EU Chapter 27 Environment and climate change aims to promote sustainable development and protect the environment for present and future generations. Noise pollution is related to public health and stress related disorders and is governed by the European Noise Directive. In the context of fulfilling closing benchmarks within Chapter 27, Montenegro needs to adopt and implement the Noise Protection Action Plan for main roads and strengthen the capacities of line institutions for developing strategic noise levels, calculating noise levels and implementing the Action Plan.

UNOPS has supported the Ministry of Ecology, Sustainable Development and Development of the North in fulfilling closing Benchmark 6 for Chapter 27, which requires alignment with the EU acquis in the area of noise.

The UNOPS expert has facilitated the engagement of relevant actors in capacity building – including civil servants from ministries, local self-governments, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), inspection authorities, etc. – on developing strategic noise maps, calculating nose levels, acoustical zoning, noise monitoring and measurement, as well as planning and implementing noise control measures. First, the UNOPS advisor conducted a review of national legislation in the field of environmental noise and evaluated its level of alignment with the EU acquis – in particular Directive 2002/49/EC relating to the assessment and management of environmental noise and Directive (EU) 2015/996 establishing common noise assessment methods. The review resulted in proposing necessary changes to Montenegro’s legislation.

Finally, under the support of the K4R programme, a Guide for Environmental Noise Management was completed as a practical tool complementary to the planned capacity building. This guide served as a key training material for the capacity building of representatives of relevant institutions on the concept of environmental noise.

The work of UNOPS ensures that Montenegro’s environmental noise regulations will be fully in line with EU requirements, creating a safer and healthier environment for communities. This marks a significant step forward in Montenegro’s commitment to reducing noise pollution and safeguarding public well-being. At the individual level, negative psychological effects on individual performance and mental health will be minimised – including stress-related disorders related to longer noise exposure.

“Implementation of activities under this assignment is very important for Montenegro in the process of joining the EU and fulfilling the requirements under Chapter 27. The harmonization of regulations in the field of the environment noise and the strengthening of institutional and administrative capacities in this field will enable a safer and healthier environment, better protection of human health and environment from harmful effect of environmental noise.”

– Momir Prascevic, UNOPS expert for capacity building on developing strategic noise maps and calculating noise levels

The assignment directly supports SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities and SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being by providing the necessary framework and direction to effectively address a range of elements related to environmental noise management.