The World Organization for Nature Protection WWF and TNC believe that the upper course of the Ćehotina River should be declared a nature park with transparent and sustainable management for the purpose of protecting nature and the interests of the citizens of Montenegro.
"The declaration of a protected area in the area of the upper course of the Ćehotina river will have a positive impact on plant and animal species, as well as other heritage of the area, and should especially bring benefits to the local population and all users of this area. Although the protection will introduce some changes in the management of the area of the upper reaches of the Ćehotina, it will create new opportunities for the development of that area and will bring additional value to all those who see their future in the north of our country", said Milija Čabarkapa from WWF Adria.
He recalled that on the initiative of the non-governmental organizations WWF Adria, The Nature Conservancy (TNC), Eko-team and "Da žavivi selo", the Municipality of Pljevlja initiated the process of declaring the upper course of the Ćehotina river a nature park last year. This decision is based on the unique landscape, biodiversity and cultural-historical characteristics of the area, which are recognized as particularly important for protection.
By including the public in the public discussion, a contribution is made to the long-term sustainability of the new nature park, which should aim to preserve nature as well as the well-being of the residents who depend on that protected area. With their support and active cooperation, a hitherto insufficiently known part of Montenegro could become an important example of permanent protection of a river in our region, as well as a model of good management.
"We joined the initiative because we recognize the value of preserving that part of the Ćehotina stream, which still has exceptional landscape, natural and cultural-historical importance. We believe that with the joint cooperation of the Municipality, non-governmental organizations and local communities, we can create a new chance for the development of the Pljeval region, with an emphasis on the protection and sustainable use of all the resources it has to offer. International organizations like The Nature Conservancy will continue to provide support in order to protect Ćehotina, and then to develop a sustainable way of management and avoid a situation where this is just another dead letter on paper," said Dragana Mileusnić from TNC. .
By initiating the procedure for the declaration of a protected area on Ćehotina, the Municipality of Pljevlja, in the opinion of these organizations, has made a great step forward in the protection of the rivers of Montenegro.
It is an example of good practice, but also of cooperation with national and international organizations, and it is a model of how good cooperation can be achieved for the purpose of protecting nature and the well-being of the local population", according to these organizations.
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