Natural Heritage in the Republic of Kosovo: Looking for Potential UNESCO Sites

Behxhet Mustafa,Bledar Pulaj,Valmir Mustafa,Avni Hajdari

doi:10.3097/lo.201863

Behxhet Mustafa, Bledar Pulaj + Show 2 more

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https://doi.org/10.3097/lo.201863

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Abstract

In addition to cultural heritage values, Kosovo is characterised by natural heritage values; these values identify different areas in Kosovo as potential sites for protection under UNESCO’s Man and Biosphere (MAB) program and the Convention Concerning the Protection of Cultural and Natural Heritage. These natural values (i.e. geomorphological, hydrological, biodiversity- and ecosystem-related) are found mainly in the massifs of Kosovo’s four mountain ranges, i.e. the Sharr Mountains, the Bjeshket e Nemuna (Albanian Alps), the Koritnik Mountains, and the Pashtrik Mountains. These regions provide the largest number of potential sites for nomination to the World Heritage List or the MAB program.Of the natural heritage values, 19 geomorphological areas of international importance were identified; additionally, 3 areas had regional (Balkan) importance, and 19 sites were caves. Furthermore, 152 glacial and nival lakes and a bifurcation (i.e. hydrological values), approximately 200 species and subspecies that are endemic to the Balkans, 8 locally endemic, 9 endemic and endemic-relict plant associations and 1 endemic animal species (i.e. biodiversity values), and ancient Beech forests (i.e. ecosystem values) were considered for conservation.Consideration of the above mentioned areas for protection under UNESCO would provide a legal framework for the protection of natural and cultural values in Kosovo as well as support their sustainable development.Additionally, protecting these areas would promote the development of environmental and educational projects and training as well as the research and monitoring of issues related to nature conservation and sustainable development at local, regional and international levels.

Highlights

IntroductionFor the conservation of natural values under the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), an area may be declared as a World Heritage Site (supported by the World Heritage Convention) or a Biosphere Reserve (supported by the Man and Biosphere (MAB) Program) or both
For the conservation of natural values under the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), an area may be declared as a World Heritage Site or a Biosphere Reserve (supported by the Man and Biosphere (MAB) Program) or both
World Heritage Sites (WHS) are places of importance to all humanity, a significance that is expressed as Outstanding Universal Value (OUV) (UNESCO 1972)

Summary

Introduction

For the conservation of natural values under the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), an area may be declared as a World Heritage Site (supported by the World Heritage Convention) or a Biosphere Reserve (supported by the Man and Biosphere (MAB) Program) or both. Compilation of the tentative list - the first step a country must take is to make an ‘inventory‘ of its important natural and cultural heritage sites located within its boundaries; 2. The third Advisory Body is the ICCROM (International Centre for the Study of the Preservation and Restoration of Cultural Property), an intergovernmental organization which provides the Committee with expert advice on conservation of cultural sites, as well as on training activities; 4. World Heritage Committee (WHC) - once a site has been nominated and evaluated, it is up to the intergovernmental World Heritage Committee to make the final decision on its inscription and

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