Celebrating 25 Years of Action for Biodiversity

Skadarsko Lake is one of the largest reserves of peat in Europe. With some 3,250 plant species, floristic diversity in Mon- tenegro is among the highest in the region [ ] 160 Progress assessment of the National Biodiversity Strategy Action Plan The Action Plan of the National Bio- diversity Strategy 2010–2015 contains 54 measures and activities grouped under seven themes corresponding to the key challenges identified in the process of drafting the Biodiversity Strategy Action Plan (BSAP). Based, in particular, the Third Annual Re- port published by the Environmental Protection Agency in November 2013, an assessment was made of the extent to which the Action Plan has been implemented. For the majority of BSAP measures, progress was achieved. This includes progress with inventories of species (endemic, protected, invasive) and the establishment of an ecological network (Natura 2000); development of capac- ities for biodiversity protection and its sustainable use; biodiversity protection action planning on a local level; public participation in biodiversity-related decision making; and analysis and integration of climate change concerns. Implementation of several measures re- lated to the prevention and mitigation of pressures on ecosystems — BSAP theme 4 — has also been assessed as moderately successful, including activi- ties to combat illegal forestry activities; research of forest habitats; effectiveness of SEA and EIA and assessment of acceptability of forestry and water use interventions; and preparation of the remaining fisheries assessments. Under theme 5, biodiversity mainstreaming, implementation of the majority of activities (close to 60 per cent) was also assessed as having moderate progress so far. Efforts to mainstream biodiversity into sectoral policies and plans are evident for tourism, forestry and transport sectors. In the transport sector, significant improvement has been observed compared to previous prac- tices (impact assessments for recon- struction or expansion of transport infrastructure). Satisfactory progress was achieved in developing the legal framework and alignment with EU legislation — which is the country’s top priority — as well as with some forestry activities such as protec- tion of seed stands; identification of marine habitats requiring protection; efforts to develop ecotourism and mainstream biodiversity in transport development plans; and preparations to proclaim new protected areas. It is also worth of mentioning that substantial contributions to the implementation of BSAP measures and activities was provided through several important projects such as regional project dealing with Ohrid- sko, Prespansko and Skadarsko Lakes, Coastal Area Management Programme (CAMP), IPA projects, GEF/UNDP biodiversity projects in Montenegro, projects aiming to improve forest management and planning, and others. T he territory of Montenegro falls within two basic biogeographical regions: Mediterranean and Alpine. In relation to a small surface of 13,812 km 2 , it encompasses a wide range of ecosystems and habitat types. Numerous areas of international importance with rare, endemic and endangered species have been identified in the country, including 13 Important Bird Areas (plus 7 potential areas) and 22 Important Plant Areas. Specific agrobiodiversity of the country also represents an important quality. On the global level, Montenegro is one of the biodiversity hotspots in the Mediterranean. Montenegro Tourisme Monténégro Montenegro