Clean-up Action of an Illegal Landfill at Ćemovsko Polje

At Ćemovsko Polje, near the Livestock Market, a clean-up action was organised to remove an illegal landfill that has for years been one of the black spots in terms of waste disposal in Podgorica.

This event is part of the National Environmental Protection Campaign “Čuvaj da te čuva” implemented by the Delegation of the European Union (EU) to Montenegro and the Ministry of Ecology, Sustainable Development and Northern Region Development (MERS).

The Ambassador of the EU to Montenegro, Johann Sattler, stated that today’s action sends a clear message: “When institutions, citizens and the business sector unite, even decades-long environmental issues can be resolved.”

“Ćemovsko Polje is not the end, but the beginning. The European Union proudly stands behind the campaign Čuvaj da te čuva. This is proof that through joint efforts, we can change mindsets and habits and therefore clean and permanently preserve Montenegro’s natural environment,” Ambassador Sattler said.

Copyright: Evropska kuća

Minister Damjan Ćulafić emphasised the importance of the campaign, noting that MERS has been actively and continuously working for months to promote a healthy environment, highlighting the value of Montenegro’s natural assets – through public awareness and education campaigns, field visits, the drafting of regulations, and  the development of strategies.

According to him, the clean-up action is a significant step towards resolving the long-standing issue of illegal landfills in Podgorica and across Montenegro. The National Waste Management Plan includes the construction of regional waste management centres in Podgorica, Bijelo Polje, Nikšić and Bar.

“Ćemovsko Polje deserves to be clean, and citizens must understand that pollution is not just an aesthetic issue – it also affects human health and the ecosystem as a whole,” Minister Ćulafić stressed.

The Mayor of Podgorica, Saša Mujović, said that the installation of surveillance cameras at this site will be a key solution in preventing irresponsible behaviour and punishing those who create illegal landfills.

“We owe special thanks to Mr Sattler, who helped us obtain approval from the Agency for Personal Data Protection for the installation of cameras,” said Mujović.

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The Marketing Director of the company Voli, Olivera Lakonić, stated that through the Čuvaj da te čuva campaign, Voli aims to make a concrete contribution to environmental protection.

“Together, we are revitalising the area of Ćemovsko Polje, not just for today but permanently. Voli is donating park furniture, which will create a new space for our fellow citizens to enjoy pleasant moments in nature,” Lakonić highlighted.

The representative of the NGO Network “Let’s Green Montenegro”, Vuk Vujisić, stressed that it is time to clean Montenegro and hold polluters accountable.

“This is just one of the locations that will be sustainably secured with surveillance cameras. If we can establish order here, we can do so throughout Montenegro. It is time to unite in the mission of a European and ecological Montenegro,” Vujisić concluded.

Copyright: Evropska kuća

Given the large quantity of waste at the Ćemovsko Polje site, the clean-up action will continue in the coming days. The area will be transformed into a permanent recreational space with the addition of park furniture. To prevent the illegal disposal of waste from recurring, surveillance cameras and warning signs will be installed. The area will be monitored and patrolled by the municipal and inspection services.

The National Environmental Campaign “Čuvaj da te čuva” was launched on 5 June 2025, marking World Environment Day.  The campaign aims to improve environmental protection through a series of concrete measures and ecological actions while encouraging citizens to take personal responsibility fora healthier and cleaner living environment.

During the first phase of the campaign, an online platform for reporting environmental crimes – www.cuvaj.me – was launched, along with a series of actions aimed at cleaning up illegal landfills. Future phases will include campaigns to further reduce the use of plastic bags, permanently resolve the issue of disposing of old car tyres, and educational initiatives involving young people and pupils in environmental protection.