After 18 Years of Struggle: Montenegro’s Birds Win Against Luxury Tourists

Ulcinj Salina, a major wetland in Montenegro, has officially earned the protected area status, after campaigners fought eighteen years to save it along with its thriving bird life, against proposed luxury tourist projects and other harmful developments.

The 15-square-kilometer saltwater wetland, recently designated a Wetland of International Importance under the Ramsar Convention, is one of the most important areas in the Balkans and home to over 50 species of nesting birds, such as the rare Dalmatian pelicans. More birds pass through Ulcinj Salina than passengers through England’s Heathrow Airport – one of the busiest airports in the world. Wetlands are also known to act as buffers that reduce the impacts of natural disasters.

The Balkan country – held back from joining the European Union due to a poor environmental record – saw campaigners lobbying EU ministers and pressuring local officials with the influence of European diplomats, as well as using the power of the internet to broadcast their effort to the world. Finally, the local authority gave the salina the Nature Park status in June 2019, marking it an official protected area.

“Perseverance finally pays off,” says Gabriel Schwaderer, CEO of EuroNatur, a foundation partnering with others to protect the wetland. “The town council’s decision offers the opportunity to really preserve and revitalize the salina. It’s been a long struggle.”