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A WIN FOR THE MOUNTAIN: Sinjajevina’s Journey Continues

A WIN FOR THE MOUNTAIN: Sinjajevina’s Journey Continues

Sinjajevina, Montenegro’s largest mountain pastoral territory, the Balkans’ most significant grasslands, and Europe’s second-largest pasture, has reached a major milestone in protection efforts.

On July 10, 2025, the Montenegrin government, led by Prime Minister Milojko Spajić, officially canceled a prior initiative to establish a military training camp in Sinjajevina—a plan that sparked years of strong community resistance involving local pastoralists, conservation groups, and international advocates.

Milan Sekulović from ILC member Save Sinjajevina shares:

"What we have succeeded in doing is convincing the new Government of Montenegro, led by Prime Minister Milojko Spajić, that this territory should be governed in a sustainable way, managed in a sustainable manner, as a space that produces food and, through that, defends and protects Montenegro."

This decisive move answers the persistent calls of over 22,000 inhabitants from eight Montenegrin rural communities who sustain 120,000 hectares of pastures supporting up to 200,000 sheep and 10,000 cattle, alongside biodiversity unique to the Balkan Peninsula. The mountain hosts around 1,300 plant species, including 56 endemic to the Balkans, protected animals such as 43 bat species and 161 bird species—many safeguarded under international agreements like the Bern and EU Habitats Directives.

Despite past setbacks—such as a halted regional park plan—and ongoing pressures from external development interests, this government's decision represents critical progress toward legally safeguarding Sinjajevina’s natural and cultural wealth.

"Thanks to the current government, to Milojko Spajić, the Minister of Defense, and the people who stood with us, I personally felt it was my duty and obligation to protect and defend Sinjajevina. And today I am proud and overjoyed that Sinjajevina will not become a military training ground."

Mileva Gara Jovanović, local resident.

This would not have been possible without the committment, hard work and resistance of the local community. Local resident Veselin Lakić explains the struggle eloquently:

Yet, for Sinjajevina to be fully protected it needs to become a natural park managed by the local community.

"Now, we, the citizens, would love to see this place declared a nature park, to allow future generations to use it in the traditional way it has always been used. I wish for all of us, especially the younger generations, to contribute to the protection of this area, so it can remain a place for all generations — a place to be proud of, to preserve biodiversity, natural waters, and everything else, so that nature and people can benefit from it, both here and beyond."

Veselin Lakić, local resident.

Residents of Sinjajevina have taken decisive action to defend their homes, their heritage, and their livelihoods. Their story demonstrates the impact of grassroots advocacy and the strength of local communities raising their voices for justice. The future of Sinjajevina must be as a natural park governed and managed by the people who know and sustain the land. This approach is essential—not only to protect the mountain’s ecosystem but also to secure the social and cultural fabric that has been living on these lands for centuries. The struggle is far from over, and it is crucial that decision-makers continue to listen to the community's voices and protect their rights.