MoU Signed to Improve Management of the Cijevna Canyon

Parks Dinarides  – the Network of Protected Areas of the Dinarides has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Ministry of Ecology, Sustainable Development and Northern Development and the Public Enterprise “Natural Monument Cijevna Canyon,” with the aim of enhancing mutual cooperation and ensuring more efficient management of the protected area of the Cijevna Canyon.

The document was signed by the Minister of Ecology, Sustainable Development and Northern Development, Damjan Ćulafić, the President of Parkovi Dinarida, Zoran Mrdak, and Acting Director of the Public Enterprise “Natural Monument Cijevna Canyon,” Adnan Drešević.

The purpose of the Memorandum is to formalize and strengthen cooperation between the Ministry and the signatory parties through the implementation of the project “Contribution to More Efficient Management of the Natural Monument Cijevna Canyon,” funded by the Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF).

The parties agreed to jointly enhance and strengthen cooperation in the management of this protected natural asset through the development of a five-year Management Plan for the Natural Monument Cijevna Canyon, as well as to contribute to the development and strengthening of cross-border cooperation.

On this occasion, Ćulafić emphasized the importance of the Cijevna River for both Montenegro and Albania, highlighting that due to its natural, ecological, and social value, it must be managed appropriately.

“By signing this Memorandum, we are taking concrete steps to improve the protection of this valuable area, strengthening cooperation with the civil sector and local governments, while also further reinforcing cross-border collaboration. I am particularly pleased that we have signed a similar Memorandum regarding the preparation of a concept for the effective preservation of the Morača River, as this demonstrates consistency in our river protection policy,” the Minister stated.

He added that rivers are a vital natural resource and expressed satisfaction that there are initiatives which, in his words, directly contribute to their preservation and raise awareness about the need for sustainable management and proper protection, as is the case with the Cijevna.

Director Adnan Drešević highlighted the importance of institutional support and cooperation with the relevant ministry in improving the management of this protected area. He noted that the focus in the coming period will be on developing a five-year Management Plan, which will serve as a foundation for long-term and sustainable management of the Cijevna Canyon.

Zoran Mrdak, President of Parks Dinarides – the Network of Protected Areas of the Dinarides, emphasized that the key role of the network is to connect and provide continuous support to protected area managers. Through the CEPF-funded project, strong support will be provided to the management authority of the Natural Monument Cijevna Canyon, both in the preparation of key planning documents, including the Management Plan, and in strengthening its institutional and professional capacities.

He stressed that cooperation with the relevant ministry, as well as other key institutions, is essential for establishing an efficient and sustainable management system for this protected area.