Daniela Gašparíková, UNDP Resident Representative to Montenegro

Earth Day 2019 - Protect Our Species, Monday, 22nd April at 11 a.m.

In the spirit of the Green Games of the small states of Europe

Check against delivery

Minister Radulović, Mr Simonović,

Ladies and gentlemen,

Good morning!

I am honoured to welcome you to the UN Eco house on this important occasion of marking together the 22nd of April - Earth Day. The 2019 Earth Day theme is dedicated to the protection of our species. The choice of this theme is not a coincidence.

Today, our planet is facing the greatest rate of species extinction in modern history.  Unlike in the pre-historic era of dinosaurs, the present-day rapid reduction of plants and wildlife is directly caused by human activity which drives change of climate, deforestation, water, air, soil pollution or chemicals’ use, to name a few.

Montenegro’s territory does provide the habitat for species that are on the brink of extinction (such as some Eagle species). This makes continued protection and restoration of its precious ecosystems critical. While Montenegro is a low greenhouse gas emitting country, with rising global temperatures impacts of the climate change are likely to be felt in the form of frequent and intensive heatwaves, droughts and extreme weather events.

Actions of individual people, communities, businesses and governments are results of choices and decisions we make, large or small, about the way we live, behave, produce, consume and invest. Montenegro has charted its way forward by translating Sustainable Development Goals into its National Strategy for Sustainable Development until 2030 and by becoming a signatory to the Paris Climate Change agreement (both in 2016 year).

Today’s environmental crises requires urgent, and ‘business-unusual’ response. Collectively, we have a power to drive change through adjusting our habits and thus reducing the carbon footprint, ending plastic and other types of pollution and protecting the country’s ecosystems from irreversible damage.

At UNDP Montenegro, one of the approaches is to channel the power of pop culture to trigger such change among young people. This entails not only educating young people about the causes and effect of climate change but also supporting concrete actions, for example - greening management and organization of the Montenegro’s famous and popular music festivals, so that they become a norm, rather than exception. 

The partnership we are announcing today with the Montenegrin Olympic Committee, the Ministry of Sustainable Development and Tourism and UNDP aims to introduce the fusion of sustainability and sport into the upcoming Games of the Small States of Europe, hosted this year by Montenegro. I trust this partnership will set a model benchmark for organization of sporting events in line with the environmental standards, thus demonstrating how the carbon footprint can be minimized during these games but also of any future sport events of similar scale.

We at UNDP are excited to be involved in the recruitment and training of 450 volunteers from across the globe that will help during the Games. I am thrilled to witness awareness and outreach that this wide network of volunteers will bring among the respect for universal ethical principles, fairness and environmental responsibility underpinning the Olympic movement.

I very much look forward to this cooperation and wish Montenegro and the Montenegrin Olympic Committee successful organization of the event. 

Thank you!

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Media statement during the activity of planting trees

Let the Games Be Green

The 22^nd of April Earth Day reminds us that we are all stewards of our planet. Environmental degradation is reversible as, to the large extent, it’s driven by human activity.

Forests are lungs of our planet. Demands on their continued provision of vital functions are multiple – be it from provision of habitat for flora and fauna species, CO2 emissions capture, or providing income to communities with no alternative livelihood options. Yet globally, deforestation is responsible for around 15% of the global greenhouse gas emissions, which is more than the transport sector contributes.

In light of the climate change, maintaining balance between economic development and environmental protection is not an option. That’s why I welcome efforts of the Montenegro Olympic Committee and continued efforts of the Podgorica city to pursue sustainable development. Let giving back to our Planet by planting a tree today celebrate these efforts and today’s Earth Day.