OZONE: Form a Unit for the Prevention of Environmental Crime

The Montenegrin Government must establish a special unit for the prevention of environmental crime and environmental protection as soon as possible, because this is the only way to overcome the unsustainable division of competences of the inspection authorities, according to the environmental movement Ozon.

The executive director of that non-governmental organization, Aleksandar Perović, assessed that the inefficiency of the application of current laws acts as an incentive for the development of ecocrime, and that the damages caused have huge economic consequences, both in the context of the environment and public health.

"The government must establish a special unit for the prevention of environmental crime and environmental protection as soon as possible, because this is the only way to overcome the unsustainable division of competences of the inspection authorities, who misuse that space to avoid the implementation of punitive measures, which renders the entire system pointless," stated Perović. .

He said that, since the Government constantly emphasizes its commitment to the environment, they believe that the Ozone initiative will be considered adequately.

"And that we will have the opportunity to participate in the dialogue regarding the competence of the unit for the prevention of environmental crime and environmental protection, because we want to use our rich experience from the field, as always, in favor of the public interest," said Perović.

He said that Ozon has been warning for 15 years that eco-crime has taken off, that it has infiltrated the institutions of the system, and that the key decision-makers have never had the will to take this coup against the ecological state seriously, which is proof of their connection with organized crime.

Perović believes that state and local inspection bodies and security services are not at the appropriate level and do not have the capacity to protect natural resources.

He assessed that it is completely clear that only by forming the Unit for the Prevention of Ecocrime and Environmental Protection can an institutional systemic response be given.

Perović said that the formation of such a unit opens up space for regional and international networking in the fight against ecocrime, which is a necessity and the right way to improve cooperation, which will positively affect the process of European integration in the Western Balkans region.

"Without wanting to differentiate between criminal activities, we nevertheless warn that ecocrime in Montenegro, in our opinion, has exceeded narcotics trafficking, as well as that the economic consequences for our society are significantly greater," said Perović.

He said that Ozon hopes that the Government, headed by a representative of the party that is part of the European Greens, will recognize the justification of the initiative and that Montenegro will finally take a concrete step towards protecting the public interest and natural resources.