Non-governmental organizations, led by the Center for Bird Protection and Study (CZIP), have launched a petition in the fight for the preservation of Velika Plaza and respect for its protection at the national and international levels.
CZIP said that launching the petition is the first step in the fight to preserve Velika Plaza, as well as involving citizens in decision-making processes.
The petition is located HERE.
CZIP recalled that representatives of the Government and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) signed an agreement on cooperation in the field of tourism and real estate development, which will enable long-term lease and "valorization" of the most valuable natural sites in Montenegro.
"This agreement opens the door for UAE investors to take over multiple locations across the country, without transparent procedures and public scrutiny," the statement said.
CZIP said that just a few days before the signing of the agreement, the idea of leasing all 12 kilometers of Velika Plaza, for as long as 99 years, was presented to the public, which implies the construction of tourist complexes, marinas, airports, and thus its permanent, irreversible loss for citizens.
"The fact that such an important document is being passed behind closed doors, without public debate and citizen insight, is particularly worrying. The land is planned to be allocated in a shortened procedure without public competition and tender, in contradiction with the valid, albeit questionable and already problematic, spatial planning documentation, which creates a serious risk of corruption and misuse of state resources," the statement said.
Such an agreement, they believe, is not only unconstitutional and violates state laws, but also does not respect international conventions, to which Montenegro is a signatory, such as the Aarhus Convention, which guarantees citizens timely and complete information, participation in decision-making, and access to justice in environmental matters.
"The first investment idea, enthusiastically presented as an opportunity not to be missed, relates to the Bojana Delta area, which is recognized in all relevant strategic documents of Montenegro as an area of exceptional importance that needs to be protected due to its unique biological diversity and ecological value. In addition, these areas enjoy protection at the national and international level through the IBA, IPA, Ramsar, Emerald and potential Natura 2000 statuses," the statement said.
The CZIP considers it extremely inappropriate that complete and permanent devastation is planned for this most valuable area, which is already protected by current legislation.
"It is unacceptable to ignore and disrespect Montenegro's strategic plans related to the protection of natural values. Therefore, we call on decision-makers to be consistent in implementing strategic plans," the statement said.
In addition to the above, they said they are also concerned about the situation in the Ulcinj Saltworks, because the lease agreement between the bankruptcy administration and the National Parks has not been extended and the area is currently being managed thanks to the goodwill of workers who have not received their salaries for two months.
"The contract was not extended just now when an Arab investor is interested in Velika Plaža and its hinterland. We have heard and seen everything, and we do not believe that coincidences exist, so we would not be surprised if Solana is also part of the valorization package announced by the Prime Minister," the statement added.
In addition to CZIP, the petition was supported by the NGO EnvPro, Dinarida Parks, the Center for Investigative Reporting (CIN CG), the NGO KANA/ko akto ne arhitekt, Dr Martin Schneider-Jacoby Association (MSJA), CEE Bankwatch Network, the NGO Montenegrin Society of Ecologists, Green Home, MogUL, the Ulcinj info portal, and the Network for the Affirmation of the NGO Sector MANS.
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