NATIONAL CIRCUMSTANCES
The Hydrometeorological Institute also carries out activities directed towards membership in the EUMETSAT, and makes efforts to intensify the application of satellite observations, improve analytical and forecasting systems and early warning systems for atmospheric and hydrological disasters and climate extremes, maintain databases on climate including information about the projections of regional and local climate change for the territory of Montenegro, as well as to intensify the application of ECMWF seasonal forecasts for the needs of different sectors of the economy. In November 2008 a common platform for subregional cooperation was created in the field of climate change by interested countries of Southeast Europe with Montenegro’s participation. The intention is to provide for development of capacities that are adaptable to the risks and impacts of climate change through the implementation of adaptation measures, and to help the countries of South Eastern Europe to implement Articles 5 and 6 of the UNFCCC, the Capacity Building Framework, and the Nairobi Programme of Work on impacts, vulnerability and adaptation. 3.4.2 Climate Change Policy So far, Montenegro did not have a specific climate change policy, but this area was addressed through a certain (small) number of adopted strategies and plans. National Strategy for Sustainable Development (2007), for example, has set general goals and directions of action for the field of climate change, and this topic, as a global priority, has been paid special attention in the National Environmental Policy (adopted in 2008). The issue of climate change is poorly or not at all integrated into sectoral policies, strategies and plans such as for example the energy development and agricultural strategies, spatial plans, national policies for waste, etc. The exception is, to some extent, the national forestry policy that devotes considerable attention to climate-related matters. This document recognizes the role of forests for mitigation and adaptation, and formulates a separate policy statement on forest management and climate change. Efforts to start with the implementation of international agreements on climate change have intensified in recent years, after gaining independence. Montenegro ratified the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) by succession in 2006 and became a member of the Convention as a non-Annex 1 country on 27 January 2007. The Kyoto Protocol was ratified in 2007 by the adoption of the Law on Ratification of the Kyoto Protocol (Official Gazette of the Republic of Montenegro 17/07), so that the country became its member on 2 September 2007. Since the EU accession is a national priority, harmonization of Montenegrin legislation with the parts of acquis communautaire on the environment and climate change represents a process that is strongly and increasingly shaping the national legal framework. The basic provisions of the EU legislation on air quality and climate change were initially transposed into national legislation through the Law on Air Quality (Official Gazette of Montenegro 48/07). This law was passed as a framework law for managing the quality of ambient air in accordance with the then applicable EU regulations (Directive 96/62/ EC, which amended Regulation (EC) 1882/2003). It regulates the air quality limit values, monitoring of air quality, protective measures, air quality assessments and improvements, and other issues. A new Law on Air Protection is currently in the phase of adoption whereby the mentioned Law on Air Quality will be put out of force in the process of harmonization with the new Directive 2008/50/EC. By adopting the Law on Environment (Official Gazette of Montenegro 48/2008) the legal framework for climate change was amended in accordance with the obligations accepted by ratification of relevant international agreements. This law introduced an integrated approach to managing the environment and defined goals and principles for environmental protection. The law provides for preparation of the National plan for climate change mitigation, the National inventory of greenhouse gases by sources and sinks, the Action plan of measures and activities for the prevention of the causes and mitigation 60