{"id":4803,"date":"2025-05-18T07:22:38","date_gmt":"2025-05-18T05:22:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/drustvoekologa.me\/neglect-of-danijel-vinceks-legacy-the-botanical-garden-without-a-botanist\/"},"modified":"2025-05-18T08:25:10","modified_gmt":"2025-05-18T06:25:10","slug":"neglect-of-danijel-vinceks-legacy-the-botanical-garden-without-a-botanist","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/drustvoekologa.me\/en\/neglect-of-danijel-vinceks-legacy-the-botanical-garden-without-a-botanist\/","title":{"rendered":"Neglect of Danijel Vincek\u2019s Legacy: The Botanical Garden Without a Botanist"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Dragana \u0160\u0107epanovi\u0107<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are many reasons for dissatisfaction with the way the Public Enterprise National Parks of Montenegro manages the \u201cpriceless oasis of natural diversity,\u201d and the fear that this valuable legacy will be devastated is justified, warns Zora Marjanovi\u0107 Vincek. The Public Enterprise claims it is committed to caring for the natural monument, even though the Botanical Garden is without a botanist\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Regret, disappointment, and concern \u2014 that is all Zora Marjanovi\u0107 Vincek<\/strong> says she feels five years after she and her late husband Danijel Vincek<\/strong> donated the Mountain Flora Botanical Garden in Dulovine to the state.<\/p><\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are many reasons for dissatisfaction with how the Public Enterprise National Parks of Montenegro (NPCG) manages this \u201cpriceless oasis of natural diversity,\u201d she explains, and the fear that this valuable legacy will be destroyed is justified.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Mountain Flora Botanical Garden was established in 1981 as a result of the knowledge, effort, and work of Vincek, his first wife Vjera<\/strong>, and with the help of Professor Vuki\u0107 Pulevi\u0107<\/strong>. Their goal was clear and achieved: to collect, display, and promote the most important native representatives of the flora of Montenegrin mountains on an area of 646 square meters, at an altitude of 1,018 meters. It is categorized as a protected natural good \u2014 a natural monument \u2014 and has been legally protected for almost three decades.<\/p><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Care and dedication to the Garden were continued by Vincek\u2019s second wife, Zora. This remained the case until 2018, three years before Danijel\u2019s death, when they decided to donate it to the state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Among other things, the manager of NPCG, under the donation agreement, committed to cover the costs of regular annual maintenance of the Garden as well as maintenance costs for the Vincek family house, while Danijel\u2019s wife, employed by the enterprise, would take care of the plants. According to the estimate provided by NPCG, the costs of regular annual maintenance for the protected natural good amounted to \u20ac69,580 for the first year and \u20ac47,880 for each subsequent year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The late Vincek\u2019s wife explains that the only adequate care for the Garden was shown while Elvir Klica<\/strong> was at the helm of the enterprise. Vincek claims that since then, NPCG has not shown any interest in the natural monument in Dulovine.<\/p><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI have no one to ask for expert advice, no one to go to the field with. Now, we need to go to the field and bring new plants. Around 28 plant species have dried out \u2014 which is normal \u2014 but we regularly renewed them. I bought peat with my own money and improved the entrance to the Garden and the place where guests can sit. We used to have a translator, and Danijel spoke several languages. Now there is no translator, and I can only communicate in French. When NPCG talks about its tourist offer, it doesn\u2019t mention the Garden, as if it doesn\u2019t exist\u2026\u201d she says.<\/p><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Because of all this, she says, she has even considered terminating the contract with the state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Marjanovi\u0107 Vincek also warns about new construction on the plots around the protected area, which, she says, has blocked access on one side and visually \u201ccloses off\u201d the Garden.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dr. Vuksanovi\u0107: The Manager Is Neglecting the Job<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

According to botanist Dr. Sne\u017eana Vuksanovi\u0107<\/strong> from the Natural History Museum, the current state of the Botanical Garden clearly shows that \u201csociety has not respected Vincek and his legacy to Montenegro.\u201d She points out that, among other shortcomings, there is no expert \u2014 botanist \u2014 in Dulovine, which is necessary for identifying and acquiring plant material from nature.<\/p><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt is not enough to employ people who just weed the garden and who cannot distinguish between weeds and high-mountain plants. That is not their job, so this criticism is not directed at those people. Moreover, to procure new plant material for the garden or to renew the old, a field vehicle and a driver are necessary. The worst thing that could happen to the Garden is neglecting the work. Caring for that space requires hard work, dedication, expertise, and responsibility. None of that is present there today,\u201d states Dr. Vuksanovi\u0107.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The significance of the Botanical Garden in Dulovine, she emphasises, is immeasurable. It is a tourist and cultural attraction of Kola\u0161in, \u201cand there has not been a single foreign visitor to Kola\u0161in who did not visit the Garden.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Numerous scientists from almost all over the world have visited it, seeking additional knowledge about Montenegro\u2019s mountain flora. Dr. Vuksanovi\u0107 recalls the former idea that Danijel\u2019s legacy would belong to the Natural History Museum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIn the last years of his life, Daniel spent time searching for a successor who would take care of the Garden. Actually, his wish was to donate the Garden to the state, which would provide a manager. For a long time, we hoped the Garden would become part of the Natural History Museum. Unfortunately, the Museum did not receive financial support from the state. Finally, it was decided that it would belong to the Public Enterprise National Parks of Montenegro, specifically the \u2018Biogradska Gora\u2019 National Park. Danijel was relieved; he was happy and satisfied that his Garden would continue to \u2018live\u2019 even after his passing,\u201d says Dr. Vuksanovi\u0107.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The botanist explains that the importance of this natural monument is multifaceted and extremely significant \u2014 among other things, \u201cfor the implementation of taxonomic or vegetation projects.\u201d In that living collection of plant taxa, biology professors from secondary schools and universities have given lectures to students who could directly engage with the plants \u2014 touch them, smell them, see the flower colors and fruit shapes\u2026 and gain knowledge about endemic, rare, and protected species of our flora.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the state Botanical Garden, the only one of its kind in Montenegro, there are currently about 400 different plant species, including a large number of endemics. Additionally, over 80 percent of the plant species in that area are medicinal plants.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

JP NPCG: Despite Challenges, We Fulfill Contractual Obligations<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The Public Enterprise National Parks of Montenegro (JP NPCG) claims they are dedicated to caring for Vincek\u2019s legacy. They say they respect all obligations and provisions of the donation contract. This, they explain, \u201cincludes regular maintenance and improvement of the Botanical Garden, as well as implementing all necessary measures for its preservation and protection.\u201d They also claim to ensure that the area \u201cremains a valuable natural asset that will serve the community and future generations.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, from their response, it is clear that no botanist is employed in Dulovine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe Botanical Garden Dulovine has a total of three employees and Mrs. Vincek, who is engaged under a contract for services. In addition to her, there is a sustainable development expert and two employees responsible for maintaining the facility and the green areas within the Botanical Garden,\u201d JP NPCG explains.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

They also state that they procure necessary resources and regularly pay bills related to electricity, communal services\u2026 thus \u201censuring continuous operation and preservation of this important natural resource.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cJP NPCG, according to available expert capacities and material resources, carries out activities in the Botanical Garden in the most responsible way. To meet challenges, we strive to explore additional sources of funding such as grants and donations. Despite these challenges, the commitment to preserving this unique natural resource remains key, and joint efforts and community support can play a vital role in overcoming these obstacles,\u201d JP NPCG says.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This year, the Garden was visited by slightly less than 600 tourists. The late Vincek\u2019s wife says that in some years thousands of people visited Dulovine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Still, JP NPCG is satisfied with the number of visitors in recent months.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThese visits contribute to raising awareness about the importance of nature conservation and biodiversity. We are especially open to younger generations, as children under 15 have the opportunity to visit the garden free of charge. This initiative aims to encourage education and interest in the natural environment among young people. Promoting this unique natural treasure is of fundamental importance so that we can attract even more visitors and enable them to immerse themselves in the world of native plant species. Through our promotion efforts, we hope to continue attracting people from various parts of Montenegro and beyond.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, the enterprise did not respond regarding which specific short- and long-term activities are planned related to the natural monument. It remains unclear if and when adequate expert staff will be engaged.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Impressive Biography of Danijel Vincek<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Vincek was born on June 7, 1926, in Zagreb, where he graduated from a grammar school in 1946. During World War II, he was a youth activist and underground fighter, and from November 1944 to April 1945, a combatant in the Zagorje partisan unit. He interrupted his biology studies by the decision of the Communist Party Central Committee and directed himself toward foreign trade. After graduating from Foreign Trade in Belgrade, he worked at Jugoelektron, Industrijaimport (moving to Titograd in 1960), Cotton Combine, Servisimport, and finally at Generalexport Belgrade \u2014 Titograd branch from 1977 to 1988.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

His life in Kola\u0161in was marked by ecological activism, and the Botanical Garden was his \u201cscientific-research-publication workshop.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Vincek co-authored numerous publications in botany and mountaineering. He was also a mountaineer and, as his biography states, there is hardly a mountain peak in Montenegro he did not climb. He conquered mountain peaks across former Yugoslavia and worldwide. He spoke German, Italian, Russian, French, and English\u2026 and knew Latin and several Slavic languages. In his honor, the plant Alchemilla vincekii Plocek from the Prokletije mountains was named.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In addition to numerous professional contributions, articles, serial publications, and educational programs, Vincek wrote and published books with collaborators. Among others, with Pulevi\u0107, \u201cMontenegro the Gateway to the Balkans \u2014 Travelogues and Records of European Botanists,\u201d and \u201cMontenegrin Mountains \u2014 Travelogues and Records,\u201d which he translated and prepared with Pulevi\u0107 and Vasilije Bu\u0161kovi\u0107, as well as a mountaineering guide \u201cMountains of Montenegro\u201d co-authored with Mija Kova\u010devi\u0107 and Ratko Popovi\u0107. He passed away in Kola\u0161in on August 8, 2021.<\/p><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Research and Education Centers<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Botanical gardens are a unique human creation and represent spaces where specimens of hundreds of plant species are displayed and preserved in one place. Otherwise, these species can be found scattered across various ecosystems and regions of the country and the world, many of which are endangered, endemic, and\/or very old \u2014 relict species.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Botanical gardens serve as centers for botanical research and related scientific disciplines, but also as centers for public education, recreation, and inspiration. In addition, botanical gardens often serve as repositories where humans preserve seeds and other plant material, which is of exceptional importance in today\u2019s historical period. Under human influence, nature faces numerous challenges, with species and their habitats disappearing at an accelerated pace. This makes the need to collect knowledge, materials, and experience great, aiming to design strategies for mitigating negative impacts, adapting to changes, and restoring our natural ecosystems. About one-third of the world\u2019s vascular plant flora faces the threat of extinction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Botanical gardens worldwide are a source of pride for the countries and cities where they are located. Investing in botanical gardens means investing not only in the knowledge of expert staff and our capacity to confront climate and other crises but also in educating citizens and providing a space where everyone can come to relax and connect with nature \u2014 in other words, in a green treasure that should be carefully and strictly preserved and nurtured.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This text was created as part of the project \u201cEcological Networks \u2013 The Key to Development Based on Preserved Nature,\u201d implemented by the NGO Montenegrin Ecologists\u2019 Society. The project is supported by the Center for Civic Education (CGO) under the program \u201cNGOs in Montenegro \u2013 From Basic Services to Policy Shaping \u2013 M\u2019BASE,\u201d funded by the European Union and co-financed by the Ministry of Public Administration. The content of this text is the sole responsibility of the NGO Montenegrin Ecologists\u2019 Society and does not necessarily reflect the views of CGO, the European Union, or the Ministry of Public Administration.<\/em><\/p><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Dragana \u0160\u0107epanovi\u0107 There are many reasons for dissatisfaction with the way the Public Enterprise National Parks of Montenegro manages the \u201cpriceless oasis of natural diversity,\u201d and the fear that this valuable legacy will be devastated is justified, warns Zora Marjanovi\u0107 Vincek. The Public Enterprise claims it is committed to caring for the natural monument, even …<\/p>\n

Neglect of Danijel Vincek\u2019s Legacy: The Botanical Garden Without a Botanist<\/span> Read More \u00bb<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":4059,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"default","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"disabled","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":""},"categories":[41],"tags":[],"acf":[],"uagb_featured_image_src":{"full":["https:\/\/drustvoekologa.me\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/botanicka-ekskurzija_Biogradsko-jezero.jpeg",1280,853,false],"thumbnail":["https:\/\/drustvoekologa.me\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/botanicka-ekskurzija_Biogradsko-jezero-150x150.jpeg",150,150,true],"medium":["https:\/\/drustvoekologa.me\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/botanicka-ekskurzija_Biogradsko-jezero-300x200.jpeg",300,200,true],"medium_large":["https:\/\/drustvoekologa.me\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/botanicka-ekskurzija_Biogradsko-jezero-768x512.jpeg",768,512,true],"large":["https:\/\/drustvoekologa.me\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/botanicka-ekskurzija_Biogradsko-jezero-1024x682.jpeg",1024,682,true],"1536x1536":["https:\/\/drustvoekologa.me\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/botanicka-ekskurzija_Biogradsko-jezero.jpeg",1280,853,false],"2048x2048":["https:\/\/drustvoekologa.me\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/botanicka-ekskurzija_Biogradsko-jezero.jpeg",1280,853,false]},"uagb_author_info":{"display_name":"\u017eaba","author_link":"https:\/\/drustvoekologa.me\/en\/author\/jelena\/"},"uagb_comment_info":0,"uagb_excerpt":"Dragana \u0160\u0107epanovi\u0107 There are many reasons for dissatisfaction with the way the Public Enterprise National Parks of Montenegro manages the \u201cpriceless oasis of natural diversity,\u201d and the fear that this valuable legacy will be devastated is justified, warns Zora Marjanovi\u0107 Vincek. The Public Enterprise claims it is committed to caring for the natural monument, even…","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/drustvoekologa.me\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4803"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/drustvoekologa.me\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/drustvoekologa.me\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/drustvoekologa.me\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/drustvoekologa.me\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4803"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/drustvoekologa.me\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4803\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":4822,"href":"https:\/\/drustvoekologa.me\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4803\/revisions\/4822"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/drustvoekologa.me\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/4059"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/drustvoekologa.me\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4803"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/drustvoekologa.me\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=4803"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/drustvoekologa.me\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=4803"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}