The exhibition and panel discussion “Orjen Katuns – Past in the Future”, organized by the Agency for Development and Protection of Orjen, opened the vital question of preserving and revitalizing traditional summer livestock settlements on Orjen mountain.
The exhibition featured documentary photographs by Željko Starčević, showcasing the former appearance of these “katuns,” built from stone, wood, and rye straw. These structures testify to the practical lifestyle of pastoralists. The decline of the katuns began before World War II, accelerated by the ban on goat breeding and later earthquakes. Today, only traces of that former life remain.
The panel discussion offered a broader perspective on the historical significance of katuns. Written sources confirm their existence as far back as the 12th and 13th centuries, with records in the Kotor archives from 1331. They held socio-economic importance, enabling winter hay preparation and sometimes serving as rewards for warriors fighting the Ottoman Empire.
Protecting Heritage from Urban Sprawl
Special emphasis was placed on preserving architectural heritage. Panelists warned that “apartment-ization” and inadequate construction threaten the total devastation of the katuns. Protecting katuns as intangible cultural heritage was highlighted as a defense mechanism against unauthorized interventions. It was stressed that any restoration must be carefully planned to avoid ecological devastation and preserve authenticity.
Tourists seek an authentic experience—a simple way of life, local food, and contact with nature. Policies encouraging modernization through modern tiles and contemporary materials were criticized, as they cause the loss of traditional aesthetics.
Symbiosis of Tradition and Tourism
It was concluded that a sustainable future for the katuns requires a symbiosis of tradition and tourism. Ecotourism can be a chance for revitalization, but only through the coordination of multiple ministries and active community involvement. Agriculture is recognized as the key activity, while tourism should serve as a supplementary activity contributing to rural life preservation.
Negative examples of transformation in Komovi and Grebaje, where natural landscapes were turned into “tourist mutants,” serve as a warning. Park management and local communities share the responsibility to shape development together, with state support, ensuring katuns remain alive—not just as monuments of the past, but as part of Montenegro’s future.
