The coalition of non-governmental organizations "Big Beach or Big Lie" called on the Ministry of Ecology, Sustainable Development and Development of the North, the Ministry of Spatial Planning, Urbanism and State Property, the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management, the Environmental Protection Agency, the Maritime Domain, the University of Montenegro, the Montenegrin Academy of Sciences and Arts and the Duklja Academy of Sciences and Arts to urgently make a statement and clearly state their position on the potential implementation of the agreement between the governments of Montenegro and the United Arab Emirates on cooperation in the field of tourism and real estate development.
They said that the silence of institutions and the academic community "at such an important moment" is not a neutral stance, but rather complicity, and said that "this is the moment for the profession to put the interests of investors ahead of those of the public."
"The members of the Parliament of Montenegro will soon have before them the Law on Ratification of the Agreement between the Government of Montenegro and the United Arab Emirates — a document that already carries potentially incalculable consequences for the public interest, natural resources and sovereignty of the country. After the President of the State exercised his constitutional authority and returned the law for re-decision, the Parliament has a second chance. It is, figuratively speaking, a make-up exam that will remain recorded in the political biography of every member of parliament. But where is the profession? Where are the competent institutions that should defend the public interest? Why are they silent," the statement reads.
They also said what they expect from the aforementioned departments and institutions.
"We expect them to say: how do they view the possibility of megalomaniacal construction projects being implemented in protected and environmentally sensitive areas, including Velika Plaža, Buljarica, Bjelasica, Hajla? What will be the consequences for natural resources, biodiversity and the constitutional order if the Agreement is ratified? Why is there a persistent lack of expert opinion on a document that erases public control, abolishes legal protection mechanisms and undermines the principle of sustainable development? The silence of institutions and the academic community at such an important moment is not a neutral position. Silence is complicity. Therefore, we call on them to take responsibility, to stop watching from the sidelines while decisions are being made about the future of Montenegro, and to publicly and unequivocally present expert arguments on the basis of which MPs will be able to make an informed and responsible decision," the NGO added.
They said this is not a question of political affiliation.
"This is a question of professional ethics, academic integrity and moral obligation to society. If you don't speak up now, when will you? The Law on Ratification of the Agreement is before the Parliament again. This is the moment for the profession to put the interests of investors ahead of those of investors. Let them not be remembered for being silent. Let them be remembered for defending the most valuable thing Montenegro has," reads the statement signed by: Center for Bird Protection and Study, Dr Martin Schneider-Jacoby Association - MSJA, KANA/ko akto ne arhitekt, Dinarida Parks, Center for Investigative Journalism (CIN CG), CEE Bankwatch Network, Montenegrin Society of Ecologists, Green Home, MogUL Portal, Portal Ulcinj info, Network for Affirmation of the Non-Governmental Sector (MANS), Expeditio, EnvPro, Organization KOD, Biciklo.me, Center for Civic Education (CGO) and Gradionica.
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