The Government of Montenegro adopted the Information on the Partnership Agreement for the participation of Montenegro in the international Peat-EU project, the aim of which is to improve public policies aimed at the restoration, conservation and sustainable management of peatlands.
The Ministry of Ecology, Sustainable Development and Northern Development (MERS) announced that the Information was adopted at the proposal of the relevant Minister Damjan Ćulafić, adding that the project is being implemented within the framework of the Interreg Europe 2021-2027 program, with financial support from the European Regional Development Fund.
It is stated that ten partner institutions from several European countries are participating in the project.
"The adopted Partnership Agreement is a key document that regulates the relationships, obligations and responsibilities of all project participants," says the MERS statement.
The government department explained that its content specifies models of coordination, financial management, reporting and decision-making, as well as mechanisms for resolving potential misunderstandings.
"The agreement also provides a framework for transparent data exchange, efficient implementation of activities and long-term sustainability of results," the statement said.
As MERS pointed out, by adopting the document, Montenegro has officially begun the implementation of national activities within the Peat-EU project, including the development of measures that will contribute to improving the management, protection and revitalization of peatlands on the territory of the country.
"Although spatially limited, peatlands have extremely high ecological significance: they represent important carbon reservoirs, stabilize the water regime, reduce the risk of floods and droughts, and provide habitat for numerous rare and sensitive species," said MERS.
They added that participation in the Peat-EU project represents an important step in modernizing public policies in the field of nature protection, strengthening institutional capacities, and harmonizing with best European practices.
"Through the planned activities, clear guidelines will be developed for improving the legislative framework, more efficient planning of measures in the field, and strengthening cooperation with local communities and scientific institutions," the statement said.
It is added that the adoption of this document confirms Montenegro's commitment to improving the nature protection system by applying scientifically based approaches and international standards, as well as contributing to long-term ecological stability and the preservation of sensitive ecosystems of national and European importance.
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