Following the immense success in Croatia and the planting of 100,000 seedlings in the wildfire-affected areas of Dalmatia, the Boranka project has arrived in Montenegro and commenced its activities under the leadership of the Scout and Guide Association of Montenegro.
Earth Day and the beginning of the Boranka project in Montenegro was officially marked with a press conference held at Europe House.
“Boranka is a regional initiative that started seven years ago in Croatia. That initiative then expanded to North Macedonia, and now has come to Montenegro,” said Borislav Jovović, Secretary General of the Scout and Guide Association of Montenegro and coordinator of the Boranka project in Montenegro.
More than 80,000 pine seedlings are planned to be planted within the project.
As it was stated from the Scout and Guide Association of Montenegro, they hope that the youth of Montenegro will understand the importance of reforestation and environmental preservation.
“Educational workshops in schools will be organised during May and September. Through these workshops, we will teach our youth about the importance of forests and the best ways to protect them,” said Jovović.
He added that reforestation will begin in October and November.
Some of the locations that are planned for reforestation are Gorica Hill in Podgorica, Mount Vojnik, and the surroundings of Grahovo in Nikšić, as well as numerous other locations.
“We have great support from the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs of the Republic of Croatia, as well as the Scout and Guide Association of Croatia. Throughout this initiative and during the preparatory meetings, we received excellent support from the Delegation of the European Union to Montenegro, Europe House, and other partners, including numerous ministries, local governments, and companies,” concluded Jovović.
“Boranka started in Croatia. For seven consecutive years, thousands of young people were involved in the reforestation of wildfire areas and combating climate change. Boranka has become the largest volunteer reforestation initiative in Europe during these seven years, and we are pleased to be able to share our experiences with the region,” emphasised Dan Špicer, CEO of the Scout and Guide Association of Croatia and the main coordinator of the Boranka campaign in Croatia.
“I have been here for seven years, and this may be one of my favourite activities so far,” said Veselko Grubišić, the Ambassador of Croatia to Montenegro.
“I am proud that the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs of the Republic of Croatia sponsors these activities. I believe that without the sense of connection with nature, which we can learn a lot about from scouts, and without preserving nature, our future may not be so bright,” said Grubišić.
He emphasised that the reforestation carried out by scouts with volunteers represents an example of good cooperation, companionship, and utility.