Drobnic: Ulcinj Saline is part of the European natural heritage and should be urgently protected
PODGORICA, 07 April 2016 – Ulcinj Saline still lacks the legal protection status that it deserves, and a constructive solution needs to be found urgently, in consultation with local and national authorities, in order to protect this unique bird paradise. This was one of the messages of the Second International Conference on the protection of Ulcinj Saline.
At the first conference held last year, one of the most important conclusions that were adopted in the presence of Members of the European Parliament, was to designate Ulcinj Saline as a protected area by October 2015, which has not been done yet.
In its opening remarks, Ambassador of the European Union to Montenegro, Mitja Drobnic, reminded that it was important for the Government of Montenegro to be aware of its responsibility for protecting that valuable part of the European natural heritage, which, as he added, is high on the EU agenda.
“Significant delays in the implementation of some of the conclusions adopted last year have been acknowledged, especially on the protection of this site. We therefore urge all stakeholders to agree on the timeline for ensuring effective protection of this area”, added Drobnic.
Several EU Member States Embassies in Montenegro, primarily the embassies of Germany, Poland and France, but, as of recently, also Greece and Bulgaria have been strongly promoting the idea of nomination of Ulcinj Saline as a Ramsar area. Ambassador of Germany, Gudrun Elisabeth Steinacker, also appealed to the Government of Montenegro to “do this as quickly as possible”.
EU Ambassador Mitja Drobnicadded that Ulcinj Saline is a candidate for EU’s Natura 2000 habitats, the world’s largest network of protected areas. The area of Saline is a nesting ground for more than 250 registered bird species, which represent around a half of registered species in Europe as a whole.
Having recognised the importance of this site, the EU has provided support to protect Ulcinj Saline through different funding mechanisms. For instance, through the LIFE project, €27 million have been invested for the protection of 10 bird species whose survival depends on Ulcinj Saline.
Minister of Sustainable Development and Tourism Branimir Gvozdenovic explained that the Government is determined in providing Ulcinj Saline with proper protection, but, first on national, and then on international level. According to him, preconditions for this are drafting a study on long-term sustainability for this locality, resolving the problems of bankrupt Saline which is, according to Gvozdenovic, essential part of this ecosystem, and adoption of spatial plans for this area.
In his concluding remarks, EU Ambassador underlined that Ulcinj Saline is a pearl which requires joint efforts to save this unique location “before the last flamingo flies away.” “Generations to come will be grateful if we enable them to enjoy preserved nature, clean sea and beautiful birds”, concluded Drobnic.
