Author(s)

N. Raschke

Abstract

ERM GmbH conducted an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for the Urban and Tourism Development of Ulcinj, Montenegro on behalf of Deutsche Investitions- und Entwicklungsgesellschaft (DEG). The Project was designed to support the Municipality of Ulcinj in the preparation and implementation of an Urban Development Plan prepared by the architects Albert Speer & Partner. Ulcinj is located at the Montenegrin Mediterranean coast west of the border to Albania. Along the coastal stretch \“Velika Plaza”, south–east of Ulcinj town, the staged establishment of accommodation (hotels, resorts) and leisure facilities as well as related infrastructure is envisaged. Main ecological features of the area to be protected are endemic oaks, halophyte (salt-tolerant) vegetation and Important Bird Areas in the vicinity. Phase 1 EIA consisted of a strategic oriented Environmental Assessment plan aimed to evaluate the principal suitability of tourism development of Velika Plaza from an environmental perspective. As a result, the western part of Velika Plaza was identified as being suitable for development. The eastern part however with extended marshland area, natural forest vegetation and halophyte vegetation was found to be of high conservation value in particular due the different habitats for bird life. The determination of these areas in the first phase was a very important step for sound and sustainable tourism development. Phase 2 provided a detailed analysis of the environmental impacts likely to occur when implementing the architects’ concept. Mitigation measures were outlined, design recommendations, construction and operation patterns were provided and an Environmental Management Plan was organised to provide guidance to the developers of the Tourism project. Keywords: Environmental Impact Assessment EIA, sustainable tourism, tourism development, Montenegro, Adriatic Coast.

Keywords

Environmental Impact Assessment EIA, sustainable tourism, tourism development, Montenegro, Adriatic Coast.