Spatio-temporal distribution of renewable freshwater resources and their availability in Kosovo—an analysis from the Eastern Region

Autor: Valbon Bytyqi, Tropikë Agaj
Jazyk: angličtina
Rok vydání: 2024
Předmět:
Zdroj: Journal of the Bulgarian Geographical Society, Vol 50, Iss , Pp 35-52 (2024)
Druh dokumentu: article
ISSN: 2738-8115
DOI: 10.3897/jbgs.e115814
Popis: The study aims to analyze the availability of renewable freshwater resources and their spatiotemporal distribution in the Eastern Region of Kosovo (ERK). As a crucible resource for agricultural, industrial, and commercial activities, water scarcity will lead to water shortages. Kosovo is a landlocked country, and ERK is the most important region for industrial activities (coal, mines) and agricultural use (plains). Located in continental climate conditions, surrounded by middle to high-altitude mountains, the region does not have a favorable spatio-temporal distribution of freshwaters. The determination of the water resources is based on the amount of surface runoff, which being divided per capita, gives indications of the water resources of a region (catchment). For our aims, main river discharge and population statistics are used to analyze the spatiotemporal distribution and availability of renewable freshwater in ERK. Falkenmark Freshwater Indicator with 1.483 m³/capita/year shows that ERK lies under water scarcity, and existing water reservoirs offer low security for water withdrawals, and further reservoirs would prevent water scarcity in the region.
Databáze: Directory of Open Access Journals