February 24, 2025 | Monday
Promoting Universal Access to Clean Water is an EU-funded initiative implemented by Rilindja e Gjelbër (The Green Renaissance). Concluded at the end of 2024, the project worked to improve water resource management and guarantee equitable access to clean water, particularly for marginalised communities. However, the project’s mission extends beyond advocacy, having actively worked both to monitor the implementation of the National Water Strategy and the empowerment of local communities to protect their rights and raise awareness among policymakers and the public about the urgency of preserving water resources.
Led by the Leaving No One Behind principle, the organisation’s priorities are inclusivity, equality, and human rights. Founded in 2012, at Rilindja e Gjelbër, they are committed to promoting sustainable environmental policies – increasing awareness and encouraging inclusive community participation – with the goal that all individuals, regardless of their age, gender, economic or geographical background, benefit from environmental initiatives.
Under the vision for a Green and Clean Kosovo, Rilindja e Gjelbër operates through its three main work pillars: environmental education and awareness, advocacy for stronger environmental policies and enforcement and the promotion of circular economy practices and social entrepreneurship. So far the organisation has done extensive work in tackling crucial environmental issues such as water, air, soil, energy, waste management and biodiversity.
The partnership with the European Union has been crucial in the success of the “Promotion of Universal Access to Clean Water” project. EU support was not only presented in the form of financial backing but has also helped with the institutional and community capacities to improve water governance in Kosovo. It is thanks to this close collaboration that the National Water Strategy was closely monitored and improved, allowing for a deeper analysis of existing challenges and policy gaps.
On the other hand, community engagement has been at the centre of Rilindja e Gjelbër’s work with the project. Twenty Local Water Community Councils have been established across Kosovo, empowering citizens to actively participate in water management discussions and report pollution issues. Public awareness efforts have included the publication of several policy briefs on crucial water-related topics, such as legal frameworks, water safety, and rural water supply challenges. Scientific contributions have also played a key role, with reports assessing the quality of surface waters in four river basins across Kosovo.
Capacity-building initiatives have been an important part of the project too, with the goal to strengthen grassroots efforts in sustainable water management. Sixty local leaders have been trained in water rights, advocacy, and community participation. Public participation has been encouraged through hearings and consultation meetings, ensuring that local voices are heard in decision-making processes regarding water resources. The monitoring of surface water quality has helped identify problematic areas, encouraging institutional responses to address pollution and resource mismanagement. Simplified legislative and policy frameworks through accessible policy briefs have bridged the gap between institutions and communities, making critical water-related information more understandable and accessible to the public.
Yet, one of the most significant outcomes of the project is intangible, but very important for a long-term change of behaviour in relation to the environment. Thanks to project activities, a new culture of environmental responsibility has been cultivated. By raising awareness about the importance of clean water and sustainable resource management, the project has empowered citizens to demand transparency, accountability, and better governance in the water sector.
The work of Rilindja e Gjelbër and its EU-supported activities are a testament to the power of grassroots initiatives to lead to impactful change when rightfully supported and backed. Even though the journey to universal clean water access in Kosovo remains long and filled with challenges, it is thanks to initiatives like Universal Access to Clean Water that we are getting closer to it day by day.