Publications
Analysis of Mechanisms for the Protection of UNESCO Sites on the Example of the Natural and Cultural-Historical Area of Kotor
Sustainable protection of UNESCO World Heritage Sites requires an integral, intersectoral approach that balances normative, spatial-planning, and institutional frameworks. A study analyzing the Natural and Cultural-Historical Region of Kotor (Montenegro) found that effective preservation mechanisms must incorporate international standards, local policies, and collaborative management strategies. The research highlights challenges in preserving both natural and cultural values, comparing Kotor to non-UNESCO sites like Skadar Lake National Park (Montenegro) and Lama Balice Regional Nature Park (Italy). Key findings underscore the necessity of adaptive, context-specific solutions that align with sustainable development principles while addressing risks such as urbanization and environmental degradation. The study advocates for comprehensive, consultative strategies to safeguard globally recognized heritage assets.
Decarbonizing the Bay of Kotor: Preliminary Electrification Concept of a Ferry
A preliminary concept for an electric ferry designed to decarbonize maritime transport in the UNESCO-protected Bay of Kotor, Montenegro, demonstrates significant potential for reducing onboard emissions. The study, based on operational data from the most energy-demanding ferry operating in the bay over the past decade, proposes a short route suitable for electric propulsion, addressing a gap where domestic ferries have not yet faced regulatory scrutiny despite global decarbonization efforts. The analysis evaluates the ferry's operational profile and design parameters, weighing advantages such as reduced emissions against challenges like battery technology readiness. This work contributes to broader discussions on alternative fuels—including batteries, hydrogen, and ammonia—and offers actionable insights for regions balancing environmental protection with maritime transport needs.
The billboardization of city entrances: Landscape and reframed identity
The proliferation of billboards at city entrances, particularly in protected areas like the Natural and Culturo-Historical Region of Kotor in Montenegro, significantly disrupts urban integrity and cultural identity. This phenomenon, termed 'billboardization,' introduces visual pollution that challenges the region's socio-cultural narrative and reframes its identity through altered perceptions of the urban landscape. The study focuses on the Adriatic highway's Jaz-Kotor section, a buffer zone within Kotor's protected area, analyzing how billboard accumulation affects the city's image and cultural heritage. By employing a case study approach centered on the concept of the 'image of the city,' the research highlights the neglect of this urban space in contemporary urbanistic discourse, emphasizing its role as a key factor in eroding Kotor's distinct identity.
Comparison of External Costs of Diesel, LNG, and Electric Drive on a Ro-Ro Ferry Route
Electric drive significantly reduces external costs compared to diesel and LNG when powered by renewable energy, despite higher fuel cost savings with LNG. A study on the Kamenari–Lepatane ro-ro ferry route in Montenegro's Bay of Kotor found that while switching to liquefied natural gas (LNG) offers greater economic benefits, electric propulsion using renewables minimizes environmental impacts. The research analyzed total fuel costs and externalities—such as emissions and health effects—assuming full internalization of external costs. These findings underscore the importance of renewable energy adoption in maritime transport to align with global emission reduction trends and regulations.
Heritage Words: Exploring Port City Terms
UNESCO's conceptualization of port-city heritage is primarily rooted in local contexts, emphasizing values tied to military, trading, and colonial practices. This narrow focus undermines the recognition of complex interconnections between nature, culture, global and local dynamics, and the systemic understanding of port cities as networked entities. The study identified 107 UNESCO World Heritage Sites linked to port cities, analyzing their short abstracts systematically to decode how these sites are valued and contextualized. It highlights the need for a broader, more inclusive vocabulary to better capture the multifaceted identities and values inherent in port-city heritage.
Methodologies for the study of a vernacular built environment within a historic residential complex: The case of the village of Gornji Stoliv, Montenegro
A comprehensive analysis of the abandoned village of Gornji Stoliv, Montenegro, reveals critical insights into the conservation challenges and methodologies for studying vernacular built environments lacking sufficient historical records. Located on Mount Vrmac in the Bay of Kotor, this 15th-century Venetian-era settlement comprises around 60 buildings, offering a rare glimpse into Adriatic coastal architectural traditions. The study, conducted between December 2018 and May 2019, identified key conservation issues while establishing robust methodologies for assessing historical urban and architectural landscapes without relying on extensive archival data. These findings provide a model for preserving similar sites globally, emphasizing the importance of multidisciplinary approaches in cultural heritage research.
Cultural landscape devastation as a consequence of poor Sustainable Urban Development practice Case study: Kostanjica, Boka Bay, Montenegro
Poor sustainable urban development practices have severely jeopardized the cultural landscape of Kostanjica, a UNESCO-recognized site within Montenegro's Boka Bay. Despite Montenegro's commitment to ecological preservation since 1991, the ongoing development of the tourist resort 'Boka Gardens' has led to devastating changes, threatening the region's UNESCO status. The study identifies profit-driven urban planning and architecture as key contributors to this destruction, highlighting the urgent need for more sustainable building practices to preserve the unique cultural landscape and regional identity.
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