The inclusion of Montenegro in the European Natura 2000 network represents an important step towards preserving biological diversity and natural habitats in accordance with European standards.
This was announced at a meeting between the Minister of Ecology, Sustainable Development and Northern Development, Damjan Ćulafić, and the Executive Director of the French Development Agency (AFD), Veronika Vouland.
As announced by the Ministry of Ecology, Sustainable Development and Northern Development (MERS), Ćulafić and Vouland met as part of the United Nations Conference on Oceans taking place in Nice.
"The interlocutors exchanged views on important topics in the field of environmental protection, especially in the context of Montenegro's European integration and harmonization with European Union (EU) environmental standards," the statement said.
It is stated that the meeting particularly praised the recently adopted Waste Management Law, as well as the development of the National Waste Management Plan, whose adoption is pending.
Ćulafić emphasized that the development of this strategic document was comprehensive, with a focus on public consultations and the participation of relevant stakeholders.
The statement states that the meeting also discussed the challenges related to Chapter 27, one of the most complex and demanding in the EU accession process, as well as the continuous efforts that MERS is making to close it.
"Special attention has been paid to nature protection and the improvement of the network of protected areas through the inclusion of Montenegro in the European Natura 2.000 network, which represents an important step towards preserving biological diversity and natural habitats in accordance with European standards," the statement says.
Ćulafić and Vouland assessed that there is significant potential for deepening cooperation, especially taking into account the opening of an office of the French Development Agency in Podgorica.
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