Damjan Ćulafić, Minister of Ecology, Sustainable Development and Northern Development: We are returning the status of an ecological state to Montenegro

The Natura 2000 ecological network certainly marked this year because Montenegro showed that it can follow European standards and trends in the field of nature protection, but also that almost half of its territory has the potential for protection. This is also one of the greatest results of the Ministry of Ecology, Sustainable Development and Northern Development, headed by Damjan Ćulafić.

• What does the establishment of the Natura 2000 network specifically mean for the citizens of Montenegro and what will they gain from it?

The adoption of the Natura 2000 ecological network proposal is one of the most important steps forward for Montenegro in the field of nature protection and a strong confirmation that we can follow European standards, but also responsibly preserve what represents our greatest natural wealth. The proposed network covers 50,97% of the land territory and 7,06% of the marine area of ​​Montenegro, which speaks of the exceptional natural wealth of our country.

It is important to make it clear to citizens that the Natura 2000 ecological network does not mean an automatic ban on agriculture, livestock farming, forestry, tourism or other activities, nor does it change property rights. Activities that do not endanger the species and habitats for which a particular area was proposed for the network can continue without hindrance, while appropriate assessments will be carried out for plans and projects that may have a significant impact on natural values.

Natura 2000 is therefore not a system of prohibitions, but a European model that allows us to turn nature protection into a development opportunity. Preserved nature can mean more sustainable tourism, better quality and more competitive agriculture, support for traditional livestock farming, sustainable forest management, development of local products and access to national and European funds. Our task is to clearly explain to landowners and local communities what activities are allowed, what protection measures are needed and what support they can expect.

When I was elected Minister of Ecology, about 15% of the territory of Montenegro was covered by various forms of protection. With the final establishment of the Natura 2000 network, more than 44% of the territory of our country will be part of a single nature protection system. This is a historic step forward and the greatest contribution to the strengthening of Montenegro as an ecological state since its proclamation.

Natura 2000 is proof that we as a society have matured and understood that nature is not an obstacle to development, but rather its most important ally.

I must point out that this is not the result or work of a single institution. It is the fruit of the work of state institutions and bodies, the professional and scientific community, international partners and civil society organizations. I would like to especially thank the Center for the Protection and Study of Birds and the Montenegrin Society of Young Ecologists, who have made a great contribution to this process with their knowledge and many years of field work. This shows how important the partnership between the state and the civil sector is when we work on issues of long-term importance to society.

A new phase is now ahead of us regarding the management, conservation and responsible use of these areas. The network proposal has yet to be assessed by the European Commission, and the proposed areas will formally become part of the European Natura 2000 network upon Montenegro's accession to the European Union.

That is why Natura 2000 is not an end in itself. It is a confirmation that we are ready to preserve what we cannot recreate. We want a Montenegro in which tourism, agriculture and infrastructure can develop in parallel, but in which development is planned in such a way as to leave behind clean water, healthy air, preserved forests and protected nature.

• Sinjajevina has become a symbol of the fight for nature conservation in recent years. Is it the Ministry's goal to grant Sinjajevina the status of a nature park and what would that mean for its future development?

Sinjajevina is certainly one of our most valuable natural areas, and that is precisely why, as I announced earlier, we will initiate the process of its protection this year.

I believe that when you talk about Sinjajevina, your first association is with people who fought for its preservation for years. Therefore, before making any decision, regardless of how justified and rational it may seem from the perspective of the institution or the state, we must talk to the citizens and the local community. Because for a significant number of people, Sinjajevina is not just a natural area, but their house, their home, the place of their life and part of their identity.

And it is precisely through the example of Sinjajevina that we want to show that the policies we implement are created together. It is important for us to listen to people, to include them in decision-making processes, and to be sensitive to their opinions, needs, and experiences.

We are leaving behind the times when decisions were made without communication with citizens. Our goal is to build real synergy between institutions and citizens and, through such a relationship, restore trust in institutions that has been undermined by years of negligent relations.

Therefore, as Minister of Ecology, I insisted that this mountain be protected and that it be part of the Natura 2000 ecological network area proposal, because the struggle to prevent Sinjajevina from becoming a military training ground showed how much perseverance, responsibility and the fight for one's country mean. This energy of citizens must be recognized and respected, because it is the citizens who know best the value of the space in which they live.

Finally, I would like to emphasize that our goal is not just to make a decision to protect Sinjajevina, but to demonstrate a new way of governance, to make institutions listen, to make citizens participate and to make decisions together that are in the interest of the community. Only in this way can we build the trust that is needed and only in this way can nature protection policies be sustainable in the long term.

• Can Montenegro finally make a systemic shift – from unregulated landfills to a modern system of recycling, selection and responsible waste management?

First, when we talk about landfills in Montenegro, we need to be aware that there is a gap between strategic goals and the situation on the ground, and it is important to say this openly. This gap did not arise overnight, nor can it be solved in one go, because we are talking about problems that have been accumulating for years – from insufficient infrastructure, to weak institutional capacities, to uncoordinated responsibilities at the local and state levels.

What is different today is that the focus is shifting from planning to concrete implementation. The National Waste Management Plan for the period from 2025 to 2029 represents the basis for further planning. We are working on establishing a functional and sustainable waste management system, which includes closing unregulated landfills, building modern infrastructure and strengthening control and accountability. I would like to remind you that after negotiations with the World Bank, an agreement was reached on granting a loan for the construction of the Regional Waste Management Center, headquartered in Nikšić. In addition, the construction of three more regional centers is planned: in Bijelo Polje, Podgorica and Bar.

Through alignment with EU standards, we are introducing clearer rules and obligations, as well as sanctioning mechanisms for those who do not respect them. It is important to emphasize that citizens rightly expect faster results, which is why this process has now been set as a priority with clear deadlines, responsibilities and concrete measures.

• What will the closure of Chapter 27 specifically bring to the citizens of Montenegro and how will they feel that their country has reached European environmental protection standards?

Closing Chapter 27 will not be just another "stiffness" in the European integration process for citizens. It means that we have established a system in which the right of every citizen to a healthy environment will be real and visible, and not declarative. That is why I often publicly emphasize that the implementation of standards in this area will be a kind of stress for Montenegro.

When we talk about what we have done so far, it is important to say that we have fully completed the legislative and normative framework. The Ministry of Ecology, Sustainable Development and Northern Development has drafted and adopted key regulations, from laws in the field of climate change, air quality protection and chemicals management, to the Law on Protection from Environmental Noise, to the Law on Nature Protection and the Law on Waste Management. In addition, accompanying by-laws and strategic acts have been drafted.

But citizens, of course, are not only interested in laws. They are interested in what is changing on the ground. And the results are visible.

Here, let's take Nikšić as an example - there is no longer a problematic ecological point Mislov do. In Mojkovac, a black ecological point that had been ruining the appearance of that municipality for years, because it was located at the very entrance and along the Tara River, has been remediated. More than 2.000 households have already received subsidies through the Eco-fund. 40 illegal structures have been removed from the Skadar Lake area, while the removal of illegal gravel exploitation has made a significant step towards protecting the Bolje sestre water source and a more stable water supply for the entire Montenegrin coast. 103 illegal landfills have been removed, burned areas in Piperi and Kuči are being restored, and infrastructure projects in the field of wastewater management and water supply worth more than 200 million euros are currently being implemented.

I don't think we should say that everything is finished. In ecology, it is not reasonable to say that the work is finished – it can always be better and more can always be done. That is perfectly clear to us. But it is also not correct to say that nothing is being done, although such tones are almost non-existent. Last year alone, the environmental inspection carried out 2.311 inspections and filed 56 criminal reports, or 84 misdemeanor reports. 48,5 million euros will be provided through the IPA operational program for the environment, and the first contracts have already been signed.

That is why I see the closing of Chapter 27 as confirmation that we have made a serious systemic step forward, but also as an obligation to continue even stronger. Citizens only benefit from this and I think they are already feeling at least some of these changes today. It is up to us to make them even more so.

The goal is clear: a better quality of life for citizens in Montenegro. And the path has been chosen: implementation of European standards and integration into the European Union.

• How developed is the environmental awareness of Montenegrin citizens today?

I think that raising citizens' environmental awareness is one of the results I am most proud of. Because we can pass the best laws, implement major projects, and build modern waste management systems, but if citizens do not recognize the importance of these policies and do not participate in their implementation, then no reform can have its full effect.

That is why the research conducted by the Ministry is particularly encouraging, which shows that almost 80% of Montenegrin citizens are ready to change their habits in order to contribute to environmental protection, while almost 70% believe that the state can successfully fulfill its obligations in this area. This is a very important message for me, citizens want change and believe that the state can implement it.

International indicators confirm that this change is already visible. According to the latest Environmental Performance Index (EPI) for 2026, Montenegro ranked 55th out of 177 countries and is in the top third of the world ranking. This is not just a statistic. It is confirmation that we have made a serious step forward in environmental protection in the previous period.

We can be especially proud of our natural resources and the relationship that our citizens have with them. Montenegro is among the leaders in the region when it comes to water quality, and forest cover makes up a significant part of our territory, which places Montenegro among the most forested countries in Europe. Natura 2000 has additionally shown us how great our natural wealth is and how much space we have to protect and responsibly valorize it.

But what makes me especially happy is the fact that citizens are increasingly recognizing these values. Today, they only want us to talk about ecology, they want clean air, clean water, well-maintained cities, protected forests, and a responsible attitude towards nature. And that's where I see the biggest change.

Our policy is that ecology should no longer be just an issue of one ministry, but an issue of the overall development of Montenegro. Sustainable development.

Montenegro has already taken a big step forward, our task is to continue this trend and turn the ecological state we have on paper into an ecological state that every citizen feels in their everyday life.

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