Everyone Has a Role to Play: ReSPA Contributes to a Greener, More Sustainable Western Balkans Region and Actively Marks World Environment Day!
Podgorica, 5 June 2023.
Public administration can lead in the transition to climate neutrality and sustainable growth. This is particularly relevant for a climate-change-vulnerable region such as ours. A sense of urgency for our Planet’s health has to be shared by all!
Though collective, coordinated responses to mitigate climate and environmental risks are a must, everyone can make even small individual steps in the right direction.
Today, we at ReSPA proudly took such one small step. By planting trees together on the remarkable Gorica Hill in Podgorica, we demonstrated our commitment to lead and inspire by example! And we can tell you, the feeling is priceless!
"Everyone should have their own role in preserving the environment. The goal of this action is not only the desire to participate in the restoration of damaged parts of Gorica and actively celebrate World Environment Day, but also to raise awareness of the importance of joint actions between institutions and the local community in the implementation of environmental protection projects.
On this day, it is especially important to highlight that each of us, on a collective and individual level, should have our role in preserving the environment. Taking responsibility and implementing concrete activities leads to a greener and more sustainable environment.
I sincerely hope our action will encourage other organizations to become more actively involved in environmental protection," said Maja Handjiska-Trendafilova, ReSPA Director.
"The natural monument "Park Šuma Gorica" is in the hearts of all Podgorica residents and those of us who work at the Agency for the Management of Protected Areas in Podgorica. We have an additional responsibility to protect and preserve Gorica, through our work, for the benefit of all our citizens.
In this demanding task, any help is welcome. And that is why I am very pleased that, together with the employees of the international organization ReSPA, we are participating in the reforestation of the burned part of Gorica.
Especially on this day, I appeal to organizations to follow the example of ReSPA and, with their contribution, influence the speedy recovery of this priceless treasure of Podgorica," said Drago Đeković, Director of the Agency for the Management of Protected Areas in Podgorica.
ReSPA will continue its steadfast support towards incorporating considerations for sustainability, climate change, and the environment in policy and decision-making, boosting administrative capacities on green agenda and sustainable development, and supporting peer exchanges on good practices.
