Bogdanović, Azoulay: Montenegro is making progress, it is necessary to protect outstanding universal values and ensure sustainable development

Minister of Culture and President of the National Commission for UNESCO Aleksandar Bogdanović visited United Nations Organization for Education, Science and Culture (UNESCO) and spoke with Audrey Azoulay, General Manager of UNESCO.

Minister Bogdanović expressed the pleasure that Montenegro currently has four entries on the UNESCO World Heritage List, two of which are independent - the Natural and Cultural-Historical Area of Kotor and the National Park Durmitor, as well as two multinational nominations - Stećci - medieval cemeteries and Venetian fortifications from the 16th to the 17th centuries, which testifies to the richness of the natural and cultural heritage of Montenegro.

The meeting paid special attention to the state of the Natural and Cultural-Historical Area of Kotor. Minister Bogdanovic informed Director Azoulay about all activities undertaken by Montenegro in order to preserve the outstanding universal values of the area, in cooperation with international experts in this field. "By adopting the Action Plan for reaching the requirements of the Committee from Istanbul in 2016, the Government of Montenegro expressed its readiness to firmly address this issue and position it highly on the list of its priorities. Therefore, I am confident that, with the support of UNESCO, we will preserve Kotor on the UNESCO World Heritage List," Minister Bogdanović said.

Director Azoulay expressed satisfaction with all efforts made by Montenegro and pointed out that UNESCO is paying particular attention to the activities of all stakeholders in the area, concluding that the progress is evident and that Montenegro is expected to continue to work towards meeting the UNESCO requirements.

Furthermore, the meeting discussed the National Park Durmitor and the need for consistent implementation of recommendations from the UNESCO Advisory Mission Report, which will be delivered soon.

Both sides agreed that it is necessary to protect UNESCO values in all protected areas, but at the same time to ensure their sustainable development, which is possible only with the good coordination of all partners in the process.

Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Montenegro to France and UNESCO Permanent Delegate UNESCO Dragica Ponorac, Administration for the Protection of Cultural Properties of Božidar Božović and Secretary of the National Commission for UNESCO of Montenegro Milica Nikolić also attended the meeting.