These days started the drilling process on the coast of Ulcinj for oil and gas, which caused visible reactions and concerns among environmentalists, civil society, and the inhabitants of the city.
Hydrocarbon drilling is being done only tens of kilometers away from the seashore, where according to them are endangered the rich natural resources and especially the tourism of this area.
The representative of the civil society in Ulcinj, Mrs. Zenepe Lika pointed out that the development strategy of Montenegro and especially of Ulcinj is based on the development of tourism.
"Montenegro's development strategy is based on the development of tourism. For this reason, these two things do not match: drilling and oil platforms with elite tourism as Montenegro claims all these years", Mrs. Lika said.
This activity on the coast of Ulcinj, according to analyst Mustafa Canka is destructive and endangers the economic well-being of this city.
"It is a destructive project, which brings into question our well-being in these areas, the beautiful sea of Ulcinj and our economy, mainly the development of tourism," Canka said.
Ms. Lika points out that Montenegro is not able to react properly to possible breakdowns during drilling at sea.
"We must emphasize that the capacities of technological and human resources of Montenegro are poor and are not able to react to any possible breakdown at sea," said Ms. Lika.
Meanwhile, the Directorate of Hydrocarbons in Montenegro has announced that during the exploration, drilling, and possible exploration of oil and gas, the state has provided the implementation of the highest standards in terms of protection of people and the environment.