The President of Montenegro, Jakov Milatović, said that in Žabljak more than 30 years ago, Montenegro "aware of its debt to nature, the source of our health and the inspiration of our freedom and culture, dedicated itself to its protection in the name of its own survival and the future of posterity".
He said this during his visit to the Municipality of Žabljak, the Information Service of the President of Montenegro announced. With that statement, it is said, he recalled the words "Declarations on the Ecological State of Montenegro".
"These words remind us of the universality of their meaning, but also of the vow that was given: that we are aware of the responsibility we have, personal and collective, and that we know that our actions today shape our reality tomorrow," said Milatović.
Milatović, as stated in the press release, spoke at the opening of a scientific meeting on "Ecological sustainability and climate change" as part of his visit to the municipality of Žabljak.
On that occasion, he added that he was pleased "that today we have the opportunity to discuss important issues for our present, but what is perhaps even more important – for our future and that of our children".
"Nature has generously rewarded Montenegro and us, its citizens, with all the beauties and blessings, trusting that we will value and protect them. Along with the already imprinted stamp of a rich cultural and historical heritage, she gifted us with crystal clear water and fresh mountain air, fertile and rugged land, covered by forests, mountains, sea, rivers and lakes," said Milatović.
He added that with all this, as well as the bequest to leave it to future generations, our obligation goes beyond the implied necessity of protecting natural resources, and said that it lies in the awareness that sustainable management of them is one of the main challenges on our way.
"Although its constitutional designation expresses awareness and commitment to the environment, natural and cultural resources, our society in previous years did not reflect such an image," he added, according to the announcement.
This idea, as Milatović said, remained hidden behind carelessness about the environment, constant and intense devastation of space, unregulated waste problem, non-compliance with the law and the absence of sanctions, and according to him, behind the absence of the will to change something, on the one hand, and the absence listening for good initiatives, on the other hand.
"A narrative about openness to investments was often imposed, which in the end turned out to be an end in itself, and even more often the component of care for space and the environment was forgotten. When you add to all that the imperative of accelerated and unsustainable economic development, quite often happened that the issue of commitment to sustainable development remains something that is only declaratively paid attention to," added the President of Montenegro.
It is devastating, he stated, that throughout Montenegro, even here, in the heart of Žabljak, we are witnessing illegal cutting of forests in a protected area, instead of being proud of the beauty of our national parks and protecting our treasures.
"I firmly believe that the ecological, economic and social components of society can form a unique harmony, and my efforts will be directed towards encouraging new initiatives and a pragmatic approach that will inspire all social actors to take further steps," announced Milatović.
I strongly support all steps taken to prevent such activities, said Milatović and added that we must not allow the "lungs" of our country that protect us from climate extremes to be devastated.
"We need to understand that by listing ambitious goals, which we are aware that we cannot achieve and which remain only "letters on paper", we do not arrive at a solution. The answer to our problems is not even the imposition of norms whose application does not take root in practice, but truly turning around, accepting new patterns of behavior and finding new ways to deal with old problems," he said.
As stated in the announcement, he said that, guided by the fact that everyone should start on their own, without waiting for someone else to take the initiative, he gave this issue the importance it deserves by appointing an advisor specifically for the field of sustainable development.
"You can be convinced that I will devote myself to this topic with enthusiasm and attention and that I will be the wind at my back with good ideas," announced Milatović.
We are aware, he added, that climate change is changing the world as we know it and that our country is no exception.
"In light of all the environmental, energy and economic crises we have encountered and whose repetition is certain, we must not allow powerlessness and apathy to prevail, but it is necessary to focus on long-term sustainable development. It is equally important to bring together all relevant social factors because only that's how we can create partnerships for sustainability," said Milatović.
It is knowledge, he added, that represents a bridge for building partnerships between the aforementioned factors in order to move forward.
"Academic knowledge oriented towards long-term sustainability on the wings of technology and its benefits can do a lot to solve the problems we face every day," he said.
The fact that there is a multidisciplinary Sustainable Development program at the doctoral studies of the University of Montenegro, as stated, is pleasing, and I am sure that there are more good examples.
"It is a good way to build and draw on intellectual and academic capacities that will help us create a different Montenegro - truly dedicated to sustainable development. There are many good examples of how the care of resources can be complemented by their adequate valorization. Just from those examples, a Switzerland or one Iceland, we should learn how the development of innovative technologies and practices enables the economic valorization of natural resources in a sustainable way," said Milatović.
As he said, events such as today's are a confirmation that Žabljak was and remains the cradle of resource conservation initiatives, thus connecting the efforts of all of us with the vision of a better future.
"Considering everything that this municipality has achieved and continues to do in terms of preserving nature, improving the quality of life of citizens and supporting initiatives that promote sustainability, there is no better time to acknowledge your efforts and congratulate the upcoming Municipality Day with the conviction that Žabljak will continue to play a significant role in creating a sustainable future," Milatović said, according to a press release from the Information Service of the President of Montenegro.
In light of the growing need to preserve our resources, as he said, we need to find inspiration and solutions in them.
"Because giving back to nature with a wise disposal of what it selflessly gives is always a good way. That's why I call on us to take special care of our ecosystems, protected areas, cultural assets, to use space wisely, to green the economy, but also to invest in education, building awareness and culture in order to preserve our unique characteristic," announced Milatović.
I am convinced that, as he stated, by encouraging each other to consistently work to change our habits and by bringing innovation to conventional patterns, we become a source of inspiration and a guide for change.
"Committed to that goal, we remain steadfast in the fight for a more beautiful, cleaner, more resilient and healthier Montenegro, which is our common home," added Milatović.
As stated in the announcement, within the framework of the visit to Žabljak, President Milatović met with the management of the Municipality, and a tour of the city and locations with the most significant infrastructure projects, as well as a visit to the National Park and the Durmitor Tourist Center, are planned.
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