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"I will not stop until I clean Montenegro," promises Milica Boca, the face of the campaign #beanexample (#budiprimjer) implemented by the Delegation of the European Union to Montenegro and the EU Info Center to protect the environment and nature.
Milica was born in Herceg Novi, a town known for its parks and greenery. She and her brother and sister, Dragisa and Bojana, are already known in the neighborhood where they live for their clean-up actions, and have included friends and acquaintances in the activities, and are now operating as an organized group of citizens who once a week clean up settlements through Novi and join the actions in other cities.
“Back in high school, I felt the need to make my city cleaner and greener, and all this was instilled in me by my mother, who was always cleaning the green areas around our building, and in the house she treated food and water very carefully and never allowed it to be thrown away, "Milica told “Vijesti”, convinced that young people can certainly find out more about their relationship to the environment and nature in the family.
The first time she, Dragisa and Bojana came out to clean the part of the access road to their house, passers-by asked why they were not invited either. Milica then organized a new action and made an invitation to participate through Facebook and Instagram, on the profiles "Do not throw away the bottles".
From then, at every new action, someone new appears.
"And that's our goal. I can't clean all of Montenegro on my own, but I can with people who recognize my idea and want the same as I do. What makes my joy greater and the wind in my back are these people. There are plenty of us," she says, adding that she is pleased with every message she receives from strangers who recognize the importance of socializing through the actions.
"As much as conscious people are living in the background at this time, their conscience is louder than any malpractice," Milica says.
There is a new face at each new action (Photo: Private archive)
She is not counting the participants; she says it is more important that the actions take place all the time.
"Continuity is key, because it doesn't matter how many of us are there, but what we want to achieve. I'm not alone in this. From the very beginning, in addition to my brother and me, who are the initiators of the action, there are several people who are with us all the time. I'm just someone who speaks ahead of behalf of our endeavors," she told “Vijesti”.
Milica and her team cleaned Lustica, Traste Bay and Ostrvo cvijeca ...
“People cannot believe that we are constantly doing this, because usually, everyone who starts some clean-up actions will mark certain days of the year. We are trying to start and change people's minds by our example," she says.
Actions are taking place, but it happens, Milica adds, that they find new garbage at the site where they have already cleaned. And that makes her the angriest.
"What makes me the most angry is that when we get to a site that we have already cleaned, we find even more trash than the last time. There is also anger and sadness in me because I can't believe that someone could even think, let alone throw a trash bag in the woods or by the side of the road, and not in a dumpster," she says.
She is convinced that education is paramount to solving problems.
"Bombing people about how to dispose of waste, which involves separating plastic, paper, glass into special containers that we have and don't know how to use. Then the city government would take the waste to the recycling centers we already have and that we need more of," Milica said.
In addition to education, she added, it is also important to spread awareness through personal example.
"Because if everyone picked up a piece of paper or cardboard they come across while walking, the situation would be much better. People are still ashamed to pick up trash on the street, park, beach, and do not realize that this would make their living space better. It is a shame to not pick it up," she said, adding that living habits should also change – eliminate the disposable plastic, plastic toothbrushes, plastic q-tips, straws, use personal water bottles, and use linen instead of plastic bags.
“An individual makes society, and if we as individuals were to change, so would society. The motto of our group is 'Think global, act local' and this will always guide us. "
Although the actions which are initiated by her as one of the organizers have not yet brought any major changes, she is happy for the joy in the eyes of those who stop her on the street and praise her for the actions she organizes.
"This is a battle that is fought in the long run, and we are on the right track. The changes are small but visible. The company “Cistoca” from Herceg Novi joined, which has supported us from the very beginning, has provided us with bags and gloves and a dump truck."
The campaign, "Be an example, get involved", implemented by the EU Delegation and the EU Info Center with partners, is also dedicated to recycling, planting and using alternative modes of transport.
Text by Damira Kalac, on October 27th, 2019, read more at Vijesti
The unusually high temperatures for autumn have allowed many to swim in the sea even on October 27.
At the sight of the beaches on the Montenegrin coast, one would not say that it is the end of October, since there are plenty of visitors enjoying the sun and the sea.
Beautiful weather for a few more days (Photo: Jelena Jovanović)
Meteorologists are announcing nice weather for a few more days. The highest daily temperature today will be 22 to 27 degrees.
Take a look at the photos in the gallery, sent by Vijesti readers.
Text by Vijesti online, on October 27th, 2019, read more at Vijesti
The all-day Autumn Color Festival, attended by about twenty food, agricultural and handicraft producers from Boka Bay and its surroundings, was held at several locations within Lustica Bay in Krtoli near Tivat.
The festival was organized under the motto "Good, Better, Domestic", in support of the national project for the promotion of local flavors and producers from Montenegro, whose realization is, among other things, the responsibility of the National Tourism Organization.
"Like last year's fair, the festival shows that such manifestations are of interest to participants who represent their business, as well as visitors who want to buy a quality local product," said PR adviser to "Lustica Development" Dragana Becirovic.
This year, the participation of "Meštrina" from Tivat, as a women's organization engaged in handicrafts, was a novelty at the fair, and the offer of cheese from the Dacevic farm, vegetables from the ethno-household Djedovina from Grahovo and agricultural products Vuksanovic attracted considerable attention.
Natural cosmetics, medicinal balms and tinctures of medicinal mountain herbs "Jelena" were of interest to the ladies, and Olga Ovcar from Lustica offered an exceptional selection of cheeses, as every year.
The painting colony "Shades of Autumn," was held, which was attended by students of Tivat elementary schools, and the high school "Mladost", to whom the organizers provided easels, paintbrushes, paints and canvases for painting the Mediterranean landscape.
Members of KUD "Boka" performed a series of dances in the marina to the general enjoyment of the visitors.
An animation and entertainment program was organized for the youngest guests, and they had the opportunity to adopt the puppies from the farm Ovcar in Lustica.
Text by Sinisa Lukovic, on October 27th, 2019, read more at Vijesti
27 October 2019 - Marriott International, Inc. recently announced the signing of a milestone agreement with Northstar D.O.O. to bring The Ritz-Carlton brand to Montenegro. Under the plan funded by Al Yasra, The Ritz-Carlton, Montenegro and The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Montenegro is scheduled to bring the brand’s unrivalled elegance and legendary service to the country in 2023.
“With its striking views of the Adriatic coast, Montenegro has quickly become a favourite Mediterranean destination for global travellers,” said Carlton Ervin, Chief Development Officer – Europe, Marriott International. “The signing of The Ritz-Carlton, Montenegro, highlights the demand for our luxury brands in this exciting region. Combining the country’s serene, natural beauty, together with the brand’s legendary service, makes Montenegro the perfect destination for The Ritz-Carlton guest.”
Slated to rise in a prime position on the Western tip of the chic Luštica Peninsula, the hotel and residences are expected to boast panoramic views over the glittering Adriatic Sea. Planned to be accessible by car in 30 minutes from Tivat International Airport or two hours from Dubrovnik International Airport, the coastal property is expected to allow guests and residents to have an unforgettable entrance via the sea at a planned private jetty.
Design plans for the hotel’s 120 elegantly appointed guestrooms and suites envision relaxing sanctuaries for guests, with simple local design planned to merge discreetly with contemporary technology, all to enhance the natural beauty of the location. The project’s plans call for low-rise buildings that would blend into the terrain while maximizing sea and sunset views for guests, residents and visitors alike. The powerful backdrop of the Adriatic is expected to highlight planned recreational amenities, including the property’s main restaurant, two specialty restaurants, a beach bar, indoor and outdoor pools, a salt-water Lido pool, a world-class spa and fitness room, and well-equipped Ritz Kids and Teen clubs.
Plans call for expansive outdoor event spaces with unobstructed views to create ideal settings for hosting memorable gatherings, alongside creative pop-up activations offering seasonal bar and restaurant options. Adventurous activities, such as mountain biking and nature trail hikes, are also being planned for guests to enjoy. Ambassadors of the Environment, a hands-on, educational program developed by Jean-Michel Cousteau’s Ocean Futures Society in collaboration with The Ritz Carlton, is expected to offer programming that highlights the extraordinary natural reserves surrounding the property, striving to encourage guests of all ages to understand how their actions can help preserve natural resources for future generations.
“The success achieved on this project, bringing the legendary Ritz-Carlton brand to Montenegro, is a result of dedicated work by all parties involved, both from our company, Marriott International, and the Government of Montenegro,” said Mohamed Al Sager, Chairman, Al Yasra. “This is not only a business success, but a personal accomplishment as well. When I first visited Montenegro on holiday, I fell in love with the natural beauty of the country and knew I wanted to be a part of its future development. What began as just a dream has today become a great project on a clear path of execution."
The hotel and residences are planned as part of a mixed-use development that is poised to include sprawling villas, manicured gardens, a yacht club and a sparkling beach cove. The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Montenegro, is expected to offer 180 apartments and 48 villas and is scheduled to complete the first phase of construction in 2023, with the final phase scheduled for completion by 2028. Residential sales are slated to begin in 2020.
27 October 2019 - Winter season operations of the national carrier Montenegro Airlines begin on October 27th, 2019 and will be valid until March 28th, 2020.
According to the official statement published on the company’s website, Montenegro Airlines will be making minor amendments to its 2019/2020 winter season operations.
The carrier will continue to operate scheduled services from Podgorica to Belgrade, Frankfurt, Ljubljana, Paris, Rome, Vienna and Zurich. From Podgorica to Belgrade, flights will operate twice a day on all days except Fridays, when MA planes will fly three times a day. Montenegro Airlines planes will fly from Tivat to Belgrade once a day on all days, and Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays twice a day.
For the second consecutive year, the airline will increase frequencies between Podgorica and Ljubljana, with an additional two weekly rotations (Mondays and Thursdays) for a total of six. The company will also add an extra weekly flight from Podgorica to Frankfurt and Paris, as well as from Tivat to Moscow during the holiday travel period, between mid-December and mid-January. Furthermore, the airline will run charter flights to Italy (Bari and Naples).
As for the other regular flights operated by MA throughout the year, there will be no significant changes, except for the period around New Year's and Christmas holidays, when additional rotations are introduced due to increased demand.
This winter season, Montenegro Airlines will maintain operations with four aircraft - three Embraer E195s and one Fokker 100 jet, reports EX YU Aviation. The second F100, which has been grounded with an engine issue since May, is unlikely to be returned to service. Although the carrier is yet to detail its future fleet plans, it is believed this winter will mark the last for the remaining F100, which is approaching retirement and will be replaced by a leased Embraer jet next summer. The Montenegrin carrier is currently in the process of finalising a commercial strategy that will define the company’s development over the next three to five years in terms of its destination network and fleet structure.
27 October 2019 - After a decade of using its emblem, Herceg Novi finally received new city symbols - a coat of arms and a flag, which was put up on the city’s Clock Tower Tora.
As the Mayor of Herceg Novi, Stevan Katić, said at the ceremony, the new symbols have a historical foundation and represent a specific cultural heritage created for centuries. He emphasized that the symbols are in step with the efforts of the local government to present Herceg Novi in a recognizable way, which will correspond to its uniqueness, reports Radio Jadran.
“The new coat of arms and flag are elements of the common past and present of Herceg Novi. I hope that the citizens of Herceg Novi will be able to understand the exact meaning of the symbols and that they will bind them to the city and each other. This flag will be put up on the Tora Clock Tower, after that at the fort and numerous establishments throughout the city. The flag, along with the coat of arms, will tour the world representing our city. By emphasizing them today, Herceg Novi celebrates its wealth, heritage, honesty, wisdom, peace, strength and daring," he said.
During the ceremony, the City Music and Majorettes went on a festive walk from Gradska kafana through Njegoš’ Street. They performed in front of numerous citizens of Herceg Novi and guests, who enjoyed the entertaining program at the Square and Tora Staircase, extending the ceremony to highlight new symbols of the ancient city.
After the ceremony raising the flag, a bazaar was opened in the main city square, serving traditional dishes, prosciutto, and wine to locals and guests.
The street symbol exhibition attracted many visitors, who were also entertained by the street musicians’ performance. Castel Nuovo made a tour through the city, all the while entertaining the audience with authentic tunes.
25 October 2019 - Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs and the newly appointed Western Balkans Representative for the United States State Department, Matthew Palmer, recently stated that Montenegro is a leader in the region when it comes to EU accession, reports CdM. However, he also pointed out that Montenegro must remain very focused on the forthcoming period and try to accelerate activities to implement all the required reforms related to strengthening the rule of law and freedom of the media, and the fight against organized crime and corruption.
At the Senate hearing of the Subcommittee on Europe and Regional Security Cooperation, Mr Palmer pointed out that the Western Balkans region needed the more active presence of the EU.
Speaking about Montenegro, Palmer said that the country is a regional leader, thanks to its peaceful, multi-ethnic society and rapidly growing economy.
“NATO accession in 2017 was a very important step forward for Montenegro”, Palmer concluded.
He also considered political circumstances in the region.
“While the USA supports desire of the nations and governments of the Western Balkans for safer, more prosperous and more democratic future, I can’t tell the same for all foreign actors acting in the region”, said Palmer and added that Russia’s intention “is to encourage divisions and prevent Euro-Atlantic integration of the region”.
Therefore, he says, the USA must increase their own engagement in the WB region. “Just sending messages isn’t enough. We must be more present and invest in the region,” said Palmer.
Serbia’s failure to recognize Kosovo is Moscow’s greatest trump card, thinks Mr Palmer. He sees Turkey as an important player in the Balkans, as Turkey regards the region as “its own yard”.
"Germany is ready to give Montenegro support and assistance in efforts to further improve the environment," it was concluded after a series of meetings were held in Berlin between the Minister of Sustainable Development and Tourism Pavle Radulovic with representatives of the Bundestag and the ministry.
At a meeting with the Federal Minister for the Environment, Nature Protection and Nuclear Safety, Radulovic requested expert assistance, especially for the projects related to the environment and sustainable development.
A ministry delegation led by Radulovic presented the results of the protection of Ulcinj's “Solana” (Salt Plant), and also discussed the conservation of protected sites such as Tara Canyon, Skadar Lake, and national parks.
There was a high degree of agreement on the above issues, with the decision to deepen further cooperation with operational meetings between the two countries' institutions. Radulovic and Minister Schulz noted with satisfaction that the Government's efforts so far have been fruitful and that since the opening of Chapter 27, there has been significant progress, among other things, that “Solana” is now protected both locally and internationally.
At a meeting with the Chairman of the Bundestag Tourism Committee Sebastian Mince Maker and the members of the committee, Radulovic presented the results of the tourism industry, which is improving year by year.
The German side is pleased that an increasing number of their tourists are visiting Montenegro, emphasizing their willingness to cooperate in tourism through the opening of new direct flights between the two countries.
The Minister also met with members of the Working Party on the Environment, Alliance 90 / Greens, as well as with President Zilvia Koting-Ul and members of the Committee on the Environment, Nature Conservation and Safety of the Bundestag Nuclear Reactors.
Text by Vijesti online, on October 24th, 2019, read more at Vijesti
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07 Mar 2018, 08:08 AMWelcome to Total Montenegro News!
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