The Government of Montenegro has adopted the Information on the Establishment of the Management Structure of the Nature Park "Ulcinj Salt Pans", which marks an important step forward in fulfilling Montenegro's obligations under Chapter 27 - Environment and Climate Change, in the process of accession to the European Union, the Ministry of Ecology, Sustainable Development and Northern Development announced today.
"The Ulcinj Salt Pan covers an area of 1.477 hectares and is one of the most significant natural areas in Montenegro, especially from the aspect of preserving biodiversity and bird habitats. Due to its exceptional natural values, the Ulcinj Municipal Assembly adopted a Decision in 2019 to proclaim the 'Ulcinj Salt Pan' Nature Park, thus giving this area official protection status. In the same year, the 'Ulcinj Salt Pan' Nature Park was also included in the Ramsar List of Wetlands of International Importance," the statement states.
The Ministry of Ecology, Sustainable Development and Northern Development added that the action plan for meeting the final benchmarks in Chapter 27 defines 19 activities that directly relate to the Ulcinj Salt Pan, and that among them, the formation of a management structure has been recognized as the most important issue for the implementation of most of the planned measures to protect and improve the condition of this area.
"Pending the establishment of a permanent management model, the Public Company for National Parks of Montenegro has been providing protection for this area since 2016 through the lease of the property of the bankrupt company AD Solana 'Bajo Sekulić'. After years of consultations and negotiations with relevant institutions at the state and local levels, as well as with international partners, a management model was agreed in the form of establishing a limited liability company for the management of the Nature Park 'Ulcinjska Solana'. It is envisaged that the Government of Montenegro will have a founding share of 60 percent, while the Municipality of Ulcinj will have a founding share of 40 percent," the statement reads.
The Ministry of Ecology, Sustainable Development and Northern Development said that the adoption of this Information creates conditions for long-term and efficient management of the Ulcinj Salt Pans Nature Park, improving the protection of the natural values of this area and fulfilling Montenegro's international obligations in the field of environmental protection.
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