Country of Montenegro

Finalist, Destination Stewardship Award 2010

Montenegro's commitment to the preservation of its rich natural resources is enshrined in its constitution, which established the nation as the world's first ecological state. The nation's devotion to wise stewardship is delivered through a comprehensive and inclusive approach to being 'Eco by Nature'. Despite tremendous pressures for rapid development, the Montenegrin Government, working with local stakeholders and communities, is resolute in its insistence on development that is ecologically, economically, and socially sustainable. Protected areas have been continuously expanded.

New integrated communities combining traditional aesthetics and low impact are being developed. A comprehensive planning and regulatory regime encourages financially realistic and environmentally supportive development. Grass-roots initiatives such as tree planting and pollution control translate policy innovation into tangible and enduring results.

Montenegro recognises that wise stewardship is at the heart of protecting its values, its brand, and its success as a sustainable tourism destination and as a nation.

Judges' Verdict
With over 20% of the country's territory under national and international protection, Montenegro has adopted a holistic, systematic and serious approach to ecological stewardship. Having proclaimed to be the world's first Ecological State by consitution in 1991, the country has since promulgated and implemented a great number of sustainable tourism development legislations, strategies, education and awareness programmes, and created the interministerial Office for Sustainable Development. Sustainability in Montenegrin terms is not just centred around tourism, but is intrinsic to the country's overall development strategy. Tourism is the prosperity engine in Montenegro, accounting for 21% of national gross GDP. No new polluting industrial complexes have been built since the 1991 declaration. Instead, the Ministry of Tourism has shifted its focus from traditional package tour holidays in coastal regions to creating a higher-yield tourism product based on nature tourism. This includes the promotion of local, authentic restaurants and hotel facilities, as well as the establishement of well-connected bicycle trails. Montenegro demonstrates a long history of ecological stewardship with clear goals and great ambitions for the future.