2023 European Union, Ministry of Public Administration
Main goal of the project: To strengthen the capacities of institutions and relevant CSOs in the field of environmental protection, and to empower end users of future ecological networks in Montenegro.
Specific objectives of the project:
- To strengthen the capacities of environmental CSOs for monitoring and improving the establishment of ecological networks in Montenegro;
- To empower the future users of the protected areas network;
This project represents one of MES’s contributions to improving cooperation between our organisation, the Environmental Protection Agency, the Ministry of Ecology, Spatial Planning and Urbanism, as well as other environmental CSOs, and local and regional organisations that will take part in project activities.
The primary focus of the project is to highlight the urgency and importance of establishing an ecological network of protected areas in Montenegro. Environmental CSOs play a crucial role in this process, not only because they often possess expert knowledge of specific areas, but also because they bring alternative perspectives on conservation priorities compared to decision-makers. Through this project, we aim to enhance capacities and stimulate communication between CSOs, national institutions, and local governments throughout the entire process—from data collection and processing to developing monitoring mechanisms for protected areas.
Through educational campaigns, training sessions, and workshops aimed at strengthening the knowledge and capacities of both institutions and CSOs, as well as local communities living in areas of ecological importance, the project contributes to accelerating the establishment of ecological networks. It also fosters better management models, reduces the negative impact on EU-priority species and habitats, raises awareness among stakeholders, and highlights the benefits of this protection model for local communities. One of the project’s goals is to increase the inclusivity of local populations in the processes of establishing and managing protected areas.
Context:
The establishment of the Natura 2000 ecological network of protected areas is a binding obligation for Montenegro within the EU accession process, specifically under Chapter 27. The Environmental Protection Agency has been working on this for many years, but coordinated contributions from CSOs are essential to ensure the process is implemented effectively. On the national level, the process of establishing and managing Montenegro’s ecological network is defined in the Nature Protection Law (Articles 41–54) and represents one of the final benchmarks for Chapter 27 of the EU Acquis. The goal of establishing ecological networks is to achieve a balance between human activities and nature, ensuring that local economic development supports and builds upon nature conservation.
Ecological networks do not exist solely to protect habitats or species—they are also intended to improve the quality of life of people living in areas of high natural value. Therefore, it is essential to involve local communities early and meaningfully in monitoring and maintaining these areas, and to support local economies built on the foundations of preserved nature. Many Natura 2000 sites cannot be sustained without the involvement of local populations.
On the other hand, EMERALD represents the national ecological network, which Montenegro is committed to establishing as a signatory of the Bern Convention. Unlike Natura 2000, EMERALD does not require EU membership. Since 2011, Montenegro has nominated 32 areas for inclusion in the Emerald Network, covering around 17% of the country’s territory. These areas are characterised by exceptional ecosystem value.
The establishment of the Emerald Network ensures the preservation of valuable areas until the Natura 2000 network is formalised, and significantly accelerates the closure of Chapter 27 and, ultimately, Montenegro’s EU integration. Given the positive stance of the Ministry of Ecology, Spatial Planning and Urbanism on this topic, the project will strengthen both government and civil society capacities, with the ultimate goal of fulfilling EU requirements.
The project is supported by the Centre for Civic Education (CGO) within the program “CSOs in Montenegro – From Basic Services to Policy Shaping – M’BASE,” funded by the European Union and co-funded by the Ministry of Public Administration.
