Local officials in Montenegro are taking decisive action to address an environmental concern involving over 800 tons of illegally dumped tires situated near the Orjen Nature Park. The municipality plans to prepare a project proposal for the Eco-Fund to secure funding for the removal of this waste, as discussed in a recent meeting with the Environmental Protection Agency under the Aarhus Caravan initiative.
Ivana Otović, the vice president of the municipality, emphasized that the illegal tire storage presents a significant ecological challenge that has persisted for some time. “As a local government, we have a clear intention to start resolving this issue,” Otović stated. “The support from the Environmental Protection Agency has been commendable. Our task now is to prepare a project to apply for funds to begin the removal process.”
The planned project aims not only to eliminate the tire waste but also to address the broader issue of ecological “black spots” in the municipality. Otović highlighted that prior ecological initiatives have had positive outcomes, but the challenges remain substantial due to inherited problems that require careful attention.
At a national level, waste management has not been a strong suit. Yet, with Montenegro approaching European Union membership, there is an increasing obligation to handle waste responsibly. “I believe that direct communication with the Environmental Protection Agency can help us address the existing problems in our city,” Otović added.
Protecting the Blue Cave
In addition to addressing the tire issue, Otović announced plans to sign a contract with the Environmental Protection Agency for a study focused on protecting the Blue Cave, a significant natural monument and tourist attraction. The municipality’s draft budget for 2026 allocates 28,000 EUR for this purpose.
“This location is unfortunately not recognized in any legal document of Montenegro,” Otović noted. “It is crucial that we view it from multiple perspectives, as it is both a natural monument and an important tourist attraction. We have requested this study through a resolution from the Assembly, and I am optimistic about a positive outcome involving all local stakeholders.”
Aarhus Caravan Initiative
The Aarhus Caravan initiative serves as an informative and educational campaign designed to engage with all municipalities in Montenegro. Representatives from the campaign will address citizens’ questions regarding environmental issues, with a particular focus on waste management.
Bojana Obradović from the Environmental Protection Agency highlighted the initiative’s goal of enhancing the application of the Aarhus Convention at the local level, aiming to involve citizens in local initiatives. “Citizens have the right to inquire about any environmental protection issues,” she stated. “Our focus has been on waste management, illegal dumping, and tire disposal. We will work collaboratively with all interested parties involved in the Aarhus Caravan initiative to tackle these issues.”
The Aarhus Convention, established by the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE), delineates the rights of individuals and civil society organizations concerning environmental matters. It guarantees citizens access to environmental information held by public authorities, participation in decision-making processes, and the right to appeal when their rights regarding access to information or public involvement are violated.
As Montenegro moves forward, local authorities are committed to addressing pressing environmental issues while enhancing community involvement in sustainable practices.
