The Henc Wetland was designated as a protected bird area by a decision of the Government of Kosovo in 2014, recognizing its particular importance for biodiversity and its role as a key habitat for waterbirds. As one of the country’s most significant freshwater ecosystems, it plays an irreplaceable role in maintaining ecological balance and the natural functioning of the environment.
However, despite this status, the current condition of the wetland is deeply concerning. Field observations and recent documentation indicate continuous and accelerated degradation, particularly during 2025, when—for the first time—the complete drying of the lakes was recorded, causing mass fish mortality and a collapse of the food chain. This has had direct consequences for birdlife and the overall ecological functioning of the area.
The causes of this situation are clear. Illegal activities have been persistent and widespread, including unauthorized hunting and fishing, deliberate burning of reeds, damage to embankments, and interventions to divert water through the installation of pipes and pumps. These actions have directly disrupted the wetland’s hydrological system, effectively transforming a protected area into a seriously endangered ecosystem.
In this context, Ecopana has been actively engaged since the outset of the initiative to protect the Henc Wetland. The organization has participated in information and coordination meetings at the Ministry of Environment, Spatial Planning and Infrastructure, as well as in field visits to verify the actual situation. Beyond institutional engagement, Ecopana has also contributed to awareness-raising activities with citizens and local stakeholders, elevating the issue to the public agenda and calling for action.
Through a structured process of meetings with the respective municipalities—Fushë Kosovë, Lipjan, and Gračanica—as well as other relevant stakeholders, it has been confirmed that the situation requires immediate intervention and serious inter-institutional coordination. As a result, a working group has been established by the Ministry, with Ecopana as an official member, to address the situation and define concrete steps for the protection and recovery of the wetland.
A fundamental issue remains the lack of clear management and a consistent institutional presence on the ground. Although cases of illegal interventions have been identified and penalized, the absence of sustained oversight has allowed such activities to continue, further exacerbating the condition of the wetland.
Today, the Henc Wetland stands as a real test of how protected areas are managed in Kosovo. If a designated bird protection area can degrade to this extent, then action is no longer optional—it is urgent.
Ecopana will continue to contribute to this process by demanding institutional accountability and supporting solutions grounded in expertise and the long-term protection of this unique ecosystem.
