We are surprised and shocked by the scope of the works in the part of the Vrtac field, Nikšićko field, where soil is excavated, meadows are deposited and filled in, roads are filled and habitats are fragmented, the non-governmental organization (NGO) Center for the Protection and Study of Birds (CZIP) announced today. Organizations KOD, Zupa u srcu, Society of Young Ecologists Nikšić and Montenegrin Society of Ecologists.
"Most worrying of all is the fact that, as they told us from EPCG (Electric Power Company of Montenegro), which is the client of the work, an environmental impact assessment was not done. If the Environmental Agency considers that a risk assessment for the ecosystem and human health, then the Agency protects profiteers and not citizens' interests," the joint statement of these NGOs points out.
They added that the Nikšić field was previously recognized as an area of importance for birds - a potential IBA (Important Bird Area) area, and recent research has confirmed that after the Ulcinj Salt Lake and Skadar Lake, it is the most important area for the migration and wintering of waterfowl. habitats, not excluding its importance for nesting sites.
"It is also recognized as a future Natura 2000 area. The original shape of the Nikšić field has been preserved in smaller segments, given that it has paid tribute to urbanization, industrialization, hydropower and other forms of exploitation of nature, as well as neglect. From the point of view of ornithofauna, but also of other groups of animals, karst fields represent an oasis in the desert, whose role is immeasurable and thus the need for conservation. Species from the Annex and the Bird Directive, which need special care, given their vulnerability, and which meet the criteria that define the Nikšić field as a future Natura 2000 area, are glavoč, whooping crane, shrike, golden shrike, sprudnik ujica, gray sparrowhawk, grasshopper and others. In the area where the works are carried out, there are also endangered plant species from the Red List, namely the Dalmatian bellflower and the meadow gap. A combination of flooded meadows, pastures, remnants of natural river courses, non-intensive of agriculture, contributed to the variety and abundance of these and other species. However, projects such as the revitalization of the Opačica and Moštanica canals, the transfer of the Zeta River to Krupac, are projects with a large impact that is visible and lasting," reads the announcement of the NGO CZIP, Organization KOD, The parish in the heart, the Society of Young Ecologists Nikšić and the Montenegrin Society of Ecologists.
They also said that in order to protect and preserve these important habitats, an urgent reaction of the competent institutions is needed, starting with the ecological inspection, which has already been sent an initiative for inspection supervision, as well as the Agency for the Protection of Nature and the Environment, which should offer a solution for rehabilitation and revitalization space.
"Because nature conservation is not a barrier to investments, but a guide to smart development, wise management of resources," the statement reads.
They say that the filling of wetlands and floodplains with construction material is obviously a serious and increasingly present threat to nature in Montenegro.
"After the irresponsible behavior of the contractor on the construction of the Podgorica-Danilovgrad road, who disrespected the protected area and important habitats found there, and with his actions significantly devastated the floodplains in the second protection zone of the Zeta River Valley Nature Park, on Mareza, today we are witnessing the same phenomenon devastation at a distance of about forty kilometers," said the CZIP, Organization KOD, Župa u srcu, Society of Young Ecologists Nikšić and the Montenegrin Society of Ecologists.
They state that it is obviously currently easiest to build on the plains which are the most accessible.
"Thus, in a short time, we get rid of construction waste, earth excavation, and we do not have to additionally arrange the location for the continuation of the work. In this way, not only are our most vulnerable ecosystems (lakes, streams, flooded meadows) destroyed, but the infrastructure on which an entire community rests is gradually paralyzed Thus, because of a couple of embankments and several storage halls, you slow down the connection to the traffic network, and all of this slows down the traffic and then all the users and other activities of that place," said the CZIP, Organization KOD, Župa u srcu, Society of Young Ecologists Nikšić and the Montenegrin Society environmentalist.
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