Citizens Take the Lead to Fight Corruption in Montenegro

Every day, people across Montenegro witness the quiet harm being done to their environment. As the first European country to enshrine environmental protection in its constitution nearly 34 years ago, Montenegro’s natural landscape is increasingly a target of unchecked exploitation. Trees are cut down without warning, rivers are polluted without consequence, and protected areas are exploited for short-term gain. But rather than staying silent, a group of citizens and civil society organizations decided to act.

Driven by a shared commitment to fairness, accountability and the right to a healthy environment, a coalition of civic organizations (Organizacija KOD, Eko-Team, Zumiraj.me, and the Network for Youth Activism of Montenegro (MOACG)) came together to launch cuvaj.me (‘protect me’), a digital platform that empowers individuals to take action and report environmental violations such as illegal construction, pollution and the exploitation of natural resources. The tool enables citizens to track the status of their submissions, helping to hold institutions accountable and reinforcing public trust. By bridging the gap between the public, civil society and authorities, cuvaj.me stands as a powerful tool for environmental oversight and civic engagement, helping protect what makes Montenegro unique.

Photo: Illegal sand digging at river sites in Montenegro causing significant damage to the country's ecosystems.

NDI played a catalytic role in bringing cuvaj.me to life. Through its "Support for Western Balkan Civil Society" program, the Institute convened civil society organizations in Montenegro and supported the coalition with technical assistance, strategic guidance and targeted funding to amplify its advocacy and public engagement efforts. In parallel, the program facilitated critical connections between coalition members, government institutions and international stakeholders, ensuring that citizen voices were heard and incorporated into decision-making processes. By fostering collaboration among civil society, government and international actors, this initiative helped amplify local advocacy efforts and align them with broader anti-corruption and EU integration standards.

“Cuvaj.me is more than just a reporting tool or a digital platform. It is a testament to the impact of citizen-driven advocacy and the power of coalition-building,” said Slavica Biljarska, NDI’s Resident Director in Montenegro. “Through persistence, strategic partnerships and a clear vision, the initiative has demonstrated that organized citizen voices can influence public policy and drive meaningful change.”
According to Vuk Vujisić, an activist who spoke on behalf of the NGO coalition, the effort is showing promising early results: in less than a month since the platform's promotion, citizens have reported 120 cases, with 12 already successfully resolved. These figures highlight the platform's potential to deliver a tangible impact and strengthen institutional accountability.

Turning Frustration into Action 

Cuvaj.me meets a need underscored by findings from both the Analysis of Criminal Liability in the Field of Illegal Exploitation of Natural Resources report, and public opinion research conducted by the NGO coalition, which highlighted key barriers to protecting citizens and fighting corruption: weak penalties for eco-crimes, low public awareness, and a bureaucratic maze that left many citizens reports unanswered. Without a centralized system, many violations simply slipped through the cracks. 

Photo: A snapshot from the social media campaign breaking down the essence of activism

Determined to change that, the coalition developed a proposal and presented it to the Government of Montenegro in March 2023. While the initiative initially received positive verbal support from public officials, the government’s collapse and the announcement of early parliamentary elections introduced political uncertainty.

Undeterred, the coalition pressed forward following the appointment of a new cabinet. Meetings with the State Secretary of the Ministry of Ecology, Sustainable Development and Northern Region Development, and the Green Caucus in the Parliament led to both the Ministry and the Environmental Protection Fund of Montenegro (Eko Fond) reaffirming their institutional commitment to transparency and citizen engagement. After more than two years of intense advocacy efforts, including citizens' outreach through social media, the Government formally endorsed the initiative as part of its broader ecological campaign, recognizing it as a tool to empower citizens and improve government responsiveness in environmental protection.

By fostering transparency, strengthening institutional accountability and making it easier for people to raise their voices, cuvaj.me is helping protect not only Montenegro’s environment but also its democratic foundations. It is a powerful example of how citizens, supported by committed civil society and international partners, can drive progress from the ground up.
NDI is proud to have backed this initiative and remains dedicated to strengthening democratic participation and environmental governance in Montenegro.