Switzerland & Kosovo
Funded by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) and the Government of Kosovo.
About us
We are a dedicated team delivering high-quality, innovative solutions. With a strong focus on professionalism and collaboration, we work closely with our partners and stakeholders to drive meaningful impact.
Our Challenge
Water resources are deteriorating rapidly
Water is fundamental for our lives and our planet. Yet, this precious and limited resource is facing unprecedented pressures. Global population growth, rapid urbanization, industrial development, and unsustainable consumption patterns are placing an increasing strain on freshwater resources worldwide. Millions of people die every year from diseases linked to poor hygiene and unsafe water, while climate change continues to intensify floods, droughts, and extreme weather events.
Kosovo is among the most water-stressed countries in Southeast Europe. Its need for fresh water has long exceeded supply due to underinvestment in water infrastructure, inefficient water use in agriculture, and high levels of pollution. Water resources are rapidly deteriorating, and climate change is only increasing these water-related risks.
The complexity of managing Kosovo’s water resources is heightened by the fact that the country shares four transboundary river basins (Drini i Bardhë, Ibër, Morava e Binçës, and Lepenc) with neighboring countries, requiring effective coordination and shared management approaches.
A direct response, in alignment with EU Standards
Currently, Kosovo's institutional capacities are limited, with many entities lacking the necessary frameworks and resources for effective water management. Citizens and civil society have few opportunities to influence environmental decisions, a problem compounded by outdated systems and fragmented responsibilities.
Despite recent progress in developing legal frameworks and water strategies, Kosovo needs more coordinated investment and action for a sustainable water future.
Phase 2 of the IWRM-K Program addresses these issues by aligning Kosovo’s policies with EU standards, implementing River Basin Management Plans, enhancing institutional capacity, strengthening financing, and encouraging civil society participation. These initiatives will help Kosovo tackle growing water resource pressures and adapt to climate change.
IWRM-K:
Key Facts and Figures
Switzerland & Kosovo
Funded by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) and the Government of Kosovo.
International Expertise
Implemented by Skat Consulting Ltd. (St. Gallen, Switzerland) and the Environment Agency Austria (Vienna, Austria).
€20M Total Budget
An approximate budget of EUR 20 million allocated over the 12-year lifespan of the Program.
10+ Program Partners
Collaborating with the Ministry of Environment, Spatial Planning and (MESP), alongside other ministries, municipalities, educational institutions, and NGOs.
IWRM-K at a Glance
Since 2019, the IWRM-K Program has supported Kosovo’s transition toward sustainable, inclusive, and EU-aligned water governance. Through Phase 1 and the ongoing Phase 2, the Program works with national and local institutions, river basin authorities, municipalities, academia, civil society, communities, and the private sector to strengthen water governance, improve river basin management, protect water resources, and expand stakeholder participation.
The Program has delivered results across policy and planning, institutional development, digitalization, environmental protection, sustainable agriculture, education, research, and public engagement, directly supporting Kosovo’s alignment with EU water legislation and Integrated Water Resources Management principles.
Driving change across Kosovo’s water resources management
01- River basin management advanced across all 4 basins, building the foundation for integrated and EU-aligned water planning.
- A new national water monitoring Programme aligned with the EU Water Framework Directive has been adopted, with governmental funding progressively replacing direct Program financial support.
- Wastewater management priorities are being advanced to promote more sustainable treatment approaches based on circularity principles.
- 300+ crop farmers supported, achieving 50–60% reductions in irrigation water, fertilizers, and pesticides through improved field monitoring, training, and decision-support systems.
- 100+ livestock farmers supported with improved manure management, preventing around 30,000 tons of manure annually from reaching water bodies.
- 10 industrial operators supported to improve wastewater treatment and water use efficiency, with implemented measures resulting in up to 95% pollution reduction and 30–65% water savings.
- Nature-based solutions, climate adaptation, and pollution reduction measures are being prepared as part of the next generation of river basin measures.
Building knowledge, institutions, and innovation
02- IWRM capacities are being strengthened through training, organizational development, and improved models for financing water management.
- 400+ water professionals trained, strengthening technical, institutional, and management capacities across Kosovo’s water sector based on a comprehensive Training Needs Assessment across key water institutions.
- Water education is now expanding across all levels – from primary and secondary education to undergraduate integration across multiple faculties, to Kosovo’s first Program-backed MSc in IWRM.
- YWP-K has grown from 15 to over 50 members in a short period, evolving from a beneficiary group into an implementation partner and credible youth-based platform preparing young professionals for important future roles in Kosovo’s water sector.
- The first-ever water research institute at the Faculty of Civil Engineering has been supported, while research grants are strengthening integrated and interdisciplinary water research.
- Groundwater research is progressing to provide new foundations for improved conjunctive management of surface water and groundwater.
- The hydro-meteorological monitoring network has expanded significantly, from 37 to 133 stations, based on system design support provided by IWRM-K , combined with capacity development support to HMIK in monitoring, planning, legislative development, and key studies such as groundwater assessment, IDF analysis, and updating river discharge curves, this is strengthening the basis for sector planning and evidence-based water resources management.
- Nearly 100 datasets have been integrated into the upgraded Water Information System, supporting transparency, planning, and EU reporting.
- The Information System for Monitoring of Water Services and the first phase of the e-Water Permitting System have strengthened digitalization, transparency, and sector oversight.
- A new drinking water quality laboratory established at the Regional Water Company – Mitrovica, strengthening monitoring, compliance, and service quality.
- Municipalities are being supported to become more active players in IWRM through capacity assessments, targeted training, and Nature-Based Solutions grants that catalyze more resilient and sustainable water governance.
- High-level water roundtables and transboundary exchanges are strengthening inclusive dialogue, coordinated planning, and regional cooperation.
Strengthening participation and local ownership
03- 5 active Multi-Stakeholder Participation Mechanisms established at national and river basin levels, creating permanent platforms for dialogue and cooperation.
- 300+ stakeholders engaged, representing institutions, municipalities, civil society, academia, businesses, and local communities.
- 50+ municipal and community information sessions organized, strengthening awareness, participation, and local ownership of water governance processes.
- 28 grants awarded to civil society organizations, supporting local initiatives in environmental protection, raising awareness, citizen engagement, and policy advocacy.
- CSO grants have delivered tangible results, including two rainwater harvesting systems in public schools, dozens of improved Municipal LEAPs, identification of over 200 water pressures across six municipalities in the Iber River Basin while strengthening citizens water monitoring and local participation in water governance.
- 12,000+ citizens reached through community-based environmental actions, awareness campaigns, and educational activities.
- Hundreds of thousands of online impressions generated through nationwide communication campaigns promoting water stewardship and environmental protection.
Strengthening national ownership
04- CHF 4.0 million Government of Kosovo co-financing secured for Phases 1 and 2. National institutions are progressively taking over financial and operational responsibilities, particularly in monitoring, planning, participation, and digital systems.
- Governmental ownership is increasing, with national systems and budgets gradually replacing direct Program support in key areas.
Looking ahead
These results reflect only part of the Program’s impact.
As implementation continues, IWRM-K is helping Kosovo build a more resilient, inclusive, and evidence-based system — one that is better equipped to manage climate risks, align with EU standards, and ensure sustainable water resources for people, the economy, and ecosystems.
Meet Our Team
The IWRM-K team combines diverse expertise in water management, policy development, and stakeholder engagement. Together with institutional partners and local actors, we work to strengthen water governance and support the sustainable management of Kosovo’s water resources.