Balanced regional development is the goal of the Government, aiming to establish a sustainable model that will enable economic progress, population retention, and long-term resilience of the region to environmental and economic challenges, the Ministry of Ecology, Sustainable Development and Northern Development announced.
Secretary General at the Ministry, Trifun Savić, said that their goal is clear, and that is balanced regional development.
"The development of the north is not a matter of choice - it is a matter of justice, and we are determined to achieve that justice. Together, with the partnership of the local community and multidisciplinary sectors, we will make changes that will last," said Savić at a lecture by Professor Novak Jauković on the topic of sustainable development of the northern region of Montenegro, which was held at the Ministry.
He emphasized that a very important segment for the recovery and further development of the Montenegrin economy is the recognition of the fact that it is faced with the challenge of uneven regional development, which in parallel has a strong untapped economic potential in the north.
"The north of Montenegro, with its rich natural heritage and resources, has exceptional potential for green and sustainable development. However, for too long the north has been synonymous with neglect, lack of investment and population outflow," Savić reminded.
He stated that the state is seriously working on the development of the north, primarily through investments in capital projects.
"Currently, 60 percent of the total number of capital projects is being implemented in the north, which clearly demonstrates the Government's commitment to balanced regional development and special care for the northern region. Therefore, out of a total of 40 newly planned capital projects, 24 will be implemented in the territory of northern municipalities. The total estimated value of these 24 projects is almost 250 million euros," Savić stated.
He added that the Ministry is taking this problem seriously, and for this very reason is initiating activities to draft a document that will define a long-term vision and important goals for the ecological and sustainable development of the north.
Jauković spoke about connecting local governments according to the principle of "northern Montenegro as one city", which is based on better utilization of the potential of northern municipalities, especially sustainable projects in the field of agriculture - livestock farming, fruit growing, as well as rural tourism.
As a priority area in which he sees a development opportunity for Montenegro, Jauković presented the idea of producing and marketing organic food products.
Bonus video:
