Ecology Under the Lobbies� Feet

02 October 2007

The ecology in Montenegro is in the worst possible situation in the past 16 years, i.e. since Montenegro was declared ecological state. To put it simply, ecology is walked over by all those who object to that path of development.

We see all the scandalous chaos in national parks, the huge forest fires in protected areas, illegal construction all over Montenegro, unsustainable urban development, the last stages of destruction of Montenegro�s countryside...

The common denominator for all these problems is that they always pass unsanctioned. Those who should be prosecuted for their offences against nature are left to treat their obligations, their job, in fact, as they find fit.

It becomes, I hope, clear that the Ministry of the Environment was eliminated intentionally; why is the significance of the National Sustainable Development Strategy minimized; why the Office of Sustainable Development still has no head; why we granted our forests on concessions; why we lack the environmental fund; and so on, and so on...

There is no state support to the ecological development, which should be reflected in expanding protected areas; individual sustainable development programmes; interest free loans to individuals working on such projects (solar power, energy efficiency, recycling, eco-tourism, education).

The Ecological State of Montenegro obviously stands in the way for powerful lobby groups that look at the nature only in the context of theri megalomaniacal projects. There is no other explanation for the fact that a Mediterranean country has not yet started a programme for utilization of solar power, especially having in mind that it would open new jobs and opportunities for national economy.

That is but one drop in the sea of developmental paradoxes in the country.

We know, for past experience, that all people are not OK with sustainable development. In our fight for those goals, we face many obstacles. Of course, it won�t reduce our optimism in the struggle to reach our goal. The nature in Montenegro is generous in its abundance and can give us rich and healthy living, if we save it and use it smartly. The public knows that well, therefore its support and appreciation of the ecological state.

All of the above was the reason why last year, at the 15th anniversary of the state of ecology in Montenegro, we implemented the Green is In voluntary campaign, with participation of over 20 NGOs, that won the support of over 4,000 citizens who signed the petition for the Declaration on Ecological Development.

We are led to believe, therefore, that the Speaker of the Parliament will finally act on the promise to submit the document for a parliamentary vote. Its adoption, we strongly believe, could start the true implementation of the idea of ecological Montenegro.