20 November 2025
A workshop entitled “DNA Barcoding of Kosovo’s Biodiversity for Monitoring and Conservation” was held at the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences (FMNS), funded by the U.S. Embassy and administered by KUSA. The workshop was organized within the framework of the project “Establishment of a DNA Barcoding Unit for Biodiversity Monitoring and Conservation in Kosovo”, funded by the U.S. Embassy in Prishtina and administered by Kosovo United States Alumni (KUSA).
The Project Team (Prof. Halil Ibrahimi, Prof. Linda Grapci Kotori, Prof. Astrit Bilalli, and Assoc. Prof. Donard Geci), together with Prof. Dr. Stephan Koblmüller from the University of Graz, the partner institution, was welcomed by the Dean of FMNS, Prof. Kajtaz Bllaca, who highlighted the importance of establishing the new laboratory and strengthening inter-institutional cooperation. At the opening of the workshop, Dr. Afrim Berisha from KEPA/MESPPI emphasized the importance of integrating DNA barcoding methods into biodiversity monitoring and documentation in Kosovo, noting that molecular approaches have already become essential for accurate species identification and environmental management.
The Vice-Dean of FMNS, Prof. Ferim Krasniqi, highlighted the importance of this project for the faculty, thanking the team for its significant work and the results achieved in strengthening academic and research capacities.
Prof. Dr. Halil Ibrahimi, the project grant holder, presented the vision and main objectives of the initiative, discussing the importance of DNA barcoding in biodiversity studies. He emphasized that molecular methods are becoming essential for accurate species identification, discovering hidden diversity, and supporting environmental monitoring programmes in Kosovo.
During the workshop, the project’s objectives and results were presented, along with the scientific importance of DNA barcoding. The keynote lecture was delivered by Dr. Stephan Koblmüller from the University of Graz, while the practical session was held in the Zoology Laboratory of the Department of Biology, where participants gained first-hand experience with laboratory procedures and the practical aspects of the barcoding methodology.
This activity directly contributes to advancing environmental monitoring practices and building new scientific capacities in Kosovo.