“Millions Invested, Work Halted, Accountability Elusive”
In the Pecine Valorization Project located in northern Montenegro, approximately 19 million euros of the planned 25 million euros have been invested to date, according to officials from the capital projects for Radio Free Europe (RSE).
However, construction activities, which were intended to promote development in the north, were halted in 2021 due to unauthorized access to the cave entrance. This resulted in ecological damage and the death of a significant number of blind mice.
The timeline for resuming the works remains uncertain.
This state project commenced in 2012 during the leadership of the Democratic Party of Socialists, which lost power in 2020.
At that point, nearly 70 percent of the work had been completed. A substantial amount of money has been invested, yet the project is now in decline. “There is a mix of negligence, ill intentions, and ignorance,” says Nikola Rakočević, a representative of this party, speaking to RSE.
Funds have been allocated for constructing a visitor center, a cable car, cave interiors, as well as road and electrical infrastructure, but none of these have been completed.
Djalovića Cave – an unexplored natural wonder
Djalovića Cave is situated in the gorge of the same name, approximately twenty kilometers from the White Field. It extends for more than 17.5 kilometers.
“Undoubtedly, it is the largest and most stunning cave in Montenegro and one of the most remarkable in the Balkans,” states speleologist Zeljko Majgalj, one of the proponents of its valorization.
He mentions that only a portion of the cave, rich in channels, hallways, chambers, and various cave formations, has been explored.
“There are up to 15 permanent lakes and around 30 temporary ones. The potential is incredible.”
According to Majgalj, the primary issue is its inaccessibility for tourists since it is located deep within the gorge.
To address this, “MANU” aimed to take advantage of this challenge by constructing a cable car.
“The cable car, which leads to the cave’s entrance, is almost complete. Just one pillar remains,” he adds.
Majgalj estimates that once the work is finished, more than 120,000 visitors could explore Zalic’s Cave annually.
Speleological studies of Djalović’s gorges and surrounding areas began in 1987.
What led to the suspension of works?
Work was halted four years ago due to unauthorized access to the cave entrance, an act for which the contractor, Volvox from Podgorica, did not have permission.
The company has yet to respond to RSE’s inquiries regarding the specifics of the entry.
“They only had permits for areas outside the cave entrance,” stated officials from the Environmental Protection Agency to RSE.
This unauthorized breach caused environmental harm in the region.
Blind mice affected due to the entrance
The artificial opening created in Djalovića cave disrupted the hibernation of blind mice, resulting in the death of about 100 individuals.
It was determined that the entry’s creation directly affected the cave’s microclimate.
Hibernation is vital for their survival during winter months, as it allows them to conserve energy during times when food is scarce. An abrupt interruption of hibernation can deplete their energy reserves, often leading to death.
All blind mice in Montenegro are legally protected.
The Environmental Protection Agency is currently preparing a study to assess the biodiversity status of the cave prior to work commencing.
The study’s results are expected to be available early this year and are crucial for planning the continuation of works, as stated to RSE.
Uncertainty over accountability
The Agency highlights that for further planning, they require projects and plans for capital investment management that span over two years.
“We have not received any updates on that matter thus far.”
The capital investment administration indicated to RSE that the responsibility for obtaining necessary approvals lies with the Ministry of Economic Development, which was informed of this from the Ministry of Tourism. Unofficially, it was indicated that this matter was not within their jurisdiction.
According to the capital projects administration, continuation of works is planned once the weather permits this year, in accordance with the Municipality of Bijelo Polje.
“However, it is the Ministry of Tourism’s duty to work with the Environmental Protection Agency to establish the prerequisites for continuing work on the facilities at the cave,” they informed RSE.
The works within the cave hinge on the completion of the Environmental Protection Agency’s study, stated the capital project administration.
While institutions pass the blame among themselves, the cave remains unprotected and at risk of further damage, as voiced by members of the speleological club Spider.
In August 2022, damage was inflicted on the cave walls when individuals wrote names, further disrespecting this natural wonder.
“These magnificent ‘frescoes’ of nature, formed over millions of years, have been tarnished, and the offenders were identified,” stated the speleological club Spider.
They noted that the perpetrators were misleading.
Political challenges and work cessation
The current stagnation is attributed to “ignorance and ill intent,” claims Nikola Rakočević, deputy of the opposition Democratic Party of Socialists, during whose leadership a significant portion of the works was undertaken.
“Projects were included in capital budgets, but their execution has been delayed. We can only interpret this as an intention to hinder the development of the north,” Rakočević commented.
He also mentioned that prominent global experts in speleology consider it one of the seven most significant caves in Europe.
“Slovenia’s experience with an abyss confirms the importance of such a tourist exploration project.”
Rakočević highlights that the opening of Djalović’s gorges could result in numerous benefits, including increased food production, the establishment of new hotels and accommodations, stimulating the local economy, and alleviating migration concerns from the White Field.
The White Field region has a population of approximately 38,000 inhabitants.