Seven environmental organizations signed a Memorandum of Cooperation with the Municipality of Ulcinj today. The memorandum was signed by: NGO Green Home, the Center for Protection and Research of Birds, the Dr. Martin Schneider Jacoby Association, the Montenegrin Ecologists Society, the KANA / Who If Not an Architect Association, Parks Dinarides, EnvPro, and Mogul.
Through this Memorandum, an Advisory Body of civil society has been established and formalized for the area of Velika Plaža and other areas of special natural value within the territory of the Municipality of Ulcinj, as well as immediate and continuous cooperation between civil society organizations and the Municipality of Ulcinj.
This advisory body will provide expert and consultative support in the process of re-establishing the protected area, monitoring, improving management, and strengthening transparency and participation in decision-making related to the area of Velika Plaža and other areas of special natural value within the Municipality of Ulcinj.
Within the territory of Montenegro, 18 Key Biodiversity Areas have been identified, of which 3 are located within the Municipality of Ulcinj, highlighting the natural value of this municipality. Considering that the area of Velika Plaža, located within the Key Biodiversity Area (KBA) Bojana Delta, is facing increasing threats due to unplanned construction, tourism pressure, and weak enforcement of nature protection obligations, the signatories of this Memorandum will work together to implement activities aimed at preserving and improving conditions for the ecosystems of this area, including but not limited to:
- Re-establishment of the protected area: Supporting the completion of the process of re-establishing the protected natural site “Velika Plaža near Ulcinj”;
- Monitoring and research: Conducting environmental monitoring and research in the Velika Plaža area near Ulcinj;
- Education and public awareness: Organizing educational campaigns, workshops, and seminars for local residents, fishermen, and tourists to raise awareness of the importance of protecting natural resources in these areas;
- Habitat restoration and conservation: Working on the preparation and implementation of projects related to the restoration of degraded habitats and the preservation of natural ecosystems in these areas, such as the Port Milena area.
The signing of this Memorandum was initiated by the NGO Green Home as part of the project “Strengthening the protection and improving the management of the Bojana Delta in Montenegro,” supported by the Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF), with the aim of continuing and intensifying efforts to improve the protection and management of the Key Biodiversity Area (KBA) Bojana Delta in Montenegro, with a particular focus on Velika Plaža and coastal wetland habitats.
