Montenegro aims to implement the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction by 2030, starting in 2015. This involves enhancing the existing legal framework to encompass the entire disaster management cycle comprehensively. Additionally, fostering international and regional collaboration and strengthening technical capacities for early warning systems are vital. Enhancing scientific research and cooperation with domestic and international experts is crucial.
Strengths of the current system
- Presence of a legal, strategic, and institutional framework;
- Regulatory planning at all three levels as per the Law on Protection and Rescue of Montenegro;
- Institutional administrative capacities;
- Establishment of coordination bodies for disaster risk reduction;
- Intersectoral cooperation;
- International collaboration;
- Introduction of interdisciplinary areas with the Ministry of Education;
- The National Forest Fire Information System (NFIS) for early warning;
- A robust database;
- Software solutions;
- International projects and funding.
Weaknesses of the current system:
- Law implementation and enforcement;
- Lack of alignment between the Law on Protection and Rescue and sector-specific laws;
- Absence of fire-related legislation;
- Inadequate and insufficient inspection oversight;
- Insufficient technical and technological training;
- Data usability and quality;
- Limited awareness among decision-makers regarding the importance of preventive measures;
- Decision-makers’ misunderstanding of the fundings for preventive activities;
- Spatial and urban development control;
- Inadequate communication among institutions;
- Lack of accountability for non-compliance with laws and policies.
Analyzing the strengths and weaknesses of the current system reveals opportunities for significant improvements while highlighting substantial threats that could compromise the system. Possibilities for enhancement include improving legal and strategic frameworks, international collaboration, SENDAI implementation, capacity building, data availability through national experts and the scientific community, collective responsibility in protection and rescue, education improvement, land use changes, and forestry sector reorganization.
Threats to the existing system include the impact of climate change, demographic conditions, low economic development, political situations, labor force, and the increase in the number and intensity of fires. The national DRR network’s collaborative approach involving various institutions and experts offers a unique strategy primarily focused on prevention through institutional, legal, and innovative frameworks, as evident from the analysis of the current system’s strengths and opportunities. Effective improvement through these opportunities depends on the administrative and financial influence of the state. Climate change impact, unfavorable demographics, and low economic development are particularly emphasized as threats.