Abazović: Ecological state is Montenegro's biggest comparative advantage

Ecological state is Montenegro's biggest comparative advantage. However, in a country whose nature has been systematically destroyed for decades, a national brand like this has not been used enough. It is time to move from words to deeds and that we all contribute to the realisation of the vision of Montenegro as a real ecological state, said Deputy Prime Minister Dritan Abazović on the occasion of 20 September, the day when exactly 30 years ago the Parliament of Montenegro adopted the Declaration on the ecological state of Montenegro in Žabljak.

DPM Abazović states that the Government of Montenegro, since its formation ten months ago, has shown greater sensitivity to nature than all the previous ones, which is shown by the results it has achieved. In that sense, DPM Abazović notes that the Government, by showing its attitude towards Salina and Valdanos, and by terminating concession agreements for the construction of small hydroelectric power plants and stopping works on their construction, has proved that natural resources can be treated differently.

However, this is by no means a finished job and we still have a lot of work to do to make the results as visible as possible. That is why it is necessary to work on remediation of black ecological spots throughout the country, remediation of fire-affected areas, but also on finding a solution for termination of harmful concession agreements for the remaining small hydro power plants, Deputy Prime Minister Abazović points out.

Abazović emphasises that thirty years ago, Montenegro, with the Declaration on the ecological state, defined the country's strategic commitment to adopt and apply the highest standards and norms in the field of environmental protection, nature conservation and economic development on the principles of ecologically sustainable system. He states that today, with five national parks, six nature parks and 20% of protected territory, Montenegro is a country of incredible natural potential, which is also recognised by international partners. He notes that the Durmitor National Park and the Tara River Basin are under UNESCO protection, and that we also have three Ramsar sites: the Skadar Lake National Park, the Tivat Salina and the Ulcinj saltworks.

The future functioning of our society is based on sustainable development and it has no alternative. With the necessary reforms in the negotiation process with the EU, which are linked to Chapter 27, we will harmonise our environmental policies with European standards and their legislation. I deeply believe that in the future, the primary focus of citizens' interests will be green politics, so that instead of the census, biodiversity protection will be more important, strategies to reduce emissions instead of the anthem verses, and someone's political position on renewable energy sources instead of religious education. We are building a better future, for every drop and for every leaf of ecological Montenegro, the Deputy Prime Minister concluded.