National Parks
Durmitor National Park: located in the northwest of the country and classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it protects the remarkable ecosystems of the Durmitor massif, composed of forests and lakes. It is also home to the deepest canyon in Europe, formed by the Tara Gorge, also known as "the tears of Europe".
Lovćen National Park: located in the southwest of the country, between sea and mountains, it protects mountain ecosystems and beautiful landscapes. It is home to beautiful mixed forests, numerous bird species and endemic plant species.
Biogradska Gora National Park: located in the center of the country, it protects, in addition to the mountainous massif of Bjelasica and its glacial lakes, a primary forest with a very rich biodiversity.
Lake Skadar National Park : located in the south of Montenegro, on the border with Albania, it protects part of Lake Skadar. The ecosystems of the park are varied, with wetlands and forests, which host many species of birds.
Prokletije National Park: located in the southeast of the country, this park bordering Albania within a mountainous massif is home to preserved environments and breathtaking landscapes.
The prevailing waste situation
Waste management, which is deficient in Montenegro but also in some border countries, is a matter of concern. In Montenegro, there are illegal dumps on the banks of rivers. During heavy rainfall, waste is washed into the water where it forms huge mounds, as is the case in the Lim River. The waste then reaches other rivers such as the Drina, where a boom has been set up in Višegrad, Bosnia and Herzegovina, to try to stop the migration of waste. Cooperation between countries is almost non-existent, the various authorities remain little active and argue in particular the lack of financial means. This situation has been going on for twenty-five years according to an NGO on the ground. Another problem is the discharge of plastics into the Mediterranean for which Montenegro is one of the largest contributors per capita according to a report published by the IUCN in 2020, with 8 kg per year and per capita.
Energy-related environmental impacts
Montenegro still has coal-fired power plants, a legacy of the Yugoslav period, which are based on the local exploitation of lignite mines. However, these thermal power plants emit both greenhouse gases and other pollutants harmful to health, such as sulfur dioxide. In 2018, renewable energy accounted for almost 39% of the country's gross final energy consumption. They come mainly from hydroelectric dams as well as a wind farm. Numerous micro-hydro projects are underway and are facing opposition from civil society and NGOs, particularly because of the risks to biodiversity.
Mass tourism and slow travel
Montenegro attracts many tourists along its coastline, which has led to significant land artificialisation. The concrete development, particularly important around Budva, extends to the peninsula of Luštica and also threatens some mountain areas. However, it is possible to travel otherwise. The country is accessible by boat and by train. Many travelers also choose to cross the country by bicycle, and prefer to stay with local people and eat local products.
