Digital prints
DECLARATION ON THE ECOLOGICAL STATE OF MONTENEGRO
“We, the deputies of the Republic of Montenegro, are aware that, due to the endangerment of nature, the protection of the identity of the space in which we live and work has become our urgent and timely work.
Aware of the debt to nature, the source of our health and the inspiration of our freedom and culture, we dedicate ourselves to its protection in the name of our survival and the future of our offspring.
We accept that no difference between us is as great as the great changes to which our natural environment is exposed. Regardless of our national, religious, political and other beliefs, we know and accept that the dignity and sanctity of the human being are organically linked to the sanctity and purity of nature.
Man and nature in and around him are one in their depths and, both in their meaning and purpose. Hence, the abuse of man has always been accompanied by the abuse of nature. That is why, by opting for and fighting for the dignity of man, we are called to fight for the dignity of nature as well.
By adopting this declaration, Montenegro is establishing a state relationship with nature and calls on the wisdom of all people to prevent the ecological catastrophe that threatens us.”
September 20, 1991
Adopting the Declaration on the ecological state on September 20, 1991, in the northern town of Žabljak, Montenegro became the first ecological state in the world. Amid the turbulent events happening in the region at the time, Montenegro addressed preserving the environment as one of the rising issues, which should be dealt with increased public awareness. This Declaration became part of the Montenegrin Constitution the following year when Montenegro was defined as a "democratic, social and ecological state," and the document was presented at the UN conference on environmental protection.
This document recognized the great potentials of Montenegro on the principles of ecological state and sustainable development, such as tourism; energy; agriculture; mineral resources; forestry development; construction, transport, and technology; as well as cultural-historical and architectural heritage.