The formation of the management structure of the Ulcinj Salt Pans Nature Park is a key step in fulfilling Montenegro's obligations in the field of nature protection and closing Chapter 27, emphasized the Minister of Ecology, Sustainable Development and Northern Development Damjan Ćulafić during his visit to the Municipality of Ulcinj.
As announced by the Ministry of Ecology, Sustainable Development and Northern Development (MERS), Ćulafić discussed with the Mayor of the Municipality Gencij Nimanbegu current and future projects of importance for this coastal city, in the field of sewage network development, water supply and wastewater treatment.
Ćulafić, it is reported, expressed his satisfaction that he started this year with a working visit to Ulcinj, continuing the trend from the previous year, assessing the cooperation between MERS and the Municipality of Ulcinj as very successful.
"This is one example of how relations with any local government should function and a message that is also recognized by the European Commission - that good cooperation between central and local authorities in resolving all issues is recognized as goodwill and helps in the temporary closure of Chapter 27," Ćulafić pointed out.
He emphasized that this working visit has particular significance, since it is organized in anticipation of the signing of the agreement on the formation of the Ulcinj Saltworks management, which will take place next week.
"Forming the Ulcinj Salt Pans management is the largest obligation in the area of the final criterion Nature Protection, in Chapter 27," said Ćulafić.
He recalled that the Government and the Municipality of Ulcinj recently reached an agreement on the formation of a manager for the Ulcinj Salt Pans Nature Park, which laid the foundations for the long-term management of one of the most valuable ecosystems in Montenegro and made an important step towards closing Chapter 27, especially in the field of nature protection.
"The agreement was reached with the active and continuous support of the EU Ambassador to Montenegro, Johan Sattler, as well as the German Ambassador, Peter Felten, to whom I would like to express my gratitude on this occasion," Ćulafić emphasized.
Speaking about projects in the field of sewage network development, water supply and wastewater treatment, Ćulafić said that MERS, through its implementation units PROCON and VODACOM, will actively participate and accelerate their implementation.
He stated that many issues were discussed during the visit, including the issue of possible pollution of the Bojana River, "whereby we concluded that this is a very complex problem that cannot be dealt with by MERS alone at this time and in the future, but must be an interdepartmental approach."
"At one of the first upcoming Government sessions, I will nominate this issue as information with the aim of encouraging other ministries that are responsible within their competences to approach this problem in an interdepartmental manner and to try to solve it, in cooperation with the municipality of Ulcinj," said Ćulafić.
He assessed that Montenegro faces many challenges in the field of ecology.
"But none of them will slow down our European path, because the European Commission recognizes that we are actively working to solve every problem," Ćulafić emphasized.
He thanked Nimanbegu and his associates for their full understanding and contribution to the work of MERS in general and to the resolution of those issues and problems that are crucial for the closure of Chapter 27.
Nimanbegu emphasized that the Municipality is strongly committed to resolving issues that have long posed serious challenges to the sustainable development of Ulcinj.
As he emphasized, one of the key priorities of local government remains the improvement of basic infrastructure, with a special focus on the implementation of water supply and sewage projects, which are essential for the well-being of citizens and environmental protection.
Nimanbegu emphasized the importance of building a wastewater treatment plant, describing it as a strategic project with a long-term impact on reducing pollution and improving environmental conditions in the municipality.
According to him, this project will directly contribute to the preservation of water resources and meeting environmental standards.
He emphasized that resolving complex environmental issues, such as the Port Milena problem and the pollution of the Bojana River, requires close inter-institutional cooperation and coordination with competent authorities at the local and state levels.
"These problems cannot be solved in isolation and joint engagement is necessary to achieve concrete and sustainable results," Nimanbegu emphasized.
He, as announced, confirmed the Municipality's readiness to be an active partner in all initiatives aimed at protecting the environment, improving infrastructure, and creating better living conditions for the citizens of Ulcinj.
After meeting with representatives of the Municipality, Ćulafić visited the submarine outfall and Port Milena (Velika plaza), as well as the Ulcinj saltworks.
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