Space is the most threatened resource in Montenegro

More than three decades ago Montenegro became an ecological state. Have we proved to be worthy of such an attribute and if so, to which extent?

It has been more than thirty years since Montenegro proclaimed itself as an ecological state. While the country’s abundant natural resources rightfully deserve the assigned epithet, it is not safe to say that Montenegro has upheld such a status, being its constitutional commitment.

Unlike the developed countries, not self-proclaimed as ecological, yet committed to restoration of areas damaged by industrial exploitation thanks to their environmental awareness, Montenegro has been observed for an unabated devastation of nature. The waste is thrown into rivers and on the roadsides, dumped in temporary landfills, we are still facing the unresolved black ecological spots, poaching of protected species and within the protected areas, illegal logging and general overexploitation of all natural resources of our country.

Which area is presently most affected by the persistent environmental problems and what are the most threatened resources?

In the broadest sense, space is the most threatened resource in Montenegro. Unplanned settlements, illegal construction, construction at the locations which represent valuable natural areas, such as protected areas, have made their way as practice threatening to destroy the space and therefore the nature and natural habitats beyond repair.

When environmental concerns are viewed through the prism of EU and Chapter 27, the issue that, inter alia, has been included in key recommendations of the last Progress Report for Montenegro is waste management. Evidently, this subfield has been identified for grow-

The rivers in Montenegro are faced with different threats. The waste is thrown into the rivers of Montenegro, river banks host temporary landfills, sand and gravel are uncontrollably extracted from riverbeds, best demonstrated by the Environmental Impact Assessment Study that though received many objections from the Project Evaluation Commission still provided for an indisputable conclusion that the „construction project would have significant effects“, in other words „the project will have adverse effects on the areas that are important for preservation of local and regional biodiversity, with the flooded areas being irrevocably degraded“ ingly visible problems, however showing no signs of progress. the rivers are thrashed by illegal fishing and dammed for various needs. Plans for development of large hydropower plants on our rivers date back several decades. Formerly considering Tara and Moraca, today such plans include Komarnica.

The concerns about the damage to water bodies and rivers caused by infrastructure developments were also raised in last year’s Resolution of the European Parliament.

What about the Ulcinj Salina, the national ecological treasure that has stood as a symbol of disregard and neglect for years?

Although addressing the issue of Ulcinj Solana is one of the benchmarks to be met if to close Chapter 27, this process still entails numerous problems. Salina was declared a protected area at both national and international level. However, establishment of a steady management structure with a clearly defined scope of competence is still pending.

In recent years we have witnessed the vast devastation of numerous Montenegrin rivers. How do you comment on the intended construction of hydropower plants on certain sites, such as Komarnica? Would you say projects of this kind would bring more harm or benefit to Montenegro?

The adverse effects of the planned construction of Hydropower Plant Komarnica on the environment of Montenegro is

The biodiversity preservation activities that should have been implemented in this area in the previous period were delayed due to the irresponsible conduct of individuals in responsible positions in the environmental protection area. In the end, nature will suffer these consequences.

Although occasionally raised, there is a growing concern about devastation of Montenegro’s forest fund. Do you have data on the percent of forests threatened by illegal deforestation and what are possible consequences of this activity?

Forests account for 60% of the land area of Montenegro. The exploitation of forests has been observed for various irregularities with the illegal deforestation being the most frequent case. Although primarily associated with the forest concession arrangements as an incidental activity, the illegal logging has also been recorded beyond these areas.

Considering their influence on the water, air and soil quality, the forests are instrumental to the quality of life. Therefore, forest conservation is of great importance. The focus needs to be shifted from the economic to ecological role of the forests.

Would you say the improper space management that has enabled for illegal and megalomaniac construction, poor waste management and similar count amont major problems of the ecological state of Montenegro and is there a way to put an end to it?

As I have previously mentioned, the space in Montenegro is a threatened resource. Montenegro still lacks a Spatial Plan as a fundamental document that would provide a framework for spatial development in future periods and key guidelines for development. Postponement of passing these important documents and decision lag, coupled with the improper response to the illegal activities result in the illegal exploitation of natural resources.

The state has all mechanisms required to resolve environmental problems (as well as the problems arising from other areas) whenever there is a will to do so and such issues are assessed as important. So far, we have lacked determination to bring the environmental protection issues into the focus of interest of the previous Governments. Hence, the present condition is just a consequence of the aforesaid.

From where you stand, what are the greatest accomplish- ments of the Green Home in terms of preservation of the natural wealth and eco fund of Montenegro?

I believe the biggest success of the NGO Green Home lies in the fact that we have been the most active organisation in the field of environmental protection of Montenegro for 23 years.

Both these projects were absolutely environmentally unacceptable and observed for questionable economic valorisation. Today, Tara River is protected and the process for protection of a section of the Moraca River has been initiated.

In addition to many other nowadays protected areas, we have repair the damage and if so, to which extent? monitored and supported the process of declaring the creation of Katič Nature Park as a Marine Protected Area, which presently also enjoys the status of a protected area.

We have worked permanently to accomplish the mission of the organisation – improving the environment, which will strengthen a sustainable future and lead to social and economic improvement of social communities in our country.

Among numerous activities, campaigns and projects realised by Green Home, the accomplishment that stands out distinctively is a campaign for protection of Tara River undertaken in 2004, with Green Home in the lead role. This campaign resulted in the Declaration Of protection of Tara River that was then adopted in the Parliament. Another one worth mentioning is a campaign against the construction of four hydropower plants on Moraca River, which yielded abandonment of this project.

Naturally, we have implemented various activities and projects addressing different concerns and problems, in particular those relating to the national parks Skadar lake and Pokletije. We have stressed the need for protection and preservation of Lake Shas, Zeta River and Cijevna River, raised concerns about the waste management and development of small hydropower plants and brought to light many other issues.

According to you, what should be the tasks for the new executive power? Is it possible to

The tasks for the new executive power in this area are clear. There is a need for a complete transposition of the acqui communautaire into the national legislation. More importantly, what is required is an effective enforcement of such legislation. To achieve this goal, wandering throughout the political patronage system in search for candidates to fill in responsible positions must end. Decision-makers need to understand and acknowledge that sound and preserved environment is a prerequisite for other areas, including not only economic development but also the health of citizens.

How do you see the development of Montenegro in the forthcoming years and are we really ready to join the EU from the aspect of already fulfilled (eco) obligations?

Montenegro has still not fulfilled its obligations within Chapter 27 – Environment and Climate. We have made slow progress towards this goal, recently achieving somewhere between 20 and 40% of the planned dynamics. This implies it will take a great deal of time and effort to meet all obligations and achieve the EU standards for this area.