Western Balkans Environment Programe

The field trip was organized especially for a number of representatives of national daily newspapers and TV stations, and representatives from prominent British, German and other international dailies, magazines and TV stations. Purpose of this trip was to present plans for development of nature-based tourism and economic revitalization in the area of Northern Montenegro, specifically in the Municipality of Mojkovac, planed project activities and to invite local and national community to take active part in sustainable development of this area.The highlight of the trip was a trial run of the ‘Adventure Race: Mojkovac Extreme’ which includes kayaking (rafting and jeep optional), hiking/orienteering (jeep optional), and mountain biking (jeep optional). The race is planned to be a demonstration to the local population that nature based tourism can be a great job creator and income generator for the area, and that nature-based tourism as a whole should be a way forward in terms of the development. Journalists had opportunity for kayaking/rafting on the Tara River, which runs through one of the deepest, most secluded, and beautiful canyons in the world; mountain hiking and biking where they enjoyed a breathtaking view. Mojkovac is a tiny mountainous municipality with glorious history. Nowadays, in times of transition, depression and poverty unfortunately prevail. Journalists where invited to witness and to record that the change is still already underway. This change is at the same time a major environmental challenge: for years, tailings mine impound (TMI) have represented a threat and a potential ecological disaster for the people of Mojkovac and for the biodiversity of the river Tara.But, there is a good plan to get rid of the impound and to turn the location into a green recreational area. The plan is being implemented by the Government of Montenegro, with the support of the Government of Czech Republic and the Government of the Netherlands with the UNDP Montenegro. The TMI remediation is part of a $15 million worth Regional Environmental Programme, which encompasses 6 countries/territories of the Western Balkans region. Beside the adventure race, journalists had a chance to talk to the people, mayor of Mojkovac and municipality representatives and to visit the TMI. The UNDP team and the local Tourism Organization presented the Story of Mojkovac and planed remediation activities and projects of economical development; and Black Mountain private company presented the ‘Adventure Race Montenegro’.