Montenegro

Strengthening capacities for implementation of Convention on Biological Diversity, Convention to Combat Desertification and Framework Convention on Climate Change in Montenegro

In the workshop opening remarks Mr. Predrag Nenezić, Minister of Tourism and Environmental Protection reminded that Montenegro took over the Conventions on Climate Change and Biological Diversity in succession from ex-State Union of Serbia and Montenegro in 2006, whilst the Parliament ratified the Convention to Combat Desertification and the Kyoto Protocol in 2007. “In this regard,” said Minister Nenezić, “the action plans prepared for capacity assessment of the mentioned Conventions will help us to plan, direct and strengthen our capacities in the right way to implement these Conventions and to raise awareness about the importance of environmental protection. The implementation of global environmental conventions  is linked with one of the goals that we are working to achieve, and that is sustainable development, i.e. conservation and improving of values of nature including enhancement of economic and social conditions.” Minister Nenezić also said that the Ministry of Tourism and Environmental Protection intends to involve all the key stakeholders, such as governmental institutions, scientific institutions, business sector, NGO sector and local government in the implementation of the Conventions.

Mr. Garret Tankosić Kelly, UNDP Resident Representative a.i./UN Interagency Focal Point in Montenegro said that tourism is one of the engines for economic growth in Montenegro. “Some activities, such as hiking and biking in Durmitor National Park, allow us to enjoy one of the most beautiful canyons in the world,” emphasized Mr.  Tankosić Kelly. “The better we manage our protected areas and world heritage sites the bigger incomes will be produced by tourism industry. Climate change threatens biodiversity and land degradation. The Human Development Report 2007/2008 urges the ecologically interdependent world to reflect on ways in which we manage the environment. UN Conference on Climate Change, taking place now in Bali, focus its attention in launching time-bound negotiations on a new international deal to fight climate change, which shows that climate change is an issue of big concern in UN. The NCSA report and Actions Plans demonstrate that Montenegro is committed to implementing Rio Conventions, to protecting the global environment and to building an ecological state. But, the NCSA Report is only the first step to accomplish with Rio Conventions Requirements. Next step it is the implementation of Actions Plans, and UNDP will follow on working with Montenegro in tackling the multifaceted challenges presented by climate change, biodiversity conservation and land degradation,” Mr.  Tankosić Kelly concluded.

Regarding the presentations, Ms. Marina Marković, Independent Environmental Expert spoke about the Report on National Capacity Self Assessment. Mr. Nebojša Jablan, Project Team Leader presented the Action Plan for assessment of capacities for implementation of Framework Convention on Climate Change; the Action Plan for assessment of capacities for implementation of Convention on Biological Diversity was presented by Ms. Gordana Kasom, Member of the Project Working Group, and Mr. Srđan Šoškić, Project Team Leader presented the Action Plan for assessment of capacities for implementation of Convention to Combat Desertification.
 
The project National Capacity Self Assessment for Implementation of Environmental Conventions (NCSA) was realized by the Ministry of Tourism and Environmental Protection, coordinated by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and financially supported by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) with USD 62.664.
 
The fundamental goal of the Project was to determine existing capacities, evaluate priority needs and prepare acition plans to implement the environmental conventions and fulfill obligations in accordance with global environmental management.

The NCSA covers three thematic areas:

• Biodiversity (Convention on Biological Diversity)
• Climate Change (Framework Convention on Climate Change)
• Desertification (Convention to Combat Desertification)

The Project benefits:

• building of national and local capacities, both institutionally and individually, in the way to take into consideration the problems of global environmental management when planning and formulating strategies;
• strengthening the dialogue, information and cooperation among stakeholders including governmental and nongovernmental sectors, academia, private sector, etc.;
• support to the transition from preparatory activities up to practical application of identified measures regarding global environmental management;
• respect for obligations under conventions;
• strengthening control mechanisms in domain of  global environmental management;
• improved information sharing and increased public participation in resolving problems in connection with global environmental management.

Reports:
Report on National Capacity Self Assessment (EN)
Report on National Capacity Self Assessment (MNE)

Link to National Capacity Self Assessment for Rio Convention implementation website: www.ncsa-montenegro.com