Minister Ćulafić: Protection of Sopot and Dražin Vrt an Opportunity to Improve Cooperation with MedFund

Minister of Ecology, Sustainable Development, and Northern Development Damjan Ćulafić met with representatives of MedFund, the International GEF, and MedPan as part of a field mission related to the implementation of the GEF project "Build Back a Blue and Stronger Mediterranean." The meeting discussed strengthening cooperation with national partners, assessing progress in project activities, priorities in marine protection and biodiversity conservation, and opportunities to enhance collaboration in supporting Montenegro's environmental protection goals. "The Ministry is interested in continuing cooperation with MedFund even after the current project activities are completed, especially in areas where further improvements in marine management and sustainable financing are possible. There is also room to expand cooperation, particularly considering that two more marine protected areas—Sopot and Dražin Vrt—have recently been designated, with management plans recently adopted," said Minister Ćulafić. He thanked MedFund for its ongoing support, emphasizing its importance for improving practical measures for protection and management on the ground, as well as strengthening the capacities of Marine Property. "In the upcoming period, the priority is to ensure effective implementation of the adopted management plans, and it would be significant to consider MedFund providing financial and technical support for these two areas, following the model of cooperation already in place for Platamune, Katič, and Stari Ulcinj," the minister added.