On January 23, 2020, USAID/Kosovo organized a half-day workshop with local organizations, institutions, donors, and local collectors of recycling materials to discuss the challenges of recycling and the opportunities for social cohesion. Conversations revolved around the health risks, the lack of dialogue with local municipalities, and the need to protect the environment. 

Participants identified opportunities, such as involving the municipalities, working with the schools, and raising awareness among youth.  The Mission will use the insights and perspectives shared by the participants during the workshop to inform decisions during the activity design process for a new Local Works activity. 

USAID/Kosovo is a Local Works Mission, selected during the fourth round of this pilot program to empower communities as they plan, finance, and implement solutions to solve their own development challenges. Through Local Works, the Mission aims to engender social cohesion among local communities which work around a common initiative—recycling.