Lying along the Adriatic Sea Montenegro is one of the most spectacular destinations to visit in the Mediterranean. It offers a memorable sight with its sandy coastline and rocky mountains, not to mention its crystal-blue waters, home to wonderful underwater sea life. Many tourists are drawn by the country’s wide range of outdoor attractions: long beaches, nature parks and adventure activities like cycling, trekking, skydiving and water sports. These are reliant on prolonged pleasant weather conditions. And, for now, Montenegro delivers just that. But climate change could place the country’s booming tourism sector –– at risk. 

If emissions continue to increase, climate change in Montenegro could result in more droughts, more frequent and longer heat waves, more frequent extremely high min/max temperatures, more frequent storms at winter, a decrease in the overall annual amount of snow and heavy rains affecting agriculture, forestry, water resources and natural environments, tourism, coast and the coastal region-causing increase in the sea surface temperature and rising sea level by 62 cm by the end of the century.

 

Montenegro is a low emitting country, nevertheless the actions here in Montenegro are also part of the solution, and the country's contribution to the international effort on climate changes is its commitment to 30% reduction in carbon emissions by 2030. The reduction is to be achieved by general increase of energy efficiency, improvement of industrial technologies, increase of the share of renewables and modernization in the power sector.

One way Montenegrin Government plans to be part of the world efforts to battle climate change is through introducing strategies of low-carbon tourism development. The Ministry of Sustainable Development of Montenegro and UNDP through the innovative GEF funded project Towards Carbon Neutral Tourism in Montenegro, have identified ways to help the country transition towards carbon neutral travel & tourism mainly through encouraging sustainability and innovation in tourism businesses.

Through the project the Government/UNDP support implementation of investment projects and initiatives that introduce energy efficiency measures and use of renewable energy sources, reduce CO2 emissions and climate change impacts. The project supports developing sustainable transport solutions, encourages low carbon spatial planning and promotes gender equality by involving women in tourism activities, thus developing partnerships between local governments, private sector and non-governmental organizations.

So far, 25 tourism projects have won a share of funding to implement innovative technologies that will help reduce CO2 emissions in the tourism sector in Montenegro. Supported projects’ total investment value of around EUR 4 million will result in CO2 emissions reductions by 6,546t /per year. These projects will empower communities through commerce and tackle climate change at the same time.

Because of its income and employment-generating potential and other economic multipliers, the Government of Montenegro and UNDP encourage tourism communities to value and protect the resource base on which tourism depends. To make sure our tourism industry is using the best available technologies to make the technological advances of the future, this year more sustainable projects that drive down the carbon emissions will be co - financed. Funding will generate promising new insights that will give communities tools to adapt to our changing climate and help society move toward a clean-energy future.

Some of the great projects that have already been realized, show the fantastic creativity which exists in Montenegrin tourism industry to implement novel solutions to problems, and create a business opportunity.

Montenegrin top sustainable tourism projects

1: Jazz on, Rock on Greenly

Green Message in a bottle: Greening the Summer Music Festivals in Montenegro

The festival season is coming but the fun does come at a price! Still, as long as we're conscious of the sustainable methods available at the festivals we attend, and manage our own waste with care, we can all still have a good time! Trace the carbon challenge and calculate your travel and stay CO2 emissions at CalculateCO2 portal. UNDP partners with festivals across the country to go completely green, and all of the main ones - the Southern Soul Fest, Lake Fest, City Groove, Dejcija radost and Green Montenegro International Film Fest - have jumped on board to ensure festivals remain kind to the Planet. 

These festivals walk the walk but also talk the talk. They reduce and recycle waste, stages are built from eco materials and solar and LED lights will soon become the norm. But it's a bottle's green message that matters. Festivalgoers are educated on the importance of carbon footprint while celebrating green ideas. So this year, when buying one of our special green festival tickets for an extra EUR 0.5—you’re offsetting your travel and your stay, and supporting sustainable tourism projects in Montenegro.

2: Solar Boat, Herceg Novi

Solar-power boat soon to make its first environmental waves

The vast majority of boats rely on fossil fuels that tax the environment. Fortunately, alternative energy is on the rise in the marine world, and solar-powered ships are prepared to sail into a much cleaner future. With UNDP support, famous Montenegrin rock musician and environmental activist Rambo Amadeus, is rebuilding a century old ship turning it into a solar boat. Solar Voyager named Aurora has a roof covered in solar panels, while the engine is only used when safety requires it. This green machine will confidently rule the waves and be a huge boost to changing habits and raising awareness of environmental issues. Aurora is an example of how to use the potential of solar energy in a proper way, which does not disturb the environment, and minimizes carbon dioxide emissions.

3: Lake Piva Zip line, Plužine

Experience Montenegro from above. A must do adventure for the thrill seeker in you!

Dangle 750 meters in thin air while roaring forward at 60 km per hour, 1400 meters long Montenegro tallest and longest zipline! Zipping across incredible scenery and the beautiful emerald-green water of the Piva Lake - the largest reservoir of fresh water in the Balkans - is an experience that offers unmatched thrills and chills. A truly low emissions low carbon adventure is a locally owned and operated business priding itself on core values of safety first, while providing a unique and memorable outdoor experience for all. 

Lake Piva Zipline is a fun ride, but its owners hope that its unique geographic setup can have it be more: a boost to a northern region of Montenegro. UNDP supported the project feeling the traditional town with a population of just under 1000, had tourist potential, but it needed a way to attract people a little off the beaten track. The realization of this project enabled the improvement of tourist offer and reduction of unemployment.

4: Adventure Park Gorica, Podgorica

Adventurers welcome!

Adventure Park Gorica is a high wire and cycling park for adventurers, offering you to challenge treetop trails and zip lines that provide thrills for everyone at every skill level. A complex has been built according to the highest ecological standards and will be expanded gradually. There has been a huge drop in the number of native trees, plants and flowers so the owner has planted new trees. Once these have grown, they will add an aesthetic appeal to the urban landscape. This will create enough shade and could help reduce average daily temperatures to up to 2 degrees Celsius 

Located at the foot of the Gorica hill, Adventure Park is the ideal place to relax within tranquil green countryside - an experience you won’t find anywhere else at the heart of the city buzz! Explore beautiful woodland and experience nature at its finest with more than 25 fun challenges along the way, and three children’s playgrounds. Annually Gorica attracts about 150,000 visitors. There are plenty of picnic areas around to enjoy fresh air and fun activities in a perfect family outing. No need to be an expert climber to experience a thrill anyway - off you go on the exciting zip line down the trees!

5: Palazzo Venetia, Ulcinj

An artful mix of contemporary solar and Old-World style

Located in one of the oldest urban architectural complexes on the Adriatic Sea, the Palazzo Venetia sits on the highest point of the Old Town Ulcinj providing guests with a breathtaking panorama. The Old Town represents a cultural and historical monument of invaluable significance due to its Illyrian walls, its citadel, the network of narrow streets, the markets and town squares built 2,500 years ago. 

Preserving its medieval outside structure, the hotel was transformed into luxury accommodation equipped with every modern amenity. For the hotel team, “sustainability” isn’t merely a buzzword; it’s a way of life. From being eco certified and energy efficient, to solar water heating systems, property-wide recycling program and use of electric vehicles for people and luggage transport - they are committed to being the epitome of an eco-friendly hotel. Palazzo Venetia provides visitors with a truly unique travel experience. Guests dine by candlelight while watching waves crash on the rocks below and terraced gardens are planted with roses, lemon and orange trees. 

The nearby Ulcinj Salina is home to around 300 species of birds some of which like flamingoes, can only be spotted on this piece of land. Guests can participate in various environmental projects in largely unspoiled nature. That’s why UNDP is very proactive in preserving this iconic landscape.

6: Žabljak, northern Montenegro

How a famous skiing resort made its public lighting better, safer, smarter and cheaper

A famous skiing resort in Montenegro - Zabljak, wanted better public lighting, for less money! The plan was to get its electricity bill down, cutting costs for taxpayers and freeing up funds for other projects. The target was a 60% reduction in energy consumption. As part of a town wide effort, the ski resort has replaced approximately 406 existing street light fixtures with energy-efficient light-emitting diode (LED) fixtures. Over time the full LED street light conversion initiative will save money, decrease CO2 emissions of up to 140,6t per year. 

Modernizing street lighting was part of a town’s plan to improve its roads and pavements, by bringing the lighting in all parts of the town, in line with the latest European standards. It would also make the city’s inhabitants life easier and safer.

7: Slovenska Plaza Resort, Budva

Embracing the powers of the sun, wind and water into living space

Regarded as one of the greenest hotels in Montenegro as well as the first one, Slovenska Plaza started in the 70s as an ideal beach resort with low impact on nature. During its construction they made sure no tree was felled. The hotel was built around nature and not vice versa. Today’s management continue to share this passion for the environment. 

From green architecture, solar panels to electric cars and other latest eco-technology, this sustainable hotel is committed to preserving the surrounding land, benefiting native communities and employing local staff. Travelers looking to really get away from it all, and enjoy some of the Europe’s most pristine natural habitats, should consider de-stressing at this relaxing eco-resort