International GEA Conference officially opened at University of Montenegro

Rector of the University of Montenegro Prof. Danilo Nikolić officially opened International GEA (Geo Eco-Eco Agro) International Conference today. The event is organised by the Geography Department of the Faculty of Philosophy, Biotechnical Faculty and the Faculty of Architecture of the University of Montenegro.

“It is a real pleasure to see the names of 435 scientists and professionals from 38 countries around the world in the Book of Abstracts, who will present their research online and exchange views on current topics in the fields of geoscience, ecology, economics, agriculture, eco-architecture and rural architecture”, Nikolić said.

According to rector Nikolić, in their endeavour to ensure quality in research and higher education, the Faculty of Philosophy, Biotechnical Faculty and Faculty of Architecture strive to stand out, not only in Montenegro, but also in the wider region. This made him confident that the event would contribute to the promotion of the University and its units.

“Conferences like this are always a good starting ground for further exchange of ideas among scientists, government officials and industry, in a way that should contribute to sustainable decision-making policy results”, he said.

In organising the conference, the University of Montenegro was supported by organisations and universities from around the world, including: World Association of Soil and Water Conservation, Balkan Environmental Association, Balkan Scientific Association of Agricultural Economists and universities from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Bulgaria, Croatia, Egypt, Ethiopia, France, Italy, Lebanon, Morocco, Moldova, Northern Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Sri Lanka, Turkey and Ukraine.

In addition to the rector, those present were also addressed by Minister of Science Dr. Sanja Damjanović, who said that the conference brought together a large number of scientists from all over the world who would use the Internet means to exchange ideas, experiences and opinions on common challenges of sustainable development and cultural heritage.

Minister of Culture Aleksandar Bogdanović indicated the importance of topics in the fields of geoscience, ecology, economics, and eco-architecture, as well as of the location and impact of culture of living and residing, which can open wide debates in intellectual, i.e., professional and scientific circles.

In the introductory part of the conference, those present at the event were also addressed by Chairperson of GEA Conference Scientific Committee Prof. Velibor Spalević, President of the Organising Committee Prof. Sanja Radonjić and President of the Young Scientists Committee Vanja Bošković.

The conference was attended by President of the Steering Committee of the University of Montenegro Prof. Duško Bjelica, Dean of the Faculty of Philosophy Prof. Goran Barović, Dean of the Faculty of Architecture Prof. Svetislav Popović and Dean of the Biotechnical Faculty Prof. Božidarka Marković.