Dystopia of utopia: ecological Montenegro between ideals and reality

"Oh, it's not the primitives' fault for picking up the fat

Weeds sprout wherever they go. All the credit to them.

It's our fault. Where did all these parasites come from that have become so thick on us?

Don't, my dear, it's our fault for letting them go..." (Đorđe Balašević)

In 2006, Montenegro was given the opportunity to independently take responsibility for achieving the previously declarative, and since the adoption of the Constitution, constitutional, definition of an ecological state. The space for transferring responsibility to federal institutions was closed, and an opportunity opened for visionary sustainable development with the aim of improving the quality of the environment and life in general.

For the ecological state, 2006 was also a jubilee year, 15 years since the adoption of the Žabljak Declaration, which was voted on by the members of the Parliament of the Republic of Montenegro at an open-air session. In the fresh air, that is for sure, without going into the purity of intention and vision this time.

This idea implied harmony between man and the environment, sustainable use of resources and responsibility towards future generations. However, two decades later, the question arises: has this vision remained just an ideal or has it turned into its opposite - a dystopia?

The utopian image of Montenegro is based on its exceptional natural resources. Mountain ranges, clear rivers, national parks and the unique Adriatic coast make it one of the most beautiful areas in Europe. Such nature is not only an aesthetic value, but also a potential for the development of sustainable tourism and a healthy economy. The idea of ​​an ecological state was supposed to provide a balance between development and conservation, where nature would be protected and society would prosper.

However, reality often paints a different picture. Instead of harmony, conflicts between economic interests and environmental protection are increasingly evident. Uncontrolled urbanization, especially on the coast, has led to the concreting of space and the loss of authentic landscapes. Rivers, which were once a symbol of purity, are now faced with pollution and illegal exploitation of resources. The problem of waste and an insufficiently developed recycling system further threaten the environment.

One of the most obvious examples of dystopia is the development of energy projects that often ignore environmental standards. Small hydropower plants, although presented as “green energy”, in many cases disrupt river ecosystems and threaten biodiversity. This shows a paradox: projects that should contribute to the protection of nature actually become its enemy. Of course, the enemy had the support of collaborators of the occupiers, because the occupation of the rivers is actually the right expression for what was happening.

Tourism, as one of the key industries, also has a dual role. On the one hand, it brings economic development, and on the other hand, it puts enormous pressure on natural resources, especially during the summer season. Excessive construction and an increase in the number of tourists without adequate infrastructure lead to pollution, congestion and spatial degradation. Ecotourism has unfortunately fallen into the background, to the bottom from which it needs to be pulled out.

The dystopia of ecological Montenegro does not mean that utopia is completely lost, but that it is seriously endangered. It indicates a gap between declarative goals and actual actions. However, this very dystopia can be an incentive for change. Solutions exist: strengthening legal regulations, stricter control of their implementation, investment in environmental education and development of sustainable tourism and energy models.

The European integration process is focused on improving the legal framework, but this is only visible if it does not remain a “dead letter on paper.” In the last two years, Chapter 27 has been a frequent topic in the public eye, and the way in which this most complex and expensive chapter is being treated, unfortunately, does not motivate citizens enough to give their support.

And this jubilee year 2026 and 20 years of independence, carries another important date, 35 years since the adoption of the Declaration on an Ecological State. None of the announcements of the celebration are connected to ecological philosophy. Quite the opposite, in fact. Musical and happenings of all kinds, although we can apply the maxim "waste is not garbage but a resource", do not have the famous label "wild beauty" woven into it, which is important for Montenegro.

Montenegro is today caught between its utopian vision and dystopian reality. The future will depend on whether society recognizes the importance of preserving nature not only as an ideal, but as an obligation.

Only through responsible action is it possible to renew the idea of ​​an ecological state and transform it from an unattainable dream into an achievable reality. And that is up to us, not others.

We are guilty for what happened, and we can also be "guilty" for a better tomorrow.

Let me finish with Njegoš.

"Time is a master sieve, it will clear these things up."