Municipality Plans Project to Address 800 Tons of Waste Tires

The municipality has announced plans to address an urgent environmental issue involving over 800 tons of illegally stored waste tires located near the Orjen Nature Park. This initiative aims to secure funding from the Eco-Fund to facilitate the removal of these tires, which pose a significant ecological threat. The decision was made during a recent meeting between municipal representatives and the Agency for Environmental Protection as part of the Arhus Caravan initiative.

Urgent Environmental Challenge

According to Ivan Otović, the Deputy Mayor, the accumulation of waste tires at the border of Orjen National Park has been a long-standing ecological concern. He emphasized the municipality’s commitment to resolving this issue, stating, “As a local government, we have a clear intention to start addressing this problem. What is particularly commendable this time is that the Agency for Environmental Protection has provided all necessary support.”

Otović highlighted the importance of preparing a project to apply for funding from the Eco-Fund. The goal is to initiate the removal process of the illegally disposed tires, which amount to approximately 800 tons. He stressed that tackling all ecological “black spots” in the municipality is crucial.

The Deputy Mayor noted that while the local administration has conducted various environmental initiatives that received positive feedback, many inherited issues remain unresolved. He acknowledged that waste management is not a strong point for the country as a whole. Yet, with Montenegro’s evident progression towards European Union membership, it is imperative to manage waste responsibly and diligently.

Plans for Blue Cave Conservation

In addition to the tire removal project, Otović mentioned that a contract with the Agency for Environmental Protection is forthcoming regarding the development of a conservation study for the Blue Cave. The draft budget for 2026 includes a provision of 28,000 EUR for this purpose.

“The Blue Cave is a natural monument that, unfortunately, is not currently recognized in any legal document of Montenegro,” Otović stated. He added that it is also a significant tourist attraction, requiring a multi-faceted approach to its preservation. The study was a request made by the municipal assembly in a previous session. “It is worth noting that all local stakeholders participated in this process, and I believe the outcome will ultimately be very positive,” he concluded.

The Arhus Caravan is an informative and educational campaign designed to visit all municipalities in Montenegro. The organizers aim to address pressing environmental issues and respond to citizens’ inquiries related to these topics, with waste management being identified as a primary concern.

Bojana Obradović from the Agency for Environmental Protection pointed out that the key goal of the initiative is to enhance the implementation of the Arhus Convention at the local level, encouraging greater citizen involvement in local initiatives. “Citizens have the right to inquire about any environmental protection issues. The topics we have addressed include waste management, illegal dumps, and the storage and disposal of tires. Our focus is on collaborating with all stakeholders involved in the Arhus Caravan initiative to find effective solutions to these shared problems,” Obradović explained.

The Arhus Convention, established by the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE), defines the rights of individuals and civil society organizations regarding environmental matters. It ensures citizens have access to information about the environment held by public authorities, participate in environmental decision-making processes, and have the right to challenge decisions that violate their rights related to information access or public participation.