The company for managing the Nature Park "Ulcinj Saltworks", which, as announced, will be formed in early 2026, will have the right and obligation to organize salt production and collect fees for the use of the protected property.
This is defined by the agreement on its establishment, which was recently concluded by the President of the Municipality of Ulcinj. Genzi Nimanbeg and Minister of Ecology, Sustainable Development and Northern Development Damjan Ćulafić.
At its session on December 25 last year, the Government adopted the Information on the Establishment of the Management Structure of the Ulcinj Salt Pans Nature Park, along with the Agreement on the Establishment of the Company.
"As part of the final benchmark 5 in Chapter 27 - Environment and Climate Change, Montenegro has committed to granting appropriate protection status to the Ulcinj Salt Pans and effectively implementing the necessary protection measures leading to the improvement of its conservation status. The Ulcinj Salt Pans area covers an area of 1.477 ha, and in 2019, due to the exceptional values of this area, the Ulcinj Municipal Assembly adopted a Decision on the proclamation of the "Ulcinj Salt Pans" Nature Park, officially protecting this area. Also, in the same year, this Nature Park was included in the Ramsar List of Wetlands of International Importance," the Government documentation stated.
It is emphasized that the Action Plan for meeting the final benchmarks in Chapter 27 defines 19 activities with sub-activities that directly concern the Ulcinj Saltworks.
"Activity 5.35 refers to the formation of a management structure and is a condition for the implementation of most other activities. In order to ensure adequate protection, and in accordance with the conclusion of the Government, the Public Company for National Parks of Montenegro has been leasing the entire property of the Bajo Sekulić Saltworks in bankruptcy since 2016, until the formation of a management structure," the document states.
The founders agree that the Government will hold 60 percent of the founding share in the company, and the Municipality of Ulcinj 40 percent.
"The share capital consists of funds provided by the founders in the amount of four million euros, of which 100 thousand euros will be paid upon registration of the Company, while the remaining amount will be paid within five years from the date of registration in equal annual tranches proportional to the founder's ownership share - the Government 468 thousand euros, and the Municipality of Ulcinj 312 thousand euros. The costs of establishment, estimated at 300 euros, are borne by the founders," the Information states.
Article 13 states that for the use of a protected natural asset, a legal or natural person pays a fee to the company for entry into the protected natural asset, for providing services to visitors (using a guide, viewing the natural history collection), for using the name and logo of the protected natural asset, for bird watching, for filming feature and commercial films, videos and advertisements, and for other actions and activities in accordance with the law.
The amount, method of calculation and payment of the fee shall be determined by the company, with the prior consent of the Government.
What will the company do?
According to the Founding Agreement, the company will have the rights and obligations to intervene for the purpose of restoration, revitalization and overall improvement of the protected natural asset, develop production activities in accordance with the management plan and nature protection conditions, conduct scientific research and monitor natural processes, implement controlled visits for tourist, educational, recreational and general cultural purposes, implement protective and remedial measures.
In addition, it implements intervention measures to protect ecosystems in the event of natural disasters and accidents, develops and implements a management plan, develops and implements an annual management program, develops and implements an act on internal order and protection services, organizes a protection service, ensures the implementation of protection measures in accordance with the Decision on the Establishment of the Nature Park, preserves, improves and promotes the Ulcinj Salt Pans Nature Park, marks the protected natural asset, its borders and protection regimes in a prescribed manner, and ensures the smooth running of natural processes.
"The company should ensure sustainable use of natural resources, monitor the situation and submit data to the administrative body responsible for environmental protection, organize salt production, collect fees for the use of protected natural resources, and perform other activities and tasks stipulated by the Law and general acts of the company," the documentation specifies.
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