By Matija Svorcan

As a Young European Ambassador in Montenegro, I had the wonderful opportunity to take part in a volunteer clean-up initiative at Ćemovsko polje, located just outside Podgorica. The clean-up action was organized by the Volunteer Fire Department of Podgorica, with the important goal of maintaining an area that is particularly vulnerable to wildfires. Their efforts highlight how community engagement can play a crucial role in environmental protection and risk prevention.

My colleague Aldo Vlahovljak and I were proud to contribute to this meaningful initiative, which aimed to raise environmental awareness among the citizens of Podgorica. The action brought together a large number of volunteers and members of the fire department, all of whom selflessly dedicated their time and energy to ensure everything ran smoothly. Volunteers from the NGO “Naša akcija,” which is primarily active in the Kotor and Tivat regions, also took part in the initiative, further emphasizing the power of collaboration across communities.

Beyond the productive work, the event was also an opportunity for social connection and shared experiences. The day concluded with a joint lunch, where all volunteers gathered, exchanged stories, and celebrated the impact of their collective effort and collaboration.