Pljevlja & Montenegro’s future

MONTENEGRO | Monday, 14 January 2013 | Views [976] | View Smaller Image

Just south of Pljevlja is the Đurđevića Tara Bridge, a famous bridge spanning the Tara river. The Tara river canyon is the largest in Europe and the second largest in the world. White water rafting on the crystal clear waters below is already a popular activity, as is bungee jumping from the bridge. Shot during a summer forest fire, the beautiful bridge represents the massive potential for Pljevlja to use its natural resources in a different way - for sustainable eco-tourism.

The last remaining industrial town in Montenegro, Pljevlja, as seen from one of the surrounding hills. Behind another hill, the flue-gas stack of the thermal coal plant can be seen. The hill is but a minor nuisance as far as the gas is concerned. Montenegro relies on Pljevlja as the country's main economic engine, but in an industry which demands exploitation of the town and robs the residents their well-being and the ability to decide their own future. Pljevlja has intense potential for a promising future with its geographic position and exceptional natural resources, but will that future will be smothered by the fumes of a country which relies on its toxic exploitation?

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The massive open pit coal mine and thermal plant is a blessing for Montenegro and a curse for Pljevlja. Pljevlja is Montenegro’s only remaining industrial center and has some of the highest instances of respiratory disease in all of Europe. Birth defects are also on the rise. Conversely, Montenegro derives nearly half of its power from Pljevlja and 100% of its coal. The life blood for Pljevlja is also its cancer, though most of the money goes directly to the capital, Podgorica, leaving little for the traditional agriculturalists. Other natural resources, such as timber, lead, and zinc are also massively exploited for the benefit of the country’s economy while degrading the other resources of the town used by its residents.

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Pljevlja & Montenegro’s future

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