At the proposal of the Minister of Tourism, Ecology, Sustainable Development and Development of the North, Vladimir Martinović, the Government adopted the Decision on declaring the localities of Sopot and Dražin vrt protected areas.
Martinović said that the protection of the area of Sopot and Dražin vrt has multiple significance.
As he stated, these marine sites represent the habitats of plant and animal life, which are crucial for preserving the biodiversity of the Adriatic Sea.
"Permanent protection of these areas not only preserves natural resources, but also promotes ecotourism, which can contribute to the sustainable development of the local community," said Martinović.
He pointed out that, in addition to environmental significance, this initiative also has educational value because it raises awareness of the importance of preserving natural habitats.
"Also, it contributes to international efforts in the protection of marine ecosystems, whereby Montenegro confirms its commitment to global environmental standards and sustainable development goals," said Martinović.
He said that the permanent protection of these localities also has a significant role in the process of joining Montenegro to the European Union (EU).
"This initiative shows Montenegro's commitment to meeting EU standards, which is a key aspect for joining the Union. "Sustainable protection of natural resources and the achievement of high standards in environmental management are important steps towards European integration," said Martinović.
The Environmental Protection Agency, as the competent authority, finalized the Draft Protection Study for the natural monument of Sopot and Dražin vrt in November last year.
In accordance with the legal procedure, the Ministry conducted a public hearing for the Draft Decisions and the Study for both areas in the period from January 22 to February 20 of this year and published the Report on the public hearing.
The total area of the Sopot protected area is 34,348 square meters, the Dražin vrt area is 13,445 square meters.
Both plots are fully owned by the state of Montenegro, i.e. the Municipality of Kotor.
In both localities there is a Natura 2000 priority habitat of underwater sea reefs (1170), as well as bramble habitats that are highly valued because they are habitats that are extremely rare, rich in living things.
The most important thing is the number and depth of the colonies of the protected species of golden coral (Savalia savaglia) in these two localities, which is specific at the level of the Mediterranean Sea.
The areas that are protected are located in the Marine Resource Zone, according to which the Public Company for the Management of the Marine Resource of Montenegro is designated as the manager of both protected areas.
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