Reviving Lumebardhi: The Kotradiq dam removal initiative, Kosovo

Introduction

The Lumbardhi i Deçanit River, situated in the Drini River Catchment in Kosovo, is an ecologically significant waterway supporting rare and endemic species such as Drusus krusniki, Salmo farioides, and Alburnoides ohridanus. Preliminary investigations conducted in 2021 identified the presence of other rare and important species, including a potentially new species for science within the genus Rhyacophila. These findings highlight the urgent need for conservation measures to safeguard this vulnerable ecosystem.

The river plays a crucial role in maintaining habitat connectivity and providing breeding grounds for aquatic species. However, its biodiversity is under threat from human interventions, particularly due to the remnants of the Kotradiq Dam.

Project context and opportunity

Constructed in 2019, the Kotradiq Dam was severely damaged by floods in 2023, leaving concrete remnants that obstruct the natural flow of the Lumbardhi i Deçanit River. The degraded state of the dam has had a detrimental impact on the river’s ecosystem, endangering the survival of key species. This project offers a unique opportunity to restore the river’s natural dynamics by removing the damaged dam and alleviating the negative effects of sedimentation and habitat disruption.

Project aims

The primary objective of this project is to conduct comprehensive preparatory studies to evaluate the feasibility and ecological implications of removing the damaged Kotradiq Dam on the Lumbardhi i Deçanit River. Initial investigations will encompass hydrological assessments, biodiversity surveys, sediment analysis, and technical evaluations to support informed decision-making. These studies will aim to identify optimal strategies for restoring the river’s natural flow and ecosystem dynamics while minimizing potential risks.

The expected outcomes include detailed reports on the dam’s condition, a finalized removal design, and active stakeholder engagement to ensure community support and regulatory compliance. The project will enhance biodiversity, aid the recovery of endemic species, and provide a replicable model for sustainable river restoration initiatives in Kosovo and beyond.

Project achievements

The project delivered a comprehensive scientific, technical, hydrological, and social assessment of the impacts of the  damaged Kotradiq Dam on the Lumëbardhi i Deçanit River. Multi-season field research confirmed the river as a biodiversity hotspot of national and regional importance, documenting 67 aquatic insect species, including multiple endemic and threatened taxa, two species recorded for the first time in Kosovo, and one species new to science (Rhyacophila europeaea
sp. nov.).

Ecological status assessments demonstrated Good to High ecological status in upstream river sections, while dam-affected and downstream reaches show reduced biodiversity, altered community composition, and loss of sensitive rheophilic species. Hydrological and technical analyses confirmed that the damaged dam disrupts natural flow regimes and sediment transport and no longer fulfils its intended function, while also posing environmental and safety concerns.

Social assessments highlighted local awareness of the dam’s degraded condition and openness toward removal, if water use and safety considerations are addressed.

The project established a strong evidence base demonstrating that dam removal is the most effective measure to restore river connectivity, improve ecological status, and protect rare and newly discovered species. The work has positioned the Kotradiq Dam Removal Initiative at an implementation-ready stage and laid the foundation for full river restoration through a follow on demolition grant from the Open Rivers Programme.