Donor:
Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), through the Landscape Fire Management in the Western Balkans (LFMWB) Programme
Implementers:
Lead applicant: Association of young ecologists of Niksic
www.dmen.me
Co-applicant(s): N.P.
Type of Project:
National
Project Duration: [17.02.2025. – 16.05.2026]
Total Budget: 29.877,00 CHF
Scope:
The project is being implemented in the territories of the municipalities of Nikšić, Šavnik, and Plužine.
Main Beneficiaries:
– Local Government of Nikšić, Piva Nature Park and “Dragišnica and Komarnica” Nature Park
– Еnvironmental NGOs from Montenegro operating in the municipalities (NK, PL and ŠN), involved in training in landscape fire prevention through field initiatives and measures.
– Local communities in Nikšić, Plužine and Šavnik. The project will inform, educate and empower local communities to reduce unsustainable practices and proactively engage in prevention, field monitoring and promotional activities
– Local and national media play an important role not only in information exchange but also in shaping attitudes important for strengthening the responsibility of the public sector and local communities.
– The professional and scientific community, including specialized NGOs who will be consulted in preparation of case studies and also during the conceptualization of advocacy campaigns, text content for reels videos, training and national conferences.
– Social media users, especially the younger population – through the dissemination of project-related information.
Overall Goal:
The project aims to contribute to reducing the risk of wildfires in Montenegro.
Expected Results:
– Improved cooperation among local stakeholders through coordination with Interested parties.
– Enhanced community awareness of the causes and effects of wildfires through education and digital campaign.
– Improved local strategy for reducing wildfire risk.
– Strengthened institutional capacity for combating wildfires.
Current Activities:
In the initial project stage, collaboration was initiated with key stakeholders, including the Municipality of Nikšić, Nature Park Piva, and Nature Park Dragišnica–Komarnica. Ongoing communication ensures effective coordination and alignment of project activities.
To enhance public awareness, a project logo and slogan were developed and media partnerships established. Project activities are regularly featured in local and national media, ensuring continuous visibility and community engagement.
A comprehensive training session was conducted for representatives of local administrations (Nikšić, Plužine, Šavnik), environmental NGOs, and nature park management bodies. The training topics covered: Modern landscape fire management strategies, including ecosystem impacts, legal frameworks, and landscape fire protection planning, as well as Community roles in landscape fire prevention, with a focus on Montenegro’s vulnerability, key fire causes, and the importance of proactive measures.
A dedicated workshop brought together local community leaders, eco-tourism operators, private forest owners, and farmers to discuss their role in wildfire prevention. Topics included risk identification, prevention, sustainable land use, and the long-term ecological and aesthetic impacts of landscape fires.
