Climate risks transcend administrative borders, which is why a joint regional approach is of key importance, said Minister of Ecology, Sustainable Development and Northern Development Damjan Ćulafić.
As announced by the Ministry of Ecology, Sustainable Development and Northern Development, Ćulafić participated in the regional conference "United on Climate Change", held in Tirana, where he spoke about improving climate policies, implementing nature-based solutions and the importance of regional cooperation in the process of adapting to climate change. He said that Montenegro is continuously improving the climate change adaptation system through the adoption of key legal and strategic documents, with a special focus on strengthening the resilience of coastal areas and protecting ecosystems.
Ćulafić recalled that last year, Montenegro adopted the Law on Climate Change and the Climate Change Adaptation Plan 2025–2035 with the Action Plan 2025–2027, and previously the Disaster Risk Reduction Strategy for the period 2025–2030, which further improved the national framework for planning and managing climate risks.
"The Climate Change Adaptation Plan represents a key strategic framework for strengthening institutional capacities and improving an integrated approach in the agriculture, health, tourism and water sectors," said Ćulafić.
As he said, special focus was placed on the development of monitoring systems, early warning mechanisms and decision-making based on reliable data.
Ćulafić stated that in February last year, Montenegro submitted its Fourth National Communication and First Biennial Transparency Report (FNC and BTR), thereby confirming its commitment to transparency and international cooperation in the field of climate policy.
Speaking about nature-based solutions, he pointed out that Montenegro is advancing integrated coastal zone management through the National Strategy, as well as through the implementation of obligations undertaken by ratifying the ICZM Protocol for the Mediterranean under the Barcelona Convention.
Speaking about regional cooperation, Ćulafić pointed out that climate risks transcend administrative borders, which is why a joint regional approach is of key importance.
"Regional cooperation enables the pooling of data, knowledge and technical capacities, which contributes to better decision-making, strengthening system resilience and more efficient use of resources. It is particularly important in the areas of water management, flood and fire protection, agriculture and public health," Ćulafić pointed out.
He emphasized that Montenegro sees a priority in establishing a joint regional system for monitoring climate risks and improving the early warning system for extreme events in the Western Balkans.
This initiative, he stated, complements the priorities defined by the Climate Change Adaptation Plan until 2035, especially in terms of strengthening monitoring, developing early warning and data-based decision-making.
"The regional approach enables more efficient use of resources and better readiness to use EU funds and financial mechanisms," added Ćulafić.
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