On Wednesday, September 20, 2023, in Porto, Portugal, a significant event took place that showcased the dedication of the International Business College Mitrovica (IBC-M) to addressing environmental crimes in Kosovo. Director Mihone Kerolli Mustafa, along with the Project Officer Gresa Ferri and the Project Office Coordinator Damir Gashi, presented their contributions to the EU Horizon project titled “EMERITUS”, whose aim is to revolutionize the fight against environmental crimes through technological innovation and cross-border cooperation. The EMERITUS project aims to explore and demonstrate how cutting-edge technologies and specialized training can improve the efficiency of environmental crime detection and intelligent risk profiling. By optimizing resources and reducing the risk for law enforcement operators, the project aims to provide a significant deterrent for offenders.
In recent years, Kosovo has witnessed a concerning surge in environmental offenses, inflicting significant harm upon its environmental conditions. Among the most prevalent forms of ecological harm are acts such as deforestation, riverbed disturbance, illegal waste sites, and the unlawful operation of numerous stone quarries, among other illicit activities that pose a grave threat to the environment.
IBC-M’s Involvement in EMERITUS
Recognizing the urgent need to combat environmental crimes and bolster environmental law enforcement in Kosovo, IBC-M has joined the EMERITUS project. EMERITUS has a clear mission: to lay the foundations for a new generation of technological tools, orchestrated via a single-entry point platform, to aid Law Enforcement Authorities (LEAs) and Border Guards (BG) in improving detection and proof collection capabilities against waste-related environmental crimes.
IBC-M’s Director Mihone Kerolli Mustafa’s presentation at the Porto event highlighted the current environmental crime situation in Kosovo and emphasized the importance of this project for the region, pointing out the escalating environmental damage and the pressing need for innovative solutions to combat these crimes effectively. IBC-M will develop a complementary training program designed to enhance the intelligence and investigation capabilities of the Kosovo Police unit in charge of Environmental crimes.
IBC-M’s involvement in the EMERITUS project demonstrates its commitment to addressing the pressing issue of environmental crimes in Kosovo, and its contribution will be pivotal in creating a more efficient and effective system for detecting and combatting environmental crimes. The partnership with EMERITUS not only holds the promise of safeguarding Kosovo’s natural environment but also serves as a beacon of hope for regions facing similar challenges worldwide, working towards a future where environmental crimes are effectively addressed.