During the last few days, the Forum: Perspectives of the ecological recovery of Montenegro was held. The event was based on issues of the green agenda, energy efficiency, renewable energy sources, and issues of meeting the conditions and criteria for closing Chapter 27.
The forum was opened by Vladimir Martinović, Minister of Tourism, Ecology, Sustainable Development and Development of the North; H.E. Peter Felten, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany; Dominique Waag, head of the OSCE mission in Montenegro and Milan Radović, director of the School of Political Studies.
Minister Martinović pointed out that in order to achieve ecological recovery, we need to focus on renewable energy sources, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and preserving natural habitats. Also, it is necessary to find a balance between economic development and respect for the standards of environmental protection and ecology.
“In the context of the EU accession process, Montenegro is obliged to harmonize its climate policy with the EU. This means many things, but, among them, it means that Montenegro, within the framework of the Paris Agreement, should set much more ambitious so-called the nationally determined contribution (NDC), i.e. the goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 55% by 2030 (compared to 1990), instead of the current NDC of 35%,” emphasized H.E. Ambassador Peter Felten.
Dominique Waag pointed out that this Forum on the perspectives of ecological recovery of Montenegro came at the right time and that “Solving these challenges requires the action of all interested parties: when drafting the relevant legislation, more systematic assessments of the impact of regulations on the environment when drafting laws, more systematic consultation with NGOs, seeking good management practices for the implementation of relevant laws and raising awareness among people.
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The opening remarks were concluded with a speech by Milan Radović, who pointed out that Montenegro has great potential for ecological recovery and that it can become a leader in renewable energy sources, but also in the preservation of natural resources. “I believe there is hope for a better future if we commit to ecological recovery.”
The participants also attended numerous lectures by experts in the relevant field, both from state and international institutions, as well as from the civil sector and the media, who have been constantly fighting for a more sustainable and environmentally responsible Montenegro for years. Lectures during the three-day Forum were given by:
Nebojša Jablan, OSCE expert on energy and climate change, Biljana Gligorić, OSCE expert on energy efficiency, Darko Saveljić, ornithologist, Aleksandar Dragićević, civic and environmental activist, Nataša Kovačević, Bankwatch Network, Tatjana Rajić, NGO EXPEDITIO, Aleksandar Perović, NGO OZON . , civil activist.
Through the presentation and the very active discussion of all the participants, we came to several important conclusions at the Forum, such as the fact that we need a much stronger engagement of the state in order to fulfill the criteria for closing Chapter 27, that we need professional help in order to properly use grants, and that a much better understanding of the authorities in terms of non-profit investment is necessary to close this important chapter.
What is significant is that the participants of the school, and especially the parliamentarians, could hear specific recommendations and advice, and related to how we can directly take certain steps in terms of adopting important documents, such as the National Energy and Climate Plan, the Spatial Plan, and measures that can be taken in order to speed up the making of important decisions in this area.
The forum was also marked by visits to Solana, where we visited the associated museum, through a conversation with ornithologist Darko Saveljić about its importance and the struggle for preservation. At the end of the meeting, we also visited Valdanos, where we could also hear everything that makes this locality so important for Ulcinj and Montenegro.
The School of Political Studies will continue to treat all important socio-political issues with its participants and alumni, and contribute to the improvement of Montenegrin democracy.
