The project aims to create Kosovo’s first comprehensive inventory of small river barriers in the White Drin basin to identify removal priorities that enhance river connectivity and biodiversity.
The White Drin River is the largest river basin in Kosovo, spanning over 4,360 km² and flowing through key municipalities such as Pejë, Gjakovë and Deçan. It originates in the Bjeshkët e Nemuna National Park and includes tributaries like the Lumbardhi i Pejës, Lumbardhi i Deçanit, Ereniku and Klina River.
This ecologically rich basin is home to numerous endemic aquatic and terrestrial species but faces pressures from illegal sand extraction, untreated sewage and unregulated damming that degrade water quality and river connectivity.
| Project status | Completed |
|---|---|
| Project type | Barrier identification and prioritisation |
| Country | Kosovo |
| River | White Drin and tributaries (Lumbardhi i Pejës, Lumbardhi i Deçanit, Ereniku and Klina River) |
| Focal species | Drusus sharrensis, Drusus fortos, Drusus vekon, Potamophylax coronavirus, Salmo farioides, Rhyacophila siparantum |
| Organisation | Ecopana, in partnership with WWF Adria |
Despite its rich biodiversity, the White Drin River basin suffers from severe ecological degradation due to unauthorized barriers, lack of fish passages and fragmented habitats. Kosovo lacks a centralized barrier inventory, making it difficult to plan effective restoration.
The project addresses this critical data gap by identifying and mapping barriers, which is vital for future removals and policy integration into national water management strategies.
The project aims to create Kosovo’s first comprehensive inventory of small river barriers in the White Drin basin, including key tributaries. It involves GIS and drone mapping, field verification by hydrological and mechanical experts, and multi-stakeholder engagement. The outcomes include a detailed database and final report prioritising up to 20 barriers for removal based on ecological impact, feasibility and restoration potential. These results will guide future dam removals and contribute to the recovery of 100 km of free-flowing river systems.
To achieve its aims, the project will take a vital step forward in restoring one of the largest rivers in Kosovo, the White Drin, and its tributaries by identifying and prioritising small barriers that can be removed to reconnect fragmented habitats. The project’s team will identify and prioritise dams for future removal based on the selection procedure specified in the project description – their ecological impact, ownership status and community feedback. Detailed information on ownership and willingness for removal will be gathered as part of this process and used to inform future restoration efforts.
ECOPANA, with support from the Open Rivers Programme, completed Kosovo’s first systematic inventory and screening of artificial river barriers in the White Drin River Basin. For the first time, Kosovo now has a verified evidence base showing where barriers are located, what condition they are in, how they affect river continuity, and which structures should be prioritised for removal.
Through GIS analysis, drone mapping, field verification and technical assessment, the project investigated 171 river structures, of which 142 were confirmed to interrupt river flow. The screening found that 71 barriers were damaged, while 23 barriers were recommended for removal and 56 additional barriers were identified as candidates for future removal assessment.
Beyond the technical results, the project became a turning point for national river policy. Its findings contributed to two important ministerial decisions: one initiating measures to restore the natural free flow of Kosovo’s rivers, and another stopping further concrete interventions in rivers. The reports and data were requested by MESPI, AMMK, ARPL, KRU Drini i Bardhë and seven municipalities, creating a national foundation for future dam removal, river restoration and stronger protection of Kosovo’s rivers.
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