Greening of School Yards Begins in Montenegro

The Ambassador of the European Union to Montenegro, Johann Sattler, the Minister of Education, Science and Innovation, Anđela Jakšić Stojanović, the Director of "Njegoš" Primary School, Tatjana Jokić, and Vuk Vujisić, founder of the "Let's Green Montenegro" initiative, took part today in a tree-planting activity in the yard of "Njegoš" Primary School in Spuž. This marks the expansion of the national environmental campaign "Čuvaj da te čuva" to include the greening of school yards and the development of outdoor classrooms across Montenegro.

This activity signals the beginning of the school-focused component of the campaign, implemented in co-operation with the non-governmental organisation "Let's Green Montenegro". As part of the initiative, school yards will be enhanced through the planting of tree lines and the gradual establishment of outdoor classrooms, creating a greener and more stimulating learning environment.

"Njegoš" Primary School is one of ten schools selected by the Ministry of Education, Science and Innovation, where educational workshops on environmental crime have already been organised as part of the campaign's school programme.

Copyright: Evropska kuća

"A greener school yard, more trees, and outdoor classrooms are not merely about improving the physical environment of schools. They are about creating spaces where learning and respect for nature become part of everyday life. These activities are part of the broader environmental campaign Čuvaj da te čuva, which, in less than a year, has grown into a nationwide initiative, bringing together institutions, businesses, civil society, media, and schools. If we want lasting change, it begins here, not with slogans, but with learning, daily practice, and spaces that inspire the protection of nature," said the EU Ambassador Johann Sattler.

Copyright: Evropska kuća

Minister of Education, Science and Innovation, Prof. Dr Anđela Jakšić-Stojanović, stated: "Today we have gathered here with a meaningful and important goal, to plant not only trees, but also the idea of responsibility, unity, and care for our future. Today's tree-planting activity is not just another campaign event; it represents the beginning of a broader vision in which school yards become spaces for learning, exploration, and the development of environmental awareness. At a time when sustainable development, climate change, and environmental protection are increasingly discussed, it is our responsibility to bring these topics closer to the youngest members of society, not only through theory, but through concrete activities such as this one. Here, pupils have the opportunity to develop an awareness of the importance of nature conservation through personal experience and to learn how important every individual contribution is. As the Ministry of Education, Science and Innovation, we will continue to support initiatives that improve the quality of education while contributing to the creation of sustainable communities."

This activity forms part of the "Čuvaj da te čuva" campaign, launched by the EU Delegation on 5 June last year through the establishment of the Coalition of the Willing, which brings together institutions, civil society organisations, municipalities, schools, media, and businesses committed to environmental protection in Montenegro.

Since the launch of the campaign, numerous tangible results have been achieved, including seven clean-up actions across the country, the launch of a digital platform for reporting environmental violations, the establishment of specialised police and prosecutorial teams to combat environmental crime, and the introduction of a system for recycling used car tyres.

In the coming months, additional activities are planned, including a nationwide clean-up campaign targeting discarded car tyres, clean-up actions along key transport routes ahead of the summer tourist season, continued efforts to reduce the use of plastic bags, and the expansion of environmental education and greening initiatives in schools throughout Montenegro.