Preservation and promotion of biodiversity values through continuous improvement of inter-institutional, NGO and international cooperation contributes to more efficient nature protection and strengthening of the overall system of protected areas in Montenegro, it was concluded at a panel discussion organized by the National Parks of Montenegro (NPCG).
At the "Together for Nature" conference, which was organized as part of the "Eco Dali" project, it was stated that nature conservation is a process that requires timely exchange of information, data, experiences and opinions, as well as open and constructive cooperation between all key entities in the environmental protection system, expressed through activities aimed at the same goal.
Minister of Ecology, Sustainable Development and Northern Development Damjan Ćulafić reminded that we cannot take nature "for granted" and that it requires attention, care and dedication.
As he stated, Montenegro's national parks occupy 7,3 percent of the land territory and represent one of the most valuable pearls of natural heritage.
"Since 2021, Montenegro has taken a significant step towards improving institutional support through the establishment of the Directorate for Protected Areas, which operates within the Directorate for Nature Protection. The Ministry has also formed a coordination body for improving the management of protected areas, with the aim of strengthening cooperation among managers," said Ćulafić.
He said that the goal is to create a strong and sustainable system that will enable quality management of protected areas.
According to Ćulafić, in addition to working on preparing key laws and strategic documents for protected areas, the relevant ministry is paying special attention to fulfilling international obligations, including the global goal of protecting 30 percent of land and 30 percent of the sea by 2030.
"In Montenegro, 13,41 percent of land and 1,79 percent of the sea are protected, and we are working to increase these percentages through the proclamation of an ecological network. However, our goal is not only to increase the area under protection, but also to improve the effective management of protected areas," said Ćulafić.
Director of the National Park of Montenegro, Marinela Đuretić, emphasized that for Montenegro, national parks are not just protected areas, but an identity, natural capital and a resource of strategic importance.
She said that national parks represent the foundation of preserved biological diversity, but also an important space for the development of sustainable tourism, education and local communities.
As Đuretić stated, with five national parks that encompass key mountain, forest and aquatic ecosystems, Montenegro is among the countries that still have the privilege of managing authentic nature.
"And that is a great responsibility. That is precisely why cooperation with European and international partners, harmonization with EU policies, and the introduction of sustainable practices into everyday management is no longer an option, but the only right direction," said Đuretić.
She added that, aware of the financial limitations of the Public Company for the Protection of Natural Resources and Environment of Montenegro, it is trying to address this challenge proactively by applying to numerous international programs and calls, and that projects worth almost one million EUR are currently being implemented, which relate to the improvement of tourism infrastructure, equipment, habitat restoration, education and biodiversity monitoring.
French Ambassador to Montenegro Anne-Marie Maske emphasized that this year's celebration of the European Day of Parks encourages the exploration of vital partnerships within and beyond protected areas.
As announced by the NPCG, she recognized the courage and dedication of rangers in all five national parks, which is crucial to protection.
Assistant Director of the National Park of Montenegro for Protection, Sustainable Development and Tourism, Nela Vešović Dubak, said that in a time of rapid change, increasing pressure from urbanization, mass tourism and climate challenges, nature remains the most sensitive, but also the strongest stronghold.
"Montenegro has five national parks - each different, special, worthy of attention, respect and protection. These are places where nature speaks, and we learn - how small we are in front of the greatness of the living world," said Vešović Dubak.
The NPCG said that the first panel emphasized that state administration plays a key role in preserving natural values and promoting the sustainable development of protected areas by providing a legal and institutional framework for nature protection, as well as that numerous challenges in continuity are overcome through joint cooperation.
"Particularly highlighted was cooperation with local communities and the coexistence of nature and humans, with the necessary greater understanding of those who link their lives and work to protected areas," the statement added.
As stated, during the final panel "Voice of the Community - NGOs in the Service of Nature", it was emphasized that non-governmental organizations play a significant role in nature protection.
It was emphasized that NGOs are an indispensable partner of the NPCG in nature conservation processes and that the civil sector lends a hand in solving numerous challenges in the management of protected areas, which results in many different projects.
The EUROPARC Federation, based in Germany, organizes promotional, environmental and educational events every year on the occasion of European Parks Day.
This year it is celebrated under the slogan "Together for Nature" with the aim of highlighting the importance of cooperation between all stakeholders in nature conservation, as well as raising public awareness about the importance of natural beauty in protected areas across Europe, highlighting the importance of their preservation and sustainable development.
European Parks Day has been celebrated every year on May 1999 since 24, in memory of the first national parks in Europe – nine parks established in Sweden in 1909.
Bonus video:
