The state's plans to build a new cable car within the borders of the "Durmitor" National Park on Panalje are new for UNESCO, Milica Nikolić, representative of the National Commission of that organization, said yesterday.
She said this at the forum "Durmitor and UNESCO", held in the building of the Municipality of Žabljak, and added that the national parks under UNESCO do not have cable cars and ski resorts for mass tourism.
For them, it is new information that a new cable car is planned to be built in Panalje, not far from the existing one, and that UNESCO brings together institutions and has an advisory role, and that the state is obliged to submit the projects to UNESCO for an opinion before the work begins.
The citizens of Žabljak explained that the location where the construction of the new cable car is planned is the most unsuitable for that purpose, because the side is sunny, and the wind does not allow the snow cover to remain.
Tourism worker Dane Novosel showed photos of both sides of Panalje, pointing out that the track at that location could only be designed by someone who sat in the office in Podgorica and did not go out on the field.
"That man was most likely sitting in Podgorica, looking at Google maps and saying this will be here, then they bought land and started the project. You can't ski there, there are no conditions for skiing. The wind carries the snow," he said.
Novosel pointed out that 400-500 meters of the track in Panalje costs around nine million euros.
"Because of Panalj, we are risking membership in UNESCO and it would be better to install new equipment instead of the existing ski-lifts".
Novosel also asked why they are not renovating the old cable car, warning that it is a question of "the day when someone will die".
"But they think - we're crazy, and they're smart, and now let's beat the Žabljačans," said Novosel.
His colleague Vera Đerković said that they were surprised that a new cable car was being built, next to the old one on Savina kuk built three decades ago, which is no longer in use.
"We don't want to argue, but more than anything, we want that cable car to be restored in the interest of all of us and in the interest of the safety of those who use it," said Đerković.
Naod Vuković from Žablja said that the hotels that are being built now will be surpassed in 15 years, and the nature of Durmitor cannot be surpassed and must be preserved.
"I have never come across people like my Durmitorians who are so proud of their homeland and attached... No one can take care of Durmitor like Durmitorians, as long as NP "Durmitor" is in JP NPCG there will always be a sword hanging over his head. We are ready to launch a petition to separate NP "Durmitor" from JP NPCG and then take care of it, said Vuković.
He also said that he thinks that we are all aware of what we have and what we must protect.
"Our ancestors knew better what sustainable development is. They protected forests and waters. The municipality of Žabljak does not have a cent of income from the National Park, and we will launch an initiative to restore the autonomy of the National Park "Durmitor". I noticed that very often the directors are Zećani, Barani, it would be good if we send people from Durmitor as presidents of the Water Polo Association", said Milanko Ćetković (SNP), adding that we should think about valorizing the ski fields on the slopes of Štuoc.
Đerković said that new investments could threaten the UNESCO status of Durmitor and that natural beauty and the UNESCO sign are the best recommendation for that tourist destination.
Aleksandar Dragićević assessed that there is no development without sustainable development.
"The price of UNESCO destinations, in tourism, is always at least 30 percent higher than others. Durmitor is not at fairs and our only way out into the world is UNESCO. They enable us to have fewer people, but more money, which represents sustainable development," says Dragićević.
Vukićević: Warning, I will demand that they present the project
The President of the Municipality of Žabljak, Veselin Vukićević, says that Prime Minister Duško Marković announced the construction of new cable cars and four kilometers of trails two years ago, and that a lot has been done on that front.
"Everything I hear today is instructive and warning. I will request that the authorities present the main project here to avoid arbitrary stories and dilemmas. We want to defend the interests of Žabljak and preserve the UNESCO status," said Vukićević.
A member of the Association of Tourist Workers, Miraš Vuković, requested that the mayor organize an urgent meeting with the relevant state institutions when it comes to investing in Sava kuk.
At the forum, the issue of the state of Tara, that is, the state of old and the construction of new buildings, was raised.
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