Climate campaigners stranded in Kosovo, amid virus lockdown

(27 Apr 2020) LEAD IN:
Two British climate campaigners have been stranded in Kosovo for over a month, after authorities closed all land and air borders to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
The two had plans to run and cycle from the UK to Mongolia as part of a climate project, but now they're getting better acquainted with an historic Kosovo town.

STORY-LINE:
Campaigners Mike Elm and Rosie Watson were meant to be travelling across Europe and Asia, to highlight the challenges and solutions posed by climate change.
But now, the Kosovo town of Prizren, 85 kilometres (50 miles) west of capital Pristina, is the only city in their sights.
25-year-old Watson, from Loweswater, Northern England, and 32-year-old Elm, from Edinburgh, Scotland have been stuck in Prizren since mid-March, when authorities closed all land and air borders to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Domestic travel is prohibited too. Towns and communes are under quarantine with all schools, cafes, restaurants and gyms closed. People are allowed to go out for a few hours a day to shop for basic goods.
Watson started her "New Story Run" project last August, planning a two-year journey from the UK to Mongolia. So far, she's travelled 3,570 kilometres (2,220 miles).
"I started the New Story Run from the UK eight months ago and started setting off, telling these stories of people creating a new way of living in the climate crisis," explains Watson.
Inspired by Watson, Elm joined in November, launching "New Story Ride" with the aim of cycling from Austria to Mongolia - more than 8,000 kilometres.
"Eventually we met in Kosovo, and shortly after we arrived in the country, the borders closed due to the coronavirus pandemic. And now we're waiting to see what happens next," says Watson.
Elm and Watson are now getting better acquainted with their new surroundings.
They enjoy eating "fli", a local dish, and the hospitality of locals.
Both hope the pandemic has taught people a lot about how they can change their lifestyles to benefit the environment, such as using cars less.
"I think it's a very key point of creating a better world is allowing people to travel in ways that are healthier for them and healthier for the environment," says Elm.
"And I really hope that once this pandemic passes, people can see some of the benefits of having less cars in the city and the cleaner air, the nicer sound, the quieter environment."
Elm came to Prizren to meet an initiative that's working to bring more trees and greenspaces into the city.
Watson travelled to the region to meet a group campaigning against hydropower.
Both say the lockdown in Prizren has helped them regain some energy and sit down to write about their experiences.
When borders finally open, they plan to continue towards Bulgaria, then Georgia, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and finally end their journey in Mongolia.
"We're planning to stay here as long as it takes till we can move again or until there's more information of how long the restrictions might be in place," says Watson.
"And then we hope to continue the journey to Mongolia and meeting these projects."

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