A few weeks after its amazing victory in being declared a national protected area, the Ulcinj Salina in Montenegro has now been designated as a Wetland of International Importance under the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands (Ramsar Site number 2399). The designation represents a clear engagement from the Government of Montenegro to recognise and maintain the high ecological values of the site.

Ulcinj Salina, Montenegro. Photo: ©Janinka Lutze/Euronatur

Located on the Adriatic coast, close to the border with Albania, the Ulcinj Salina is the largest wetland of this type (saltpan) on the Adriatic Sea. The Salina is one of the most important stopovers for migrating birds along the Adriatic Flyway and it is also a major nesting, wintering and roosting spot. The salt works, set up in this manmade wetland in the 1920s, ensured a good life for local workers and birds alike.

Flamingos in Ulcinj Salina. Photo by Peter Sackl

This designation as a Ramsar Site is the fruit of many years of extensive efforts by several national and international actors to protect this paradise from the threats it faces. Now it will be necessary to take further steps to maintain and enhance the ecological character of the Ulcinj Salina, as required by the Ramsar Convention.

With its new status, and if it is well managed, the Salina could greatly contribute to the revival of the local economy by providing employment opportunities to the local population and to attract tourists to watch the bird colonies and enjoy other recreational activities.

Finally, it should be noted that the Ulcinj Salina is one of four Mediterranean coastal wetlands highlighted by the communication campaign “Off Your Map” on coastal wetlands coordinated by MedWet and funded by the MAVA Foundation. Read the story written by the campaign about declaring the Salina a national protected area here.

More information

General informations about Ulcinj Salina: https://rsis.ramsar.org/ris/2399

Learn more about the project funded by MAVA Foundation to to ensure the long term conservation of the UIcinj Salina.

Know more about the campaign #SaveSalina aiming at protecting the Ulcinj Salina