Pollution Research Paper

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT OF UNCONTROLLED URBAN GROWTH IN THE POSTWAR CONTEXT: THE CASE OF KOSOVO

FLORINA JERLIU AND BUJAR BAJÇINOVCI

Abstract

During the first decade of the millennium, Kosovo was characterized with multiple transition challenges that ranged from post war reconstruction and building of new state institutions, to overall social, economic and political development issues. Many development policies and strategies during the first decade, including urban and environmental considerations, were subject to delay in investment as well as overall comprehension of long-term effects of unsustainability. With regards to environmental issues, Kosovo is far behind in reaching the EU standards, primarily due to the lack of economic growth and capacities to direct urban development. Drawing from the fact that the correlation between urban development and urban environment is complex, and that interpretation of data on key environmental indicators is often difficult, this paper tries to make note on major causes of ecological degradation during the period of transition in Kosovo, by emphasizing the cause-effects of uncontrolled urban growth and the highly polluted environment. In order to prevent further health implications connected to low quality of urban environment, Kosovo should seek cooperation with international financial organizations to install sufficient models, which shall lead to a balanced economic and environmental quality in Kosovo, and which shall simultaneously enhance its position in the regional and European context.