It is extremely important for us that the concept of an ecological state does not remain just a historical or constitutional category, but that we translate it into measurable policies, concrete projects and clear results on the ground, said the Minister of Ecology, Sustainable Development and Northern Development Damjan Ćulafić.
As announced by the relevant ministry, Ćulafić met with Prince Nikola Petrović Njegoš, with whom he discussed the "Small is Beautiful" project organized by the Petrović Njegoš Foundation on the occasion of the 35th anniversary of the Declaration on an Ecological State.
Prince Nikola, as reported, initially praised the work of the Ministry and informed the minister that the Foundation is currently implementing three projects, with which they want to contribute to justifying Montenegro's status as an ecological state, and they want to include the Ministry of Ecology, Sustainable Development and Northern Development (MERS) in the aforementioned "Small is Beautiful", in accordance with available capabilities and funds.
"The project aims to help define what an ecological state is or should be, to highlight the experiences of several countries on the path towards an ecological state, as well as to define new social, economic, technological and cultural models that can be replicated, which can enable the initiation of the ecological transition necessary for the survival of our ecosystem," said Nikola.
Ćulafić said that MERS shares the Foundation's goals and that ideas and suggestions are always welcome.
"It is extremely important for us that the concept of an ecological state does not remain just a historical or constitutional category, but that we translate it into measurable policies, concrete projects and clear results on the ground," Ćulafić emphasized.
As MERS added, Ćulafić proposed signing a Memorandum of Cooperation with the Petrović Njegoš Foundation, so that all proposed project ideas could be formalized and systematically monitored.
"Institutional cooperation is the key to success. The Ministry is ready to provide expert and administrative support to projects that contribute to the protection of natural resources, improving the quality of air, water and soil, as well as raising citizens' awareness of the importance of sustainable development. Ecological transition must be a joint endeavor of the state, the civil sector and international partners," he said.
Prince Nikola said that the Foundation, on the occasion of the 35th anniversary of the Declaration on the Ecological State adopted by the Parliament of Montenegro on September 20, 1991, proposes the organization and conduct of a Forum on the topic of Ecological States with the participation of personalities recognized for their scientific or political engagement in the field of ecology, and that the development of the project is planned through the drafting of the Charter of Ecological States, planning of an annual meeting, creation of a virtual forum and establishment of the Association of Ecological States.
"The interlocutors agreed that the concept of an ecological state has no alternative, and that sustainable development represents the only responsible path for Montenegro's further progress," the MERS statement concluded.
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