Podgorica, (MINA) – Montenegrin President Jakov Milatovic, on the occasion of 35th anniversary of Montenegro’s declaration as the world’s first ecological state, presented the “Ecological State 2.0” initiative, featuring 20 proposals aiming at translating the idea of ​​an ecological state into clear rules, projects and measurable results.

According to a press release from Milatovic’s office, the initiative stemmed from the round table with environmental activists and representatives of the academic community, who have worked for years to protect Montenegro’s natural heritage.

“Among the key proposals are free entry to national parks for Montenegrin citizens, Zabljak’s status as an ecological capital, a single national biodiversity database, a public digital cadastre of protected natural areas, preventive protection of future Natura 2000 areas and a stronger forest wild-fire protection system”, the press release states.

The initiative includes the protection of the coast and access to water, stricter liability for polluters, more sustainable tourism management in Boka, a green vignette, a packaging return system, green public procurement, as well as clearer designation of areas suitable for the development of solar and wind power plants.

Spas hill in Budva and Valdanos in Ulcinj were singled out as two concrete local examples of protection within the “Ecological State 2.0” initiative.