Development beyond the Central City

Abstract

The principal objectives and scope of the current study are to examine how eco-infrastructure can be sustained within a multiuse area of a municipality in a transition economy in a way that protects habitat, ensures public access, and is adequately funded and managed. The case of Ulcinj, Montenegro, is presented for this purpose. The methodology employed reviews the available literature and best practices to identify possible models, and then considers them in the context of Ulcinj for their relevance and feasibility. The comparative analysis identifies six examples of nature preserves that successfully protect habitat, ensure public access, and operate sustainably with adequate funding and management. The examples are taken from California, Croatia, Chile, Bolivia, Costa Rica, and Guatemala. The principal conclusions from the study are that, even though there are formidable challenges to resolve, models do exist which can be adapted and applied in Ulcinj, Montenegro. One approach that is particularly promising is the use of conservation easements that ensure the preservation of habitat and public access through payments to land owners derived from various sources.