To mark Earth Day on April 22, the Municipality of Pljevlja, in cooperation with the Ministry of European Affairs and with support from the EU4ME project, held a symbolic tree-planting ceremony at the Pametno Lake picnic area, where a silver spruce was planted. The action was joined by Pljevlja’s best athletes of 2024, Ena Plakalo and Nemanja Džaković, as well as by local utility company Čistoća.
The celebration of Earth Day continued with a panel discussion that brought together representatives of local and national institutions, the non-governmental sector, and environmental experts. Opening remarks were delivered by Darko Gazdić, Vice President of the Municipality, Ljiljana Đondović, Municipal Manager, and Vaso Knežević, Eco Ambassador of Montenegro. Participants in the discussion included representatives from the Environmental Protection Agency, the Eco Fund, NGOs “EKO-TEAM” and “Step with Science”, the Pljevlja Coal Mine and Thermal Power Plant, as well as Dana Krezović, Head of the Environmental Protection Service in the Municipality of Pljevlja.
One of the central topics was the initiative to declare the upper flow of the Ćehotina River a protected area and a nature park. The proposed zone spans approximately 1,300 hectares, including the riverbed and land extending 500 meters on each side. It was emphasized that 99% of the area is state-owned, with a small number of privately owned plots. The proposed protections are designed to preserve traditional local activities, align with current legislation, and not interfere with existing water sources or mineral exploitation.
“There are no changes to existing laws. The proposed nature park boundaries do not affect potential mining sites or water sources. A great example is the Bolje Sestre spring, located within the heart of Skadar Lake National Park, which supplies water to the entire Montenegrin coast,” said Milija Čabarkapa, Executive Director of EKO-TEAM.
He added that the nature park designation would focus on supporting the local community, encouraging socio-economic activity, and developing sustainable tourism, all while protecting natural values.
The clear message from the event: preserving the environment is not only a responsibility but also an opportunity to create healthier, higher-quality living conditions for future generations — in Pljevlja and across Montenegro.
Pljevlja marked Earth Day through its participation in the initiative “Empowering Municipalities for European Engagement”, implemented through the EU4ME project, which aims to strengthen support for local governments in raising public awareness about EU integration, its benefits, and related obligations.