A roundtable discussion entitled "Perast: City of Memory, Community and Transformation" was held at the Creative Hub in Kotor, which opened a space for reflection on Perast and the Bay of Kotor as spaces in constant dialogue between identity, community and change. The event brought together a wide range of participants from institutions, the civil sector and the local community, who discussed the importance of preserving the cultural and natural heritage of Kotor - inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
They spoke at the meeting: Jermina Stanojev (independent expert of the European Commission), Sara Mandic i Ratimir Martinović (Don Branko Sbutega Foundation), Lena Pasinović (Kotor Municipality), Đorđe Krivokapić (SHARE Foundation), Tina Ugrinic (Historical Archives of Kotor), Nikoleta Lindi (Perast Local Municipality), Radmila Radulović (Cultural Center "Nikola Đurković"), Sandra Kapetanović (NVO Expedition), Milenko Zupanovic (marine engineer), Branko Nikolić (architect) and numerous other interested citizens.
A project that combines heritage, education and community
The project "Perast: Mobilising Competences" was presented, which aims to revive and preserve heritage through educational and cultural programs. The development of key deliverables is underway: Feasibility Study for permanent educational and cultural programs in Perast, Mapping of Heritage Space, which provides a detailed inventory and analysis of the architectural and social characteristics of Perast and its surroundings, Strategy for the Renovation of the Mazarović Palace, an 18th-century Baroque building, with a vision to become a center for education and culture.
UNESCO as a reference and obligation
Particular emphasis was placed on the importance of including historical narratives and heritage knowledge in formal and non-formal education, as well as the need to raise awareness among local populations about the outstanding universal value of the UNESCO-protected areas. Participants emphasized that integrated, participatory and long-term approaches are key to preserving these areas, including the active involvement of communities and institutions.
It was strongly emphasized that the future management plan for the Kotor area must be the result of structured consultations with all stakeholders, so that the local community has an active role in defining policies related to zoning, tourism, risk management and heritage education.
Challenges, transformation and vision
The director of the KotorArt festival, Ratimir Martinović, said that this project provides an opportunity for a deeper understanding of the key challenges facing Kotor and Perast, including preserving their status on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
"What this project makes possible is the activation of the cultural sector and citizens - but above all their information, education and involvement. Raising awareness of the value of what makes Kotor and Boka a UNESCO heritage site is an important prerequisite for stopping further degradation of its unique natural and cultural value in the long term," Martinović pointed out.
He also recalled that the conclusions of the 47th session of the World Heritage Committee state that Montenegro must submit an updated report on the state of the property, protective measures and implementation of UNESCO recommendations by 1 February 2026. The project "Perast: Mobilising Competences" can significantly contribute to this process through awareness-raising, education and the involvement of all sectors.
The way forward: joint planning and long-term vision
As part of the next steps, a final event of the project has been announced for the end of September, which will bring together all relevant stakeholders to define guidelines for the continuation of the initiative. The focus will be on participatory planning, strengthening institutional capacities and sustainable use of cultural heritage – with the ultimate goal of making Perast a regional center of cultural and educational cooperation in the Mediterranean and European context.
The project "Perast: Mobilising Competences" is implemented by the Don Branko Sbutega Foundation, the Municipality of Kotor and the SHARE Foundation, with the support of UNESCO, within the framework of the "Culture and Creativity for the Western Balkans" (CC4WBs) program funded by the European Union.
Bonus video:
