Kosovo Declares Mokna Mountain and Ujman Lake as Protected Areas to Preserve Nature and Biodiversity

Drone view of Lake Ujman and Mount Mokna

 Kosovo has officially declared Mokna Mountain and Ujman Lake as protected areas, marking a major milestone in the country’s efforts to safeguard its natural heritage and biodiversity. The decision was announced by Hysen Durmishi, the acting Deputy Minister of Environment, Spatial Planning and Infrastructure, who emphasized that this is one of the most significant environmental actions in the nation’s history.

Drone view of Lake Ujman and Mount Mokna

According to Durmishi, the official decision for the preliminary protection of Mokna Mountain and Ujman Lake was signed last week. This action places Kosovo at the forefront of environmental preservation in the Western Balkans, giving it the highest percentage of protected territory in the region.

A Major Step for Nature Conservation in Kosovo

Durmishi explained that the designation follows a year-long field study, which revealed that the Mokna-Ujman region represents an area of extraordinary natural wealth, with rich biodiversity, unique geological formations, and ecosystems of high ecological and scientific importance.

“With this decision, Kosovo becomes the country with the highest percentage of protected natural territory in the Western Balkans,” Durmishi stated. “After a comprehensive one-year study, it has been proven that this zone holds rare natural treasures, featuring diverse species and landscapes of exceptional ecological and scientific value.”

The newly protected zone covers a total area of 192.19 square kilometers, which will now be under preliminary protection. This expansion increases the total legally protected area in Kosovo to 12.4% of the country’s territory — a record figure compared to its regional neighbors.

The Environmental and Strategic Importance of Ujman Lake

Ujman Lake, also known as Gazivoda Lake, is located in the northern part of Kosovo and holds enormous strategic significance. It serves as a vital resource for the country’s energy supply, drinking water, and agriculture, while also playing a role in political and geostrategic discussions between Kosovo and Serbia.

Beyond its economic and strategic value, Ujman Lake and the surrounding Mokna Mountain region provide essential habitats for numerous plant and animal species, some of which are rare or endemic. This makes the area an important ecological corridor within the Balkans.

Environmental experts have long argued for stronger protection of Ujman Lake due to growing concerns over water pollution, deforestation, and unregulated human activities. The new status ensures that these risks are addressed through regulated management and long-term conservation plans.

Strengthening Kosovo’s Environmental Commitments

The Deputy Minister highlighted that this move represents a significant achievement toward fulfilling both national and international environmental objectives, including commitments under the Convention on Biological Diversity and the European Union’s Green Agenda for the Western Balkans.

“This step reflects Kosovo’s firm dedication to maintaining ecological balance and promoting sustainable development,” said Durmishi. “By protecting Mokna Mountain and Ujman Lake, we are not only preserving nature for future generations but also strengthening Kosovo’s position as a responsible member of the global environmental community.”

Kosovo’s Ministry of Environment plans to collaborate with local municipalities, research institutions, and civil society organizations to implement a detailed management plan. The plan will include strategies for eco-tourism development, forest conservation, water quality monitoring, and community education on environmental protection.

Promoting Sustainable Tourism and Education

In addition to protecting biodiversity, the declaration opens new opportunities for eco-tourism in northern Kosovo. Mokna Mountain, with its panoramic views, hiking trails, and rich flora, has the potential to become a hub for sustainable tourism that promotes both local economic development and environmental awareness.

Eco-tourism initiatives will be carefully managed to ensure minimal environmental impact while providing educational value for visitors. Schools and universities are expected to participate in future conservation projects, turning the area into an open classroom for environmental science and ecology studies.

A Model for the Western Balkans

With 12.4% of its territory now under legal protection, Kosovo has set an example for other Western Balkan countries striving to meet global environmental goals. This achievement not only enhances Kosovo’s environmental image but also contributes to the broader European effort to expand protected natural areas and combat climate change.

Environmental organizations across the region have welcomed the decision, noting that it reflects a growing awareness among Balkan states about the importance of preserving biodiversity and combating environmental degradation.

Kosovo’s move comes at a time when global attention is increasingly focused on climate action, green energy, and sustainable land use. By prioritizing the protection of its key ecosystems, Kosovo demonstrates that small nations can make a big impact on regional and global environmental progress.

The declaration of Mokna Mountain and Ujman Lake as protected areas is not just a national environmental policy — it is a symbol of Kosovo’s commitment to sustainability, natural preservation, and ecological responsibility. This historic step ensures that future generations will inherit not only the beauty of Kosovo’s landscapes but also the integrity of its ecosystems.

With careful management, scientific monitoring, and community engagement, the Mokna-Ujman protected zone can become a model of sustainable coexistence between people and nature, reinforcing Kosovo’s leadership in environmental protection within the Western Balkans.