10 April 2013: The Secretariat of the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands (Ramsar Convention) has reported that the Government of Montenegro has designated Tivat Saline, a Special Flora and Fauna Reserve located in the coastal strip of Tivat Bay, as its second Wetland of International Importance.

According to the Ramsar Secretariat, the site provides a resting and feeding area for migratory birds and supports endangered reptiles, sea turtles, and endangered amphibians. Hunting is permitted on the site, which is threatened by poaching, pollution and pressure from tourism.

Montenegro’s designation contributes to one of the goals contained in the Ramsar Convention’s Strategic Plan for 2009-2015, which is to reach a protected area of 250 million hectares by 2015. [Ramsar Press Release]