Speaking on behalf of Montenegro, Minister Ćulafić pointed out that our country is honored to participate in this important event, stressing that the Mediterranean is much more than a geographical area, it is a living ecosystem that connects peoples, economies and cultures, and its condition is reflected in our ability to act jointly and responsibly.
Ćulafić emphasized that, although small in scale, Montenegro has an extremely sensitive coast and a rich natural heritage, which is exposed to growing pressures, including accelerated urbanization, intensive tourism, deficiencies in the infrastructure for wastewater treatment in some places, as well as the presence of waste in the sea.
In his address, he pointed out that Montenegro, recognizing these challenges, actively uses all the mechanisms of the Barcelona Convention and the UNEP/MAP system, with strong cooperation with international partners and regional centers.
The minister presented the key achievements of Montenegro:
"We completed the Marine Space Management Plan, fully aligned with sustainable sea and coastal management standards, finalized the Management Plan for the Boka Kotor Bay, one of the most sensitive areas in the Mediterranean, with the involvement of local communities, UNESCO structures and expert institutions, we improved the monitoring of the state of the marine environment, with the first continuous series of data on eutrophication, sediment quality and polluting substance trends. Also, the Buna-Bojana River Aquifer Management Plan was completed, which is crucial for the protection of underground water in one of the most sensitive coastal ecosystems in the Mediterranean.”
Ćulafić said that, despite limited resources, Montenegro acts responsibly, dedicated and proactive, stressing that "sea protection is an investment in the future of communities and the stability of natural systems that sustain life on the planet."
According to Minister Ćulafić, Montenegro wants to emphasize several priorities of key importance for our country and the wider region: "Strengthening financial and technical support for small countries in dealing with industrial heritage; development of regional solutions for marine waste, with a focus on prevention and circular economy; support for climate adaptation measures and coastal risk management; as well as strengthening the protection of marine biodiversity and meeting the goal of protecting at least 30% of marine and coastal areas."
Montenegro strongly supported the adoption of the Cairo Ministerial Declaration, emphasizing that it represents a common path towards a healthy, resilient and sustainable Mediterranean where the environment, economy and society can progress in harmony.
In conclusion, Minister Ćulafić pointed out that Montenegro remains fully committed to implementing the Barcelona Convention, strengthening regional cooperation and improving its capacities, stressing that protecting the sea is a "moral obligation towards the generations to come".
