Panel discussion finished: invasive species in protected areas in Montenegro

Parks Dinarides – a network of protected areas, in cooperation with the Ministry of Tourism, Ecology, Sustainable Development and Development of the North, realised a panel discussion named Invasive species in protected areas – experiences and challenges. At the same time, this is the final activity within the project “Mapping of invasive alien plant species and establishing the Biologer platform in Montenegro”.

                The panel discussion was held on Tuesday, March 12, 2024, in the premises of the Ministry of Tourism, Ecology, Sustainable Development and Development of the North and gathered representatives of all relevant institutions, the Ministry, the Environmental Protection Agency, managers of protected areas, experts and representatives of civil society.

                On this occasion, the participants were presented with the List of foreign invasive species that cause concern in the European Union (Black List) and the List of permitted species of plants, animals and fungi (White List), as well as the legal provisions of the Rulebook on establishing these lists. Through the participation of members of the JU Zeleni prsten organisation from Zagreb County, attendees learned about experiences from neighboring Croatia in fighting invasive species, developing strategies, and using EU funds. Afterwards, representatives from Montenegro, PA National Parks, and Podgorica’s Agency for Management of Protected Areas discussed their experiences. Finally, the results of the civil sector were presented, such as mapping selected plant species with the help of the Biologer application in Montenegro and fighting Amorpha on the floodplains of the Skadar lake National Park.

                Additionally, the event featured a detailed discussion in which all participants agreed that one of the biggest challenges faced by protected area managers is the rise and spread of invasive species. This issue needs to be prioritized and capacity and resources must be strengthened for a systematically approached solution. For further consideration, the conclusions will be submitted to the relevant institutions.

                The one year-lasting project ”Mapping of the invasive alien plants and establishing of Biologer platform in Montenegro” (March 2023-March 2024) was realised by Parks Dinarides – Network of protected areas and funded by Rufford Small Foundation from the United Kingdom.