Socioeconomic, demographic, spatial and ethnic inequalities in environmental exposure in the municipalities of Fushë Kosovë/Kosovo Polje and Obiliq/Obilić

2015
This report gives a first assessment of the scale of environmental inequalities in Obiliq/Obilić and Fushë Kosovë/Kosovo Polje, and the role of socioeconomic, demographic, spatial and ethnic determinants in creating these inequalities. The analysis is based on a field survey and focuses on environmental vulnerabilities in relation to housing, water/hygiene/sanitation, environmental conditions and affordability constraints. 

The findings show that there are marked inequalities in environmental disadvantage. The greatest inequalities are associated with socioeconomic and ethnic determinants, but spatial and demographic determinants also play a role. Most frequently, Roma, Ashkali and Egyptian (RAE) ethnicity, as well as low income and poor education, are identified as the strongest determinants of increased environmental disadvantage. Yet a range of environmental disadvantages is identified that affect large population groups as well. 

The report helps to identify potential target groups for social and environmental action and presents a range of examples of the variability of environmental inequalities and vulnerabilities. It shows how environmental equality and vulnerability can be assessed in methodological terms, and emphasizes the need for detailed analysis of inequalities and the most vulnerable population groups before action targeted at specific groups is determined.