The non-governmental organization Together for Pljevlja hosted a peaceful protest in the heart of the city today, voicing concerns over the potential impacts of the new Forest Law on this northernmost city in Montenegro.

Members of the NGO displayed a banner stating, “Don’t give Pljevlja our forests – Is this part of large investments in our municipality or a continuation of years of plunder?”

“For three years, we’ve been an NGO dedicated solely to the interests of Pljevlja. We have advocated for the 9 million euros that companies from Pljevlja contribute to the Eco Fund, achieving partial victory in securing that amount as special subsidies for our city. This figure was previously concealed from our citizens. The current proposal to create a new forest management company for Montenegro, which effectively means for Pljevlja, is alarming because nearly 80 percent of Montenegro’s timber resources are found in our municipality. After the depletion of Pljevlja’s coal, electricity, zinc, and lead—along with threats to our health—now they are after our forests. They intend to take these, knowing that coal and electricity will cease operation by 2030. This is a fact they won’t disclose, yet they have acknowledged it. Hence, we are protesting,” remarked a representative from the NGO Zajedno za Pljevlja.

The protesters called for the new company to be headquartered in Pljevlja, arguing it would provide a crucial financial boost for the city.

“We demand the municipality of Pljevlja receives the same revenue it has earned from forest concession fees; that the new company be based here to protect local jobs; that every municipality manage its own resources similarly to how coastal towns handle their beaches; and we urge leaders in this nation to establish a genuine company that creates real jobs instead of exploiting other’s resources,” stated Dukić.

He urged the seven members of the Montenegrin Parliament from Pljevlja to publicly respond to the new Forest Law.

… and to clarify their silence over the past two years, as if nothing is amiss. If they truly support Pljevlja, their actions should reflect it. Will the tendency for party loyalty and withholding information from the public continue? We implore the municipality of Pljevlja to create a working group to monitor ongoing developments across Montenegro, conduct an unbiased analysis, and keep citizens informed regarding their effects on Pljevlja. We believe that forming this company outside of Pljevlja constitutes a violation of the human rights enshrined in the constitution, and at some point, accountability will arise. Specifically, aside from the loss of hundreds of jobs, which threatens the livelihoods of many families, the municipality stands to lose over 4 million euros annually in revenue,” Dukić added.

They also mentioned plans to submit one of their honest suggestions to the relevant ministry.

“For starters, let them consider opening an eco-toothpick factory in the heart of Podgorica, and we are ready to supply the necessary raw materials,” concluded Dukić.

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