In the next 6-10 months, colleagues from 8 non-governmental organizations that we have supported through a grant scheme will work on implementing projects in the areas of nature conservation, sustainable waste management, legal analysis, education, and awareness-building – all aimed at achieving European Union environmental standards. The purpose of the grant scheme is to empower smaller NGOs and support project ideas targeting current environmental challenges, with a committed amount of 51,000 EUR.
In the field of nature conservation, a project focused on improving and preserving sand dunes on Velika Plaža (Big Beach) has been supported. Due to their uniqueness and significance, these sand dunes deserve special attention. The NGO MSJA from Ulcinj will implement the project, which will identify and mark locations of sand dunes threatened by human activity and provide recommendations for their protection. The project will encourage public participation through education and awareness-raising campaigns, ultimately resulting in increased citizen engagement in nature conservation.
Contributing to the protection of another important ecosystem is also the goal of projects to be implemented by the NGOs Nature Lovers and the Montenegrin Ecologists Society. Specifically, the area of the Komarnica River, with exceptional biodiversity and value, is under a significant threat from potential hydropower plant construction. This project aims to draw attention to the essential values of the Komarnica area, emphasizing the principles of sustainability. It envisions humans preserving nature, reaping its benefits, and creating a rich offering in health, education, and sports tourism maps, alongside agricultural development.
Waste management problem in the territory of the municipality of Ulcinj is one of the key environmental issues and, at the same time, the most visible and obvious. Therefore, two projects within this scheme will be implemented by organizations from Ulcinj, MogUL and RDA – UBA. The NGO MogUL will mobilize and connect civil society organizations and civic activists with institutions to address urgent issues related to construction waste management. On the other hand, RDA – UBA will work on strengthening the collaboration between waste management entities in the area of Velika Plaža and Ada Bojana and those generating the largest amounts of waste, such as beach lessees, beach bars, and restaurants.
The project to be implemented by the NGO Da zaživi selo will demonstrate that human health is entirely dependent on a healthy environment. The project will focus on protecting the upper reaches of the Ćehotina River and creating sanitary protection zones for the Otilovićko Lake water intake. With citizen support and participation, the project will contribute to the protection of watercourses and, at the same time, the sources of healthy drinking water for the residents of Pljevlja.
Raising awareness and educating on important ecological issues aim to show how individual actions can make a significant difference. Through the supported project, the NGO Gnijezdo will work on promoting activism among young people who, by participating in this project, will be titled as green ambassadors.
To better understand the economic aspect of environmental protection, the NGO Zinak will implement a project that will familiarize the public with the concepts of green and circular economies and ultimately strengthen the capacities of the NGO sector to promote and use their models.
In the end, the foundation for addressing current issues in the field of environmental protection and achieving EU environmental standards is not possible without a strong legal basis. The NGO Akcija za socijalnu pravdu will, through the project, increase the visibility and alignment of domestic environmental laws with European Union legislation. Ultimately, the project will contribute to creating space for improving public policies in this area and strengthening the accountability of decision-makers.
1 NVO MSJA Preservation and Protection of Sand Dunes on Velika Plaža
2 NVO MogUL Ulcinj Without Illegal Landfills
3 NVO Zinak Circular Economy for a Healthy Future of the Community
4 NVO RDA-UBA Sustainable Waste Management in Ulcinj
5 NVO Gnijezdo Green Ambassadors of Montenegro
6 NVO Ljubitelji prirode Case Study: Komarnica Canyon
7 NVO Da zaživi selo Drinking Water Protection in Pljevlja
8 NVO Akcija za socijalnu pravdu Improved Laws for Better Environmental Protection
The grant scheme was implemented through the project “Empowering Civil Society Participation in the Environmental Accession Process to the EU (4E),” carried out within the Coalition 27. The Coalition 27 is the leading national NGO network in the field of the environment, overseeing activities related to Chapter 27 – Environment and Climate Change for several years. The project is financially supported by the European Union through the “Civil Society Facility 2021 and Thematic Programme on Human Rights and Democracy 2021” and the Ministry of Public Administration. Non-governmental organizations participating in the project include the Center for Bird Protection and Study, Green Home, Youth Ecologists Society, and Northern Land.
