Kosovo seeks cross-border cooperation for Drin River Basin

Kosovo has expressed support for strengthening cross-border cooperation within the Drin River Basin to ensure sustainable water resource management. Acting Minister of Environment and Spatial Planning, Fitore Pacolli, hosted a national informative meeting to discuss the future of regional cooperation and the potential for an international agreement.

Effective management of the Drin River is strategically vital for the region's energy sector, as its waters are used for hydroelectric power production, particularly in Albania. Coordinated management is deemed essential for addressing challenges such as flood risks, droughts, water quality, and biodiversity protection.

The initiative to create a more advanced international framework is supported by the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE), the Drin Core Group Secretariat, and GWP-Med. Such cooperation aims to mitigate the impacts of climate change, which is increasing pressure on water resources through more frequent droughts and intense rainfall.