The majority of citizens formally support the concept of Montenegro as an ecological state, but the share of those who “fully believe” in it is slightly decreasing. At the same time, the number of “partial supporters” is increasing, which shows that ecological statehood is still perceived as desirable, but also that citizens are becoming more cautious in assessing its real implementation.
These are some of the main conclusions of the analysis Montenegro, an ecological state: 30 years of (un)changed awareness, which, by combining data from research conducted from 1991 to 2021, reveals the level of ecological culture in the country, the personal engagement of citizens, as well as the work of state bodies, the media and the NGO sector, the Civic Alliance (GA) announced.
According to the NGO, data shows that while over 80% of citizens do not want nature to be endangered for economic gain, their concrete participation in clean-up actions and selective waste disposal is lacking. Thus, the percentage of those who would regularly participate in clean-up actions fell from 1994% to a worrying 2021% between 38,5 and 22.
Also, less than 30% of respondents regularly sort waste, which indicates how important it is to improve infrastructure and educate the population in order to translate principles into practice.
Respondents generally believe that environmental protection is a shared responsibility of the state, business and citizens, the CA points out. Almost three-quarters support the introduction of stricter measures such as environmental police and financial sanctions, which indicates a growing public willingness for stronger regulation.
According to the public perception, environmental issues are still overshadowed by daily politics and other social problems, the statement states. Most citizens believe that the coverage of environmental issues in the media is insufficient, although at the same time they do not list ecology as a top priority. The NGO sector cooperates intensively with state institutions, but ecology as a whole is mentioned less frequently than topics such as corruption or social protection.
Analyses at the local level show that municipalities in Montenegro are still struggling with communal issues - water quality and availability, waste disposal and sewage infrastructure, said the CA.
Recent research (after 2015) has shown a noticeable increase in awareness of climate challenges. Around 75% of respondents consider the transition to renewable energy sources necessary, but understanding of the concept of a “just energy transition” is still at a low level.
At the same time, attitudes towards the closure of the coal industry are divided, especially in local communities that are economically dependent on such plants.
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