On the occasion of International Coastal Cleanup Day, an environmental cleanup campaign was organized in Nikšić along the riverbed of the Mrkošnica River. The initiative brought together representatives of local government, relevant institutions, municipal services, and citizens, united by a common goal of preserving watercourses and raising awareness of the importance of environmental protection.
The campaign was carried out as part of the “Local Communities for Cleaner WATERS” initiative, launched by the Water Administration of Montenegro in cooperation with the project “Municipalities for the EU – Empowering Local Governments in the European Integration Process.” Activities in Nikšić were organized by the Municipality of Nikšić and the Nikšić Tourism Organization, with financial support from the Water Administration. Representatives of the municipal utility company DOO “Komunalno Nikšić”, employees, and citizens also participated in the cleanup.
Prior to the campaign, Deputy Mayor of Nikšić Zoran Tomić hosted a meeting with Ivan Lalić, Acting Director of the Water Administration, and his associates. The meeting was also attended by Mitar Barać, Director of the Nikšić Tourism Organization. Discussions focused on the importance of joint institutional efforts in water protection, the preservation of natural resources, and the improvement of environmental conditions.
Deputy Mayor Zoran Tomić emphasized that initiatives of this kind make an important contribution to the local community, stressing that the preservation of rivers, lakes, and other natural resources requires continuous efforts, responsibility, and cooperation among all stakeholders.
“In the previous period, we have made significant efforts to improve environmental protection and implemented numerous projects. We have resolved one of the long-standing problems – the Mislov Do landfill – and we hope that construction of the Regional Recycling Center will begin soon. This will represent another important step forward in waste management, reducing negative environmental impacts and creating better conditions for the preservation of natural resources. We will continue to support projects and activities that contribute to a cleaner and better-maintained Nikšić, as this is our responsibility to our citizens and future generations,” Tomić stated.
Ivan Lalić, Acting Director of the Water Administration, expressed his gratitude to the Municipality of Nikšić, the Nikšić Tourism Organization, local companies, and citizens who participated in the campaign. He emphasized that one of the initiative’s key objectives is to raise awareness of the importance of water conservation and encourage greater involvement of local communities in environmental protection.
“Water protection is not the responsibility of a single institution. It requires joint action by institutions, municipalities, and citizens, and through initiatives such as this one, we aim to encourage precisely this kind of responsible attitude toward our rivers and watercourses,” Lalić stated.
Milica Lalatović Žižić, President of the Nikšić Municipal Assembly, highlighted the educational importance of such activities, particularly in fostering a responsible attitude among citizens toward nature and environmental preservation.
Mitar Barać, Director of the Nikšić Tourism Organization, explained that the Mrkošnica River was selected for the cleanup because it runs through an area of the city that is frequently visited and attractive to both local residents and tourists. Preserving this area, he emphasized, is important not only from an environmental perspective but also for improving the overall appearance of the city and enhancing its tourism potential.
Following the meeting, participants joined the cleanup of the Mrkošnica riverbed, once again highlighting the importance of collective engagement in addressing improper waste disposal and preserving the natural environment.
Through concrete activities on the ground, the initiative aimed to preserve and improve the condition of water resources, reduce the risks associated with the harmful effects of water and flooding, and strengthen cooperation between institutions and citizens in the responsible management of water resources.
