The Municipality of Herceg Novi is taking steps to address a significant environmental issue involving over 800 tons of illegally dumped waste tires located at the edge of the Orjen Nature Park. The local government plans to prepare a project to apply for funding from the Eco Fund to facilitate the removal of this hazardous waste.
This initiative emerged during a recent meeting between municipality representatives and the Agency for Environmental Protection as part of the Aarhus Caravan initiative. According to Ivana Otović, the Vice President of the Municipality, the tires pose a serious ecological threat that has persisted for an extended period.
Addressing Environmental Concerns
Otović emphasized the local government’s commitment to tackling this problem, highlighting the critical support from the Agency for Environmental Protection. “As a local self-government, we have a clear intention to start resolving this issue,” Otović stated. “It is essential that we begin the process of removing the illegally deposited tires.” He added that the volume of waste involved is substantial, and addressing such ecological “black spots” is crucial for the community.
The municipality has previously undertaken ecological initiatives that garnered positive responses, although Otović acknowledged that many inherited problems remain unresolved. He noted that waste management is not a strong suit for the country as a whole, but Montenegro’s impending accession to the European Union necessitates responsible waste management practices.
Direct communication with the Agency for Environmental Protection, Otović believes, will facilitate discussions about the various challenges faced in the municipality. He mentioned that plans are underway to sign a contract with the agency for the development of a protection study for the Blue Cave, a significant natural monument and tourist attraction.
Funding for Environmental Protection
The draft budget for 2026 allocates €28,000 for the study aimed at protecting the Blue Cave, which is currently not recognized in any legal framework within Montenegro. Otović remarked on the importance of viewing the cave from multiple perspectives, given its ecological significance and its role as a tourist draw. “We believe the study will yield a very positive outcome,” he concluded.
The Aarhus Caravan serves as an informational and educational campaign designed to engage all municipalities in Montenegro. Organizers plan to address pressing environmental issues, particularly focusing on waste management and illegal dumping. According to Bojana Obradović from the Agency for Environmental Protection, the initiative aims to enhance the implementation of the Aarhus Convention at the local level by fostering greater community involvement in environmental initiatives.
Obradović emphasized that citizens have the right to inquire about any environmental protection matters. Key topics of discussion include waste management, illegal landfills, and the storage and disposal of tires. The campaign will seek to identify collaborative solutions with all stakeholders involved in the Aarhus Caravan initiative to tackle these pressing issues effectively.
The Aarhus Convention, established by the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE), defines the rights of individuals and civil society organizations concerning environmental matters. It ensures citizens’ access to information held by public authorities, participation in decision-making processes, and the right to challenge violations of these rights.
Through these efforts, the Municipality of Herceg Novi aims not only to address local environmental challenges but also to set a precedent for responsible waste management practices in Montenegro as it moves closer to European Union integration.
