The Ministry of Mining, Oil, and Gas has allowed the company DOO Novi Boksiti to conduct exploration and exploitation of red bauxite in Nikšić, precisely in an area where protected and critically endangered Bosnian pine forests grow. This decision means cutting down over 20,000 cubic meters of Bosnian pine forest. The greatest benefit will come if the protected forest remains preserved, while the bauxite can be mined in other more suitable locations.
Bosnian pine is a Balkan endemic and a legally protected species. Its forests are crucial for preventing soil erosion, improving the water regime, preventing landslides, and mitigating climate change. Over the past 20 years, these forests have suffered damage from regular and illegal logging, as well as from fires.
Besides national importance and protection, the Bosnian pine forests in this area represent one of the most important future Natura 2000 habitats in Montenegro (code: 95A0), recognized by the European Union as a habitat of exceptional conservation value. Mount Prekornica, which includes the site in question, is home to the largest Bosnian pine population in the Balkans. Therefore, this area must be excluded from any plans that could further endanger this already vulnerable ecosystem.
The government should restore, not destroy, our most original and valuable forests. If Bosnian pine disappears, citizens will pay the price for poor decisions.
We remind that the Nature Protection Law prohibits the destruction of protected plants and their habitats, and the Forest Law forbids cutting protected and strictly protected tree species.
Furthermore, the project has not passed an environmental assessment, and both experts and the wider public were excluded from the process.
The changes to the Spatial-Urban Plan (PUP) of the Municipality of Nikšić in July 2024 raise additional concerns. These amendments classify the area as a mineral resource site and mining field, even though it was previously recognised as forest land within the Župa-Štitovo management unit. The Forestry Administration was not informed about the plan’s amendments, which further highlights the lack of transparency.
Therefore, we demand an urgent review of the adopted decision and an immediate halt to all activities to prevent brutal devastation of the protected forests.
In this regard, we have urged the Ministry of Ecology, Sustainable Development and Northern Development, the Environmental Protection Agency, and other relevant institutions to react promptly and act in accordance with the law so that protected forests remain protected and are not destroyed.
We demand the annulment of the concession agreement and accountability of those responsible for violating regulations. We call on experts and the wider public to join the defense of nature because it is our common interest.
This is not only an ecological problem but also a clear violation of laws, threatening the survival of our natural resources, citizens’ health, and economic sustainability.
Destroying protected forests leads not only to ecosystem loss but directly threatens water resources, agriculture, and tourism, which all depend on preserved nature. Without healthy forests, there are no healthy communities nor long-term economic stability.
Joint appeal by environmental NGOs:
Montenegrin Ecologists Society Centre for Protection and Study of Birds Society of Young Ecologists, Nikšić Parks Dinarides Lets green the Montenegro Župa in the Heart Environment Programme – EnvPro Green Home