waterwiki.net/images/f/f9/Water_supply_issue_in_kosovo-osce.pdf_. Retrieved September 21, 2011, from

http://waterwiki.net/images/f/f9/Water_supply_issue_in_kosovo-osce.pdf

Kosovo faces a number of issues regarding its water supply. This article was written and posted by the OSCE and UNMIK monitoring department. It consists information for the water shortages, level of awareness, legal framework, risk management they include the environmental factors, financial restriction, political risks, the importance of regional and cross-national co-operation, conclusion and recommendations to this problem.

Article 2: Waste

Waste. Central & Eastern Europe, Caucasus, and Central Asia Environmental Information Programme. Retrieved September 21, 2011, from http://enrin.grida.no/htmls/kosovo/SoE/waste.htm

Waste in Kosovo is the most unpleasing issue to the eye. It might not be life threatening, but it is definitely an unhygienic issue that concerns all citizens. This article was posted by UNMIK, Ministry of Environment and Spatial Planning. It shows the five major challenges it has been faced. The estimated monthly/annually wastage percentage per city, per person. It also talks about the efforts being made to clean up the mess.

Article 3: Air

Air.  Central & Eastern Europe, Caucasus, and Central Asia Environmental Information Programme. Retrieved September 21, 2011, from  

http://enrin.grida.no/htmls/kosovo/SoE/air.htm
It was quite interesting searching for this particular topic as there wasn't much information on action being taken towards this issue.  The following article was linked the one above, it has information regarding the air dust around the Kosovo region. It actually gives graphs on the environmental related diseases in Kosovo. This article was also posted by the UNMIK and Ministry of Environmental and Spatial Planning.

UNMIK MESP, Kosovo. State of the Environment Report, Retrieved November 21, 2011 from

http://enrin.grida.no/htmls/kosovo/SoE/index.htm

A web site with the information about water, air and land pollution in Kosovo. A lot of useful information, charts, tables. Information on power plants, their capacities, gases they release etc. Also good information about the water supply for whole Kosovo territory, sewer systems, irrigation systems etc.

USAID, Kosovo. Environmental Threats and Opportunities Assessment (ETOA), Retrieved February 6, 2012 from

http://www.usaid.gov/kosovo/eng/documents/reports/kosovo_etoa.pdf

This report is prepared for the United States Agency for International Development. The environment in Kosovo is pressured by many issues such as: urbanization, industrialization, agriculture, and economic development. This paper recognizes some of the environmental threats and opportunities of assessment. The report discuses

Water and Energy Sector
Water Reccomandations
Energy Recommendations
Biodiversity Conservation
Biodiversity Recommendations

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The World Bank. Integrating Environment into Agriculture and Forestry Progress and Prospects in Eastern Europe and Central Asia, Retrieved February 24 2011 from:[http://www.worldbank.org/eca/pubs/envint/Volume%20II/English/Review%20KOS-final.pdf|http://www.worldbank.org/eca/pubs/envint/Volume%20II/English/Review%20KOS-final.pdfThis]This report prepared by The World Bank and published on November 2007 tackles agricultural problems in Kosovo most specifically: the fragmentation of farmland, industrial pollution, and soil erosion. It is stated that because Kosovo's agricultural area accounts for 53% of the country it should be protected and worked with it because the total account for agriculture in Kosovo's GDP is 20% compared to how much agricultural space it has.

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