Our rivers, our future - from clean-up to creation
As part of Kosovo Sustainable Development Week, an inspiring environmental initiative implemented by NGO ACDC with the support of GIZ on behalf of the German Government wrapped up in North Mitrovica with a powerful finale: the unveiling of a community-built environmental sculpture and the successful restoration of three public drinking water fountains along the Ibar River. What began as a youth-driven idea has now transformed into a visible contribution to a cleaner, greener city.
Over the past two months, the initiative brought together students, young volunteers, local artists, and community members in a wave of energy and creativity aimed at protecting and preserving the Ibar. Through learning, teamwork, and hands-on action, participants not only strengthened their environmental knowledge; but they also demonstrated how motivated youth can turn awareness into impact, and ideas into tangible improvements for their community.
The project began with two interactive training sessions involving more than 40 students from IBCM, Mitrovica University, and local high schools. The sessions, grounded in the themes of environmental protection, public health, and community development, combined expert input with youth-led discussions. Students explored local environmental challenges and identified ways to contribute to positive change in their own communities.
Following the training phase, two clean-up actions were carried out along the Ibar River and nearby green areas. Around 40 young volunteers, together with NGO ACDC and GIZ staff, participated in collecting waste and helping restore the riverbank’s natural beauty. These activities strengthened civic engagement while demonstrating how coordinated community efforts can bring immediate improvements to shared public spaces.
Last week, students and local artists collaborated to create a large sculpture from waste materials collected during the clean-up actions. Unveiled in the beginning of December, the artwork now stands close to the river, serving as a symbol of environmental responsibility and a permanent reminder of the community’s role in protecting natural resources. Through creativity and activism, the sculpture transforms discarded waste into a call for long-term sustainability.
Additionally, as a direct contribution to community wellbeing, the project successfully repaired one public drinking water fountains and installed a brand new one. These interventions restored access to clean water, showing how small but meaningful improvements can strengthen public services and promote shared responsibility for local resources.
Through education, civic action, artistic expression, and practical community improvements, the initiative has demonstrated how young people can play a central role in protecting the environment and shaping a more sustainable local community. As artist Miljana Dunđerin powerfully reflected; “pollution in the Ibar is not just visible in the water but is a reflection of our collective indifference”. On the other hand, student participant Marija Spasić reminded us that every piece of waste misplaced harms nature, and that; “If we take care of nature, it will take care of us.”
The collaboration between NGO ACDC, local institutions, volunteers, and GIZ on behalf of the German Government, has helped raise awareness, inspire community action, and deliver concrete results along the Ibar River.
The unveiled sculpture today, together with the restored fountains and the voices of engaged young citizens, stands as a lasting reminder that protecting our rivers means protecting our shared future.