On October 9, 2024, a conference was organized at the European House in Podgorica, focusing on waste management and the reduction of single-use plastic in public institutions. In partnership with the French Embassy and the Environmental Protection Agency of Montenegro, the event brought together a diverse group of stakeholders dedicated to fostering sustainability and promoting innovative solutions.
The conference was held as part of the implementation of the PUMP project, and it also presented the results of the project “Gradual Phase-Out and Reduction of Single-Use Plastic Products in Public Institutions,” funded by Beyond Plastic Med. This initiative aims to initiate systematic changes in Montenegro’s public sector by promoting the reduction and eventual elimination of single-use plastics. The event served as a platform to present the project and encourage discussions on sustainable practices and innovative solutions
The conference was opened with welcoming words by Mrs. Vanja Cicmil, Executive Director of Zero Waste Montenegro, and Mrs. Anne-Marie Maskay, Ambassador of France to Montenegro. Dragana Vujisić, Project Manager at Zero Waste Montenegro, presented the project results, sharing valuable insights and best practices. Her presentation highlighted the importance of addressing the issue of single-use plastics directly in public institutions and outlined strategies for making progress in this area. Additionally, Vujisić introduced an assessment tool designed to evaluate current single-use plastic consumption and explore sustainable alternatives, serving as a practical resource for institutions.
Mr. Milan Gazdić, Director of the Environmental Protection Agency, delivered a presentation on Montenegro’s progress in waste management. He emphasized successful practices and detailed steps taken by the EPA to reduce and eliminate single-use plastics.
Ratko Pavićević, Technical Director of the Livade Landfill, addressed the attendees on the opportunities and challenges in implementing waste separation programs, stressing the importance of public-private partnerships.
The conference attracted significant attention from institutional representatives, many of whom participated in discussions during the event. Participants expressed strong interest in learning how they could begin the process of gradually phasing out single-use plastic products in their organizations.