The Public Company for National Parks is set to regain management of the assets from the defunct “Bajo Sekulić” saltworks for a limited time. Meanwhile, preparations for establishing a new management structure for Ulcinj’s oldest collective are expected.

This was confirmed by the Ministry of Ecology, Sustainable Development, and Northern Development alongside the National Parks (NP).

“The Ministry of Ecology has drafted a proposal for the Government’s approval to extend the Lease Agreement for the property of the bankrupt Solana, which has received a favorable opinion from the Ministry of Finance. This proposal will be forwarded to the Government for further consideration, after which the conditions for leasing and finalizing an agreement with the bankruptcy administration, as well as engaging individuals for the safeguarding and maintenance of this area, will be addressed,” stated the joint response from the Ministry and NP.

“Vijesti” previously reported that NP’s lease of the Solana property, in effect since 2015, expired on February 7 of this year.

Unofficial sources suggest that the lease will be renewed for a few months, during which a new company is anticipated to be established, tasked with managing the saltworks property from NP.

When queried if NPs received funds from the Government and paid rent to the bankruptcy administration, the response noted that “for the execution of NP program activities, a specific budget amount has been allocated, which is disbursed in tranches as per the signed agreement between the company and the relevant ministry.”

“All NP employees receive their salaries on time. The temporary halt in Saltworks’ rent payments will not adversely impact the rights and entitlements of any engaged personnel,” the response added.

It was highlighted that during a working group meeting in Ulcinj on April 3, an agreement was reached for the Government and Municipality to swiftly create a management structure. It was concluded that the Ministries of Ecology, Finance, and the Municipality of Ulcinj would develop the most suitable model for setting up a joint management entity for the Ulcinj Saltworks Nature Park at the earliest opportunity.

This commitment aligns with the Action Plan to achieve the final benchmarks for Chapter 27 – Environment and Climate Change, emphasizing its importance at local, national, and international levels,” the response asserted.

NPs oversee all Solana assets based on the 2015 Lease Agreement, which was extended through amendments with the bankruptcy trustee.

“The public company’s formal and legal authority has lapsed since the contract expired on February 7, 2025. However, recognizing the significance of this unique area, the former employees of Solana have continued to perform security, physical, and technical protection tasks to prevent illegal activities at the Ulcinj Salt Pan. We unequivocally anticipate the establishment of a management body for the Ulcinj Salt Pan Nature Park, which we regard as a crucial step towards securing a permanent solution for this protected area,” reported NPCG to “Vijesti.”

Regarding the formation of a managing company for the Saltworks, “Vijesti” previously highlighted that discussions are ongoing between the Government and the Municipality of Ulcinj, although differing opinions exist on potential management models.

The mayor of Ulcinj, Genzi Nimanbeg, stated that he intended for the new company to be set up by the end of last year, a plan that did not come to fruition.

According to plans, the Municipality of Ulcinj would share ownership with the Government in the newly established Nature Park “Ulcinj Saltworks.”

The establishment of the company also necessitates Government approval.

In 2021, the Municipality aimed to assume control of the Salt Pans from the National Parks, but ultimately retracted due to inadequacies in the legal framework at that time.

Following a decision at the local parliament session on June 24, 2019, Ulcinjska Solana was designated as a protected area – Nature Park.

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