Environmental issues are resolved through goodwill, a stricter penal policy, and effective interinstitutional cooperation, said the Ambassador of the European Union (EU) to Montenegro, Johann Sattler. He added that the campaign Čuvaj da te čuva brings together will, knowledge and responsibility.
Sattler made this statement at the opening of the conference, marking the launch of the National Environmental Campaign Čuvaj da te čuva, which was developed with the support of the EU and which will be implemented by a broad coalition of key national and local institutions, partners from the academic community and civil sector, socially responsible companies and the media.
He emphasised that Montenegro is proudly launching a major National Environmental Campaign on World Environment Day.
According to Sattler, when goodwill and good intentions are combined, there is no environmental problem that can’t be solved.
“For success, some unpopular decisions will be necessary, such as strict penalties for environmental offences and eco-crime. Efficient institutions and responsible media will be required not only to expose cases of pollution and demand accountability but also to inform and educate about the dangers of pollution and the importance of a healthy environment,” said Sattler.
He stressed that citizens’ responsibility will be essential — to report cases of pollution and to set an example of how to protect and preserve nature.
Sattler thanked the campaign’s partners, among whom are the Football Association and primarily the young mathematician Itana and her parents. Sattler stated that Itana is the “heart” of the campaign.
He also thanked Prime Minister Milojko Spajić and his team for their dedication to the campaign’s goals, the Ministry of Ecology, Sustainable Development and Northern Region Development (MERS), the Eco Fund, local authorities and judicial bodies.
He pointed out that the campaign does not belong to a single institution but is the result of the collective efforts and determination of the “Coalition of Willing” – key state and local institutions, the academic community, civil society, responsible companies, activists, the media, and European and international partners.
“Our concern for pressing environmental problems has brought us together, and our belief that through joint action, responsibility and personal contribution, we can solve even the most difficult ones,” said Sattler. He also expressed his belief that the “Coalition of Willing” will continue to grow and be joined by more organisations, companies and citizens.
Prime Minister Milojko Spajić reminded that Montenegro is officially the world’s first ecological state, stating that this may be the only good decision made in the 1990s.
“Unfortunately, there is a vast gap between that title and today’s reality. Decades have passed since the adoption of the Žabljak Declaration, in which we have found time for everything except preserving nature, our greatest resource and potential,” Spajić noted.
He stated that they are firmly determined to fulfil their promises, that the state will adopt European standards, implement advanced laws and change practices.
“It is time to deliver on two major promises and realise the generational dream of an ecological Montenegro as an EU member state by 2028,” said Spajić.
He pointed out that measures have already been taken, including the removal of illegal landfills and ensuring “they don’t return” through monitoring, warning signs and harsh fines.
“We are cleaning the nature of old car tyres. A special machine is arriving soon that will convert this hazardous waste into a raw material ready for export,” said Spajić. He added that they are also reducing the use of plastic bags, continuing to amend regulations and introducing sustainable alternatives.
He emphasised that the fight against eco-crime is being intensified and that pollution, illegal exploitation and hiding behind bureaucratic loopholes will no longer go unpunished.
The Minister of Ecology, Sustainable Development and Northern Region Development (MERS), Damjan Ćulafić, said at the panel “Shared Mission: Together for a Cleaner Montenegro” that the Čuvaj da te čuva campaign is a small but very important step.
He announced that monitoring by MERS, as well as other institutions under its jurisdiction, will be strengthened. He also stated that vetting would not involve a retaliatory approach to the issue. He also announced the reinforcement of administrative capacities.
The Minister of Education, Science and Innovation, Anđela Jakšić Stojanović, said she was pleased that there is no longer any discussion of policy chapters without the involvement of the education sector.
“This means that no societal change is possible or will be adequately implemented unless we include the education system,” said Jakšić Stojanović.
She explained that an analysis of curricula revealed the absence of topics related to environmental protection and sustainable development and that a Strategy for Education 2035 has been defined in which sustainable development and environmental protection are recognised as priorities.
The Mayor of Podgorica, Saša Mujović, stated that activities and progress in Chapter 27 are being implemented at the local level.
“Things are happening at the local level, but as a direct reflection of action at the national level. Without this synergy, success is not possible,” said Mujović.
He emphasised that the Capital City’s Inspection Directorate needs to be improved, that an ecological inspectorate under the jurisdiction of the Capital is required, or a more efficient existing one, as well as video surveillance to combat offenders.
The Executive Director of the Podgorica Landfills, Aleksandar Božović, said that they have completed the procurement procedure for a machine that will regulate waste tyres for export to foreign markets.
“The funds are not small for such a machine — it costs nearly a million euros — but there is strong support from the Government and the Capital,” said Božović. He added that waste can be a valuable resource, and landfills can be a potential driver of development.
The Chairman of the Board of Directors of Voli, Dragan Bokan, announced that the Management Board will decide on allocating more significant funds to finance this campaign.
He stated that Voli can strongly influence citizens, as over 100,000 people pass through their shops daily, making them a place where messages can be sent to citizens or awareness changed. He announced plans for waste separation in retail outlets.
Opening the panel, Ivana Vojinović, Director of the Centre for Climate Change at the University of Donja Gorica, said that research conducted ahead of the campaign shows that there is a prevailing perception of mediocrity regarding the work of institutions dealing with environmental protection.
According to her, citizens are concerned about the state of the environment and are willing to participate in these processes but often do not know how. Although they are prepared to change their habits, they do not perceive strong leadership.