Minister of Ecology, Sustainable Development and Northern Development Damjan Ćulafić said that by revoking the decision to turn Sinjajevina into a military training ground, the preconditions have been created to propose that the area be placed under a special protection regime.
At the invitation of citizens and organizers, he opened an educational and recreational camp on Sinjajevina, organized by the Citizens' Initiative Save Sinjajevina, with the support of the international organization International Land Coalition (ILC).
Ćulafić, as announced by the relevant Ministry, said that Sinjajevina is home to people, plants, rare species, springs and legends.
"This is not just a space, this is a way of life. If we are lucky enough to live next to it, we also have an obligation to preserve it," Ćulafić pointed out.
He thanked the locals who, as he said, have guarded the mountain all this time, and the Minister of Defense, Dragan Krapović, for his courage and audacity in proposing to the Government the repeal of the decision to turn Sinjajevina into a military training ground.
"You have helped me a lot with this and created the prerequisites for me, within my powers and capabilities, and in cooperation with the municipalities of Kolašin and Mojkovac, to propose that this area be placed under a special protection regime. In this way, we will permanently preserve it," said Ćulafić.
He emphasized that Sinjajevina is rich in 56 species of plants and animals that do not exist anywhere outside the Balkans, of which 40 species are of special importance for all of Montenegro.
"Spaces without traffic, without noise, just silence and wind. And now imagine that disappearing. That we turn all of that into a conflict zone, into a space without a soul. That's why I'm not just speaking today as a minister. I'm speaking as someone who understands that without you, without the people who live here, who know it by heart, there is no real protection," Ćulafić pointed out.
He said that the knowledge, experiences and everyday life of the people living in Sinjajevina must be woven into what is called a "protected area".
"The idea is not to close the mountain, to expel or restrict people. On the contrary. True protection means that people live from nature, but in a way that does not destroy it. That they use it with moderation, as your ancestors did," said Ćulafić.
He said that he is happy that young people are at the center of this camp.
"You are the heirs of all this, you are now leaders. The generation that knows how to use a drone, to recognize a medicinal plant, to organize a camp, and to write an appeal. That is the combination of knowledge and passion that this space needs," said Ćulafić.
He thanked the organizers – GI Save Sinjajevina and the international organization International Land Coalition – for initiating and opening the camp.
"Protect the mountain, protect each other. And never forget that you are the force that leads this country forward," concluded Ćulafić.
Bonus video:
