Prishtina, 25th November 2021 – A unique and emotional video testimony of a four-day journey across the Sharr mountain of the world renowed alpinist Uta Ibrahimi and her team, was presented yesterday evening in Kino Armata, at the premiere of the movie „Run for Sharr“. The movie is a result of collaboration of WWF Adria and Utalaya Foundation and it gives a realistic picture of the state of the Sharr mountain, capturing the beauty of this protected area and consequences of irresponsible behaviour towards its natural resources.

Footage of rich flora and fauna, numerous water springs and the stunning views from the mountain peaks left the audience in awe, but the sequences of waste, mini hydropower construction, reckles driving of motor vehicles, left everybody with a sense of disappointment. The key message from the premiere was the necessity of more effort that needs to be invested in preserving Sharri.


 “It was an eye opener for me to learn that around 50 thousand hectares of Sharr Mountain is protected by only 18 employees. Unfortunately, this is the consequence of lack of financing protected areas. An issue we see in all countries in the Balkans, because environmental protection is still perceived as something that stops development, when it’s the opposite. WWF works on gathering various stakeholders and with them we find solutions that enable sustainable development without harming the nature. Sustainable management of protected areas is necessary since it provides opportunities for socio-economic development of local communities”, said in her opening speech the CEO of WWF Adria Nataša Kalauz.

The powerfull narrative in the movie by Uta Ibrahimi gave an emotional message how the value of the mountains is not only environmental, but they have an important role preserving our physical and mental health.


“Sharri is my most favorite mountain. The mountains of SHARR have alienated me, made me a better person, a happier person, more sensitive and stronger. Sharri have helped me achieve great goals in life, such as climbing to the highest peaks of the World. It inspired me to love nature even more and gave me everything of myself to preserve it. I also call for the preservation of the Sharr Mountains. We must all take care together, we must report and our institutions must condemn the constant crime, not only in the Sharr Mountains, but in all our mountains”, said Uta Ibrahimi.

The audience was also addressed by the Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Environment, Spatial Planning and Infrastructure Mrs. Linda Çavdarbasha and Mr. Lorik Pustina, Head of UN Development Coordinators office in Kosovo. The premiere was accompanied by representatives from the government and various embassies in Kosovo.

During the event, the audience had an opportunity to scan a code that was displayed on the screen and find out what are key action points that need to be taken in order to advance the protection of the Sharri Mountain.