Our Story
15 years of working with people and for people
The Regional Development Agency for Bjelasica, Komovi, and Prokletije was founded in 2009 based on a simple idea: to live together in a region with incredible natural resources that we can utilize better and more sustainably. Our establishment was a natural continuation of the long-term work of the Austrian-Montenegrin Partnership for the development of Northern Montenegro. With the support of the Austrian Development Agency (ADA), the knowledge and experience from previous initiatives were transferred into a new, locally rooted organization.
We were not created “from the top” – but from within
From day one, we have worked with those who want to stay, to create, and to make their village, mountain, and community a better place to live. We are a fieldwork organization. We do not see ourselves as external actors, but as a part of the community we serve. Our office is open to everyone, and most of our ideas and projects are born exactly where they are needed most: in the katuns, villages, and mountain trails.
Our path has never been linear or simple. As an organization funded exclusively through projects, we have faced periods of uncertainty. However, even in moments without active projects, our team stayed together, driven by the conviction that work with meaning is worth the perseverance. We have made mistakes – and we still do, as they are an inevitable part of working with people and complex processes. What we want to be recognized for is our readiness to learn from those mistakes, to adapt, and to constantly improve.
Our Principles and Values
In our work, we insist on professional independence and equal access for all. We do not differentiate based on political, personal, or any other grounds. Our only criteria are the actual needs of people on the ground and their contribution to the community.
Sustainability for us is not an abstract concept, but a responsibility – toward the nature we use, the culture we inherit, and the people who will remain in this region long after each individual project is completed.
Mission and Vision
Our Mission is to work together with local communities, not instead of them. We connect people, knowledge, and resources so that the mountain region of Bjelasica, Komovi, and Prokletije can develop sustainably, and people can live with dignity from their work.
Our Vision is a vibrant and resilient mountain region where development is built on respect for nature and tradition. We see communities where knowledge is passed down through generations, where katuns and landscapes are recognized as premium values, and where women and youth play a key role in shaping the future.
All this would not be possible without the trust of the community and the support of our donors. Our story continues – with new ideas and old friends, because we believe that life on the mountain is a privilege that has a future.
15 years of tangible results
We do not measure our mission with big words, but through changes that can be seen and felt:
Supported over 300 families in improving their lives and work in villages or katuns through direct investment and education.
Empowered over 100 women to start their own economic activities and take a more active role in their families and communities.
Helped over 200 households to develop sustainable tourism offers and become recognizable on the rural tourism map.
Developed and mapped over 1000 km of trails — from “Katun Roads” as specific tourism products to hiking and biking routes connecting the region.
Preserved traditional architecture through projects for the revitalization of old watermills and authentic stone and wooden houses.
Facilitated the founding of Prokletije National Park and provided continuous support to Biogradska Gora National Park.
Developed innovative cultural routes that bring the rich historical heritage of our region to life.
Linked the resources of seven northern municipalities, acting as a key driver for regional cooperation.
Made mountains more accessible by installing hundreds of info-boards and tourist signage across the region.
Created a rich archive of knowledge through numerous professional brochures and guides that are now standards for the North.
Improved mountain safety by providing equipment and training for the Mountain Rescue Service and sports collectives.
Introduced quality standards for food production among small producers, protecting the authenticity of local products.
Implemented over 20 large cross-border projects, securing millions in investments from EU funds.
Established a key bridge between local administrations and international donors for the growth of the region.
And much more…