For a minimum of a decade, no construction will occur in the Ćemovsko Polje area, which was recently ravaged by fire that cleared the trees, provided the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) recommendations are heeded. They insist that construction on the burned land should not commence until biodiversity is restored.

Experts have informed “Vijesti” that this restoration could take at least ten years.

However, this guideline may not be enforced in practice, since current laws do not restrict activities on “urban forests.”

Two years ago, the parliament passed a measure aimed at ending “investment” fires, but it has yet to be implemented. According to procedural norms, the law requires presidential approval following its adoption, and due to the timing of this event—occurring just after the second round of the 2023 presidential elections and the transition of state leadership—this initiative has effectively stalled…

“The matters in question are governed by the Forest Law. As we have communicated previously, a zero biodiversity status will be mandated for any impact assessments concerning burned lands until the vegetation and wildlife have been restored to their former state wherever feasible. The Agency will not grant approvals for environmental impact assessments in areas where biodiversity has not been restored,” stated the agency led by Milan Gazdić to “Vijesti”.

For several days, fire has been consuming the Ćemovsko Polje in Podgorica, along with forests on Lovćen and areas in the hinterland of Luštica, Nikšić, Bijelo Polje, and Plužine. Firefighters on-site have classified these incidents as arson.

A significant portion of the public suspects that these fires are intentional, potentially paving the way for prompt construction at some of these sites.

This suspicion is reinforced by troubling precedents from the past—such as the situation on the slopes of Spas Hill above Budva, where villas emerged after a fire over 15 years ago, leading to current landslide risks…

A LAW WHICH DOES NOT EXIST IN BUSINESS ZONES

“Any activity impeding the restoration of burned forests is forbidden for a period of 30 years from the date of the fire,” was a provision intended to safeguard nature, but it has yet to take root in the legal framework of the state.

The push for amendments to the Forest Law was led by Marko Milacic, a member of the Right of Montenegro party, who requested, with support from his colleagues, a ban on altering the use of burned forest land for 30 years post-fire.

The current Forest Law, effective from 2024, stipulates that changes in the use of forested land for construction or other purposes can occur only if specified in a state planning document or in the spatial and urban plans of local authorities.

“Changes in capital use in areas of burned forests may occur no sooner than twenty years after the forest fire,” the current regulation notes.

The part of Ćemovsko Polje affected by the fire will be addressed in the Local Study for the “Central Business District,” as commissioned by the Government in June of the previous year.

This area runs alongside the Podgorica-Bar main road. They also indicate plans for a Detailed Urban Plan for the “Central Activities Zone,” which the Spatial and Urban Plan of Podgorica primarily designates as an IP zone (industry and production)…

“In recent days, we have regrettably witnessed numerous fires across Podgorica, with the most significant occurring at Ćemovsko Polje. It is evident that human actions are the cause, as these fires are frequently deliberately ignited… We emphasize that preserving green spaces and expanding green areas is a top priority for the city administration. Unfortunate events like this further compel us to protect nature through enhanced mechanization, public area maintenance, and efforts to educate and identify those responsible for such actions. In the specific instance of Ćemovsko Polje, a significant area has burned, and experts will evaluate to what extent revitalization and restoration efforts can be pursued,” the Capital City responded to “Vijesti”.

“NO DATA, NO RESPONSIBILITY”

Professor Vladimir Pešić from the Faculty of Science and Mathematics at the University of Montenegro expressed to “Vijesti” that fires have diverse effects on the biodiversity of impacted regions.

“Recovery can take up to 10 years and is influenced by multiple factors, including the climate zone and the predominant plant species alongside other biological communities,” stated Professor Pešić.

The absence of species monitoring, even in protected areas, is concerning for Montenegro, he cautions.

“The state lacks data, which conveniently absolves it of responsibility. Without data, there’s no accountability. We have no comprehensive understanding of what is vanishing or what remains,” remarked Professor Pešić.

Vujisić: Early fire detection system needed

Environmental activist and one of the founders of the Čuvaj.me platform, Vuk Vujisic, argues for the installation of an early fire detection camera system for Ćemovsko Polje.

“These should be positioned strategically, especially on hills or existing power supply networks. Accelerating the prosecution of those responsible for fires is imperative. We have received numerous proposals and announcements concerning legislation for improved fire protection, but these have remained unaddressed or have not progressed through the legal system. There was a proposal to restrict construction on burned areas to mitigate investor-related fires, but due to the political crisis and the law’s failure to be signed, it currently lacks legal standing,” Vujisić emphasized.

He added that in another portion of Ćemovsko Polje, as part of the “Watch Out, Let It Watch Over You” initiative, a camera system with sensors will be established in collaboration with the Capital City and support from the European Union Delegation to Montenegro.

“This system, in tandem with actions from the Municipal Police, will deter illegal waste disposal and tire burning, thereby reducing fire risks if implemented successfully… The plan includes installing cameras on Srpštanska Gora and Lješkopoljska Gorica as part of the same initiative,” Vujisić stated.

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