First meeting of the Buljarica Advisory Board held: A shared vision of development based on nature conservation is needed

The first meeting of the Buljarica Advisory Board was held on June 11 in that coastal town, as part of the project "Together for the Conservation of Buljarica through a Scientific Approach and Community Engagement", implemented by the Montenegrin Society of Ecologists (CDE) with the support of the Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund.

As announced by the Montenegrin Society of Ecologists, the meeting brought together representatives of institutions, the non-governmental sector and the local community, with the aim of jointly reviewing the challenges, development opportunities and future directions of Buljarica's development.

The participants assessed that Buljarica is at an important and sensitive moment of development. It was emphasized that it is one of the most valuable natural areas on the Montenegrin coast and the Adriatic, but also an area around which there are different interests and views on its future.

During the meeting, as stated in the statement, three key challenges for the future of Buljarica were identified - the lack of a clear development vision and adequate planning documentation, poor coordination of institutions involved in the planning and spatial protection processes, as well as insufficient involvement of the local community in decision-making.

Participants pointed out the need for more transparent planning processes, greater public involvement, and decision-making based on expert analysis.

One of the central topics was the future protection of Buljarica within the Natura 2000 network. As it was pointed out, this area undoubtedly belongs to this European network of protected areas, and the protection process has been recognized as a significant development opportunity, especially in the areas of sustainable tourism, support for local businesses, access to European funds and improving the quality of life of the population.

It was also emphasized that nature protection and development should not be viewed as conflicting goals.

"The preserved natural and cultural values ​​of Buljarica represent the most important foundation for the long-term and sustainable development of this area," was one of the conclusions of the meeting, according to a statement from the CDE.

Among the potentials for development, year-round sustainable tourism, support for local producers and fishermen, organic agriculture, camping, health, educational and scientific tourism, as well as connecting the natural and cultural heritage of Buljarica with its hinterland, are highlighted.

The Advisory Board is conceived as a long-term platform for dialogue and cooperation between institutions, experts, local communities and civil society organizations, with the aim of finding solutions for the preservation and sustainable development of this area.

During the meeting, the important role of the Municipality of Budva in the future development of Buljarica was repeatedly emphasized, taking into account its competencies in the areas of spatial planning, local development and strategic decision-making.

The CDE states that representatives of the Municipality of Budva, despite being invited, did not attend the first meeting of the Advisory Board.

The participants assessed that the active involvement of local government is essential for the success of future processes concerning Buljarica, and expressed the expectation that representatives of the Municipality of Budva will take a more active role in the dialogue on the future of this area in the coming period.

It was announced that the next meetings will be dedicated to a more detailed consideration of the Buljarica protection and management model, the role of the local community, and the possibilities for developing sustainable economic activities based on the natural and cultural values ​​of the area.

As the organizers concluded in a press release, the first meeting represents an initial step towards establishing a permanent space for dialogue and cooperation on the future of Buljarica, with the aim of preserving one of the most valuable natural areas on the Montenegrin coast.