for the protection of Tara River Canyon, MONTENEGRO

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Europa Nostra appeals
for the protection of Tara River Canyon, Montenegro

Europa Nostra's Press Releases
24 November 2004

Europa Nostra – the pan-European federation for heritage – has appealed to Mr Milo Djukanovic, Prime Minister of Montenegro expressing its grave concern over the serious threats posed to the Tara River Canyon (part of UNESCO's Man and Biosphere Network) by the Government’s plan to implement the Buk Bijela hydropower project. This appeal, signed by Europa Nostra’s Executive President, Mr Otto von der Gablentz, coincides with the Debate of the Montenegro Parliament on the Tara River Declaration, drafted by an alliance of environmental and heritage NGOs from Montenegro concerned with the future of the canyon.

Europa Nostra’s appeal highlights the dual responsibility of the Republic of Montenegro towards the protection and preservation of the Tara River Canyon, which is part of UNESCO’s Man and Biosphere Programme and located in Durmitor National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Recognising the Government’s responsibility to address the country’s energy and labour issues, the Executive President nonetheless expressed Europa Nostra’s conviction that “the achievement of these important goals should not be at the expense of the irreparable damage to the Tara Canyon .” He urged the Prime Minister to exert his influence on the Government to look for an alternative solution for Montenegro’s energy problem, which should address the demand and the supply in a comprehensive way.

“Any damage to the Tara River Canyon would be detrimental not only to the sense of pride and the quality of life of the Montenegro’s citizens, but also to the country’s economy,” added Mr von der Gablentz. The Tara River Canyon figures amongst the deepest and most spectacular gorges in the World and as such it possesses an important potential for sustainable tourism development which has not yet been fully exploited.

By ensuring the protection of the Tara River Canyon, the Government “would also confirm its unreserved commitment to complying the policies and regulations of Montenegro with the environmental rules developed and promoted by the European Union and its Member States, as well as with the obligations imposed by the UNESCO World Heritage Convention, which has been signed and ratified by Montenegro,” Europa Nostra concluded.

Through its members and contacts in Montenegro, Europa Nostra will continue following the decision process regarding the Buk Bijela Hydropower project, which, if implemented would jeopardise the future of the Tara River Canyon, an outstanding World Heritage Site.

For further information please contact:

Charlotte O’Connor, Communications Officer, co@europanostra.org, +31 70 302 40 55
Mark Snethlage, Campaigns Officer, imo@europanostra.org, +31 70 302 40 51