For decades, Lake Badoc has been a “miniature Kosovo.”

Along the shores of this water reservoir, fishermen from different communities can be seen finding peace and cooperation among one another. This continues from the early morning hours until late evening, as everyone feels safe to go out and fish.

Among the oldest fishermen in the area is 68-year-old Mile Mikic from Gracanica, who regularly comes to Lake Badoc to dedicate himself to his hobby. He says that Albanians and members of other communities fish together at the lake, while the atmosphere among them is friendly.

For Mikic, fishing has become not only a hobby but also an opportunity for genuine friendships. Between conversations, waiting to catch fish, and long hours by the lake, fishermen—regardless of their community—share food, help each other with equipment, and exchange fishing bait.

We fish regularly, we socialize with Albanians. This is a sport for all of us; everyone fishes here. I respect the fishing rules; if I catch carp, which is prohibited, I release it back into the water, and so on… We fish and socialize. We eat together… We respect each other… If someone hasn’t brought bait, we help each other and exchange it,” said Mikic.

For Shpejtim Bajrami from Tradevë in Lipjan, weekends at Lake Badoc are a way to escape the stress and fatigue of the week.

As a member of the Ashkali community, he says fishing has created a space where everyone feels equal and welcome.

According to him, the joy is not only in catching fish, but also in seeing others succeed.

It is a sport that brings everyone together. Everyone likes to come here and be together and catch fish. When we see someone catching fish, we are happier than they are. We have a great time, it is safe, and we have no problems with anyone. We come at 04:00 and stay until late at night without any trouble,” he said.

Bajrami says that communication, respect, and mutual help prevail among fishermen at Badoc, regardless of ethnicity.

“We communicate with everyone, we respect and help each other. We have no problems during fishing. This sport makes no distinction whether you are Albanian, Serb, Ashkali, or any other community,” he emphasized.

For more than 20 years, Faton Berisha from Hajvalia has also been a regular visitor to Lake Badoc.

For him, fishing is more than relaxation—it is a way of bringing people closer and building respect and understanding.

“We come regularly, we have no problems. Security is good, we cooperate with all communities, and we socialize with them. Fishing brings people together; in fishing, everyone is equal and we have a great time. We share bait and help each other whenever needed. This sport is relaxing and brings people together,” he said.

Footage from the boat, including “Krapi” logo, then Ali Vitia

As the head of the “Krapi” Association, Ali Vitia spends almost every day by the lake among fishermen.

He says that on the shores of Lake Badoc, everyone is equal, united by the same passion—fishing.

According to him, the association includes members from different communities, and its doors are open to anyone who wants to join.

“I meet different communities here; everyone is equal and no one is interested in politics, only fishing. Around 90 fishermen are from the Serb community; we also have Ashkali members, and even people from the Bulgarian embassy have started joining. Our association is open to everyone, as long as fishing rules are respected,” he said.

The lake guard, Borivoj Stojanovic, says that cooperation with Albanian fishermen and other communities runs smoothly.

For him, fishing is an activity that unites people and creates a spirit of coexistence and mutual respect.“We work together with Albanians, there are no problems at all. Everything is fine. We all socialize here—Albanians, Serbs, Roma—there are no problems,” he said.

This article was produced by the Center for Innovation and Development -CFID and Kosovapress, as part of a joint project with UNMIK that aims to build trust between communities in Kosovo.