At an award ceremony on Tuesday night, three stories, all of which were supported by BIRN, were awarded for best environmental reporting by Cohu, the anti-corruption and good governance NGO.

The three prizes were presented by Arton Demhasaj, the executive director of Cohu. In a short opening remark, Demhasaj stated that the media did not cover issues pertaining to the environment enough this year, and the award ceremony was in part to raise awareness about such a crucial issue.

First place was taken Koha Ditore journalist Besnik Krasniqi, for his article on air pollution caused by old cars. The article was an EU funded project and implemented by BIRN and the Association of Kosovo Journalists, AJK. 

In his acceptance speech, Krasniqi highlighted the ongoing problem of air pollution in Kosovo. “Hundreds of deaths are caused because of pollution, including pollution that comes from cars,” he said.

Second place went to RTK journalist Edona Musa for her article on the illegal coal trade and the air pollution that results from the burning of coal, which is having deadly consequences. Musa’s investigation was also implemented by BIRN. 

Receiving the award, Musa stressed that coal was still being excavated and sold illegally this winter. “Let’s hope that Kosovo institutions do their utmost to stop the burning of coal,” she stated.

The third story recognized was by Drenushe Ramadani, a Kallxo.com journalist. Her article focussed on the dangers of vanishing rivers due to the construction of hydro power plants across Kosovo. “I am happy for this first ever prize on the topic that I love the most: the environment,” Ramadani said.