Memorandum signed for more efficient management of the Cijevna Canyon

The Ministry of Ecology, Sustainable Development and Northern Development (MERS) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Dinarides Parks - the Network of Protected Areas of the Dinarides and the Cijevne Canyon Nature Monument Company, with the aim of improving cooperation and more efficient management of the Cijevne Canyon protected area.

MERS announced that the document was signed by the relevant minister Damjan Ćulafić, the president of Dinarida Parks Zoran Mrdak, and the acting director of the Cijevna Canyon Nature Monument company, Adnan Drešević.

"The aim of the Memorandum is to formalize and improve cooperation between MERS and the signatories to the Memorandum with the implementation of the project 'Contribution to more efficient management of the Cijevna Canyon Natural Monument', funded by the Critical Ecosystems Partnership Fund (CEPF)," said MERS.

As they stated, the parties agreed to jointly improve and strengthen cooperation in the management of protected natural resources through the development of a five-year Management Plan for the Cijevna Canyon Natural Monument, as well as to contribute to the development and strengthening of cross-border cooperation.

Ćulafić recalled the importance of the Cijevna River for Montenegro and Albania, emphasizing that precisely because of its natural, ecological and social value, it must be adequately managed.

"By signing the Memorandum, we are working on concrete improvements to the protection of this valuable area, strengthening cooperation with the non-governmental sector and local self-government, but also further strengthening cross-border cooperation," said Ćulafić.

He added that he was particularly pleased that they had signed a similar Memorandum regarding the preparation of a concept for the efficient preservation of the Morača River, as this demonstrates consistency in the policy of protecting Montenegrin rivers.

Ćulafić said that rivers are a natural resource and that he is pleased that there are initiatives that, according to him, specifically contribute to their preservation and strengthening awareness of the need for sustainable management and adequate protection, as is the case with the Cijevna River.

Drešević pointed out the importance of institutional support and cooperation with the relevant ministry in improving the management of this protected area.

He emphasized that the focus in the coming period will be on developing a five-year Management Plan, which will represent the basis for long-term and sustainable management of the Cijevna Canyon.

Mrdak emphasized that the key role of the Dinarides Parks is to connect and provide continuous support to protected area managers.

MERS stated that the CEPF-funded project will provide strong support to the manager of the Cijevna Canyon Natural Monument, both in the preparation of key planning documents, including the Management Plan, and in strengthening its institutional and professional capacities.