Montenegro advances towards Natura 2000 with EU support
Montenegro has reached an important milestone in strengthening the protection of its unique natural heritage, as the Government adopted the Information on the Proposal of the Ecological Network of Protected Areas (Natura 2000) in June 2026. The decision marks a major step towards establishing the country's future Natura 2000 network and reflects years of scientific work, institutional cooperation and sustained support from the European Union.
The proposed ecological network covers 44.15% of Montenegro's total territory, including 50.97% of its land area and 7.06% of its marine area, underlining the country's exceptional biodiversity and the importance of preserving habitats and species of European significance.
The initiative also represents an important milestone in Montenegro's EU accession process. Establishing the Natura 2000 network is one of the country's key obligations under Chapter 27 – Environment and Climate Change, bringing Montenegro's environmental legislation and conservation practices closer to European Union standards.
The European Union has played a central role in supporting this achievement through the EU-funded project "Support to the Establishment of the Natura 2000 Network for Montenegro", implemented by a consortium led by EPTISA Southeast Europe in close cooperation with the Ministry of Ecology, Sustainable Development and Northern Region Development and the Environmental Protection Agency of Montenegro.
Beyond identifying protected areas, the project has strengthened Montenegro's scientific, technical and institutional capacities to implement both the Natura 2000 and Emerald Networks in the years ahead. These efforts contribute to the effective application of the EU Birds and Habitats Directives while supporting long-term biodiversity conservation.
The Natura 2000 initiative forms part of the European Union's broader support for Montenegro's progress under Chapter 27. Alongside technical assistance, the EU has also promoted public awareness through the "Protect So It Protects You" ("Čuvaj da te čuva") campaign, encouraging citizens to recognise the value of the country's rich natural environment and the importance of preserving it for future generations.
By advancing the establishment of its future Natura 2000 network, Montenegro is taking an important step towards safeguarding one of Europe's richest biodiversity hotspots while promoting the sustainable use of natural resources. Protecting nature in this way not only conserves valuable ecosystems but also supports resilient communities, sustainable tourism, agriculture, fisheries and other economic activities that depend on healthy ecosystems.
Background
Natura 2000 is the European Union's largest coordinated network of protected areas. Established under the EU Birds and Habitats Directives, it aims to protect Europe's most valuable habitats and species while allowing people to continue living and working sustainably within these areas. Rather than excluding economic activities, Natura 2000 promotes a balanced approach in which nature conservation and sustainable development reinforce one another, helping preserve biodiversity and ecosystem services for present and future generations.