Petrovac, (MINA-BUSINESS) – It was concluded at a conference in Petrovac dedicated to gastronomy and intangible cultural heritage that the protection of olive trees and olive groves was a matter of national interest, which is why old olive trees, as well as the land they are located on, must be considered protected cultural heritage.

Landscape architect Danica Mihaljevic Davidovic stated that the issue of sustainability, protection, and valorization of olive trees and olives was complex but not unfeasible, as there were positive examples in other Mediterranean countries.

She added that there was a collision between planning practice and the Olive Growing Law, as the law included a provision regarding the protection of trees, i.e., the impossibility of transplantation if the trees were older than 100 years.

“I believe that we need to address this issue institutionally, to prevent destruction,” said Mihaljevic Davidovic at the conference titled Cultural and Creative Industries and Heritage.

She argued that it was important for gastronomic heritage to know where the food came from.

“The areas where food comes from should be complex, comprehensive, and healthy,” said Mihaljevic Davidovic, adding that the land should be enriched to achieve better product quality, and consequently, overall higher spatial quality.

The International Multidisciplinary Conference titled “Cultural and Creative Industries & Heritage: Gastroheritage” was organized from 14 to 17 March in Petrovac by the Society for Cultural Development BAUO, with the support of the Municipality of Budva, the Chamber of Commerce (PKCG), and Golden Group.