We Want a Nature Park

This video was created with financial support through the grant scheme “For a Cleaner Montenegro – PUMP.” The content is the sole responsibility of NGO Avlija, NGO Štedim, and NGO Bijeli Ljiljan and does not necessarily reflect the views of the PUMP project consortium.

“We Want a Nature Park”

The Brezovačko Brdo park forest, located near urban areas, is an exceptionally valuable natural site with significant ecological, recreational, and aesthetic functions. This forest, rich in diverse plant and animal species, provides a refuge for many indigenous species threatened by the expansion of urban areas and the degradation of natural habitats. Due to its unique characteristics and importance to the local community, initiatives have been launched to protect this area by designating it as a nature park.

Declaring Brezovačko Brdo park forest a protected area is essential for preserving ecosystems, preventing further urbanization, and ensuring sustainable management of this space. A key step in this process is the development of a comprehensive protection study, which would legally regulate the area’s status and outline the necessary protection measures. The study should include several key components:

Comprehensive Research: Conduct detailed studies of flora and fauna, identify endangered species, and define areas of special significance for biodiversity conservation.
Threat Analysis: Assess current threats, such as illegal logging, illegal dumpsites, urbanization, and uncontrolled recreational activities, and propose measures to mitigate these issues.
Landscape Preservation: Include plans for space management that will not disrupt the natural landscape but allow for quality recreational and educational use.
Sustainable Use: Explore possibilities for sustainable use of the park, with appropriate infrastructure that does not compromise its natural balance.
Legal Framework: Propose legal regulations to protect the area in line with current nature conservation laws and recommend management strategies involving local authorities, environmental organizations, and experts.

Why Protect Brezovačko Brdo?

Biodiversity Conservation:
- Park forests like Brezovačko Brdo are often home to numerous plant and animal species under threat from human activities. Protection status would prevent habitat destruction, and certain zones could be placed under stricter protection, allowing ecosystems to recover and thrive.
Recreational and Health Benefits:
- The nature park would offer residents recreational opportunities like hiking, walking, cycling, or simply relaxing in nature. This could also reduce the negative impacts of urbanization on mental and physical health, as natural surroundings are proven to reduce stress and improve life quality.
Education and Ecotourism:
- Declaring Brezovačko Brdo a nature park opens opportunities for ecotourism and educational programs. School excursions, biodiversity workshops, and guided tours would help visitors, especially children and youth, understand the importance of preserving nature. Additionally, it could attract tourists seeking authentic natural destinations, boosting the local economy.
Climate Change Mitigation:
- Forests play a vital role in mitigating climate change by absorbing carbon dioxide and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Preserving Brezovačko Brdo would contribute to minimizing the “urban heat island” effect caused by urbanization and lack of green spaces, improving the microclimate and reducing extreme weather conditions in urban areas.
Sustainable Management:
- Protecting Brezovačko Brdo would establish clear rules and guidelines for sustainable management. This would mean stricter control over potential interventions in natural ecosystems, including logging, construction, or commercial activities. Sustainable resource management would preserve the forest while enabling its use in ways that do not endanger future generations.

Building the Foundation for the Future

Through the creation of a protection study and the declaration of Brezovačko Brdo as a nature park, strong foundations will be laid for preserving this area not only for the present but for future generations. With growing awareness of the importance of conserving natural resources and green spaces near urban areas, such steps are essential to prevent the degradation of habitats critical for maintaining ecological balance and quality of life.

Brezovačko Brdo has immense potential to become a vital natural resource and a space for recreation, education, and ecosystem preservation. However, to achieve this, swift and strategic action is necessary. Developing the protection study is the first but crucial step in this process. This study should thoroughly address all aspects of protection and sustainable use of this site and propose concrete measures to ensure the long-term preservation and development of Brezovačko Brdo as a nature park.

By protecting Brezovačko Brdo, we invest in both ecological and social futures, ensuring that the natural heritage of this area remains a legacy for generations to come.