Beyond the loop: barriers, pressures and challenges to achieve a nature-positive future in the Bay of Kotor, Montenegro

This paper explores the complex relationship between tourism development, nature preservation and spatial planning in Adriatic coastal areas, focusing on a specific case study, the Bay of Kotor in Montenegro. The research seeks to identify the key factors, barriers and challenges to achieving a nature-positive future in a context where habitats and natural resources are under mounting pressure from tourism-driven real estate development, a strong seasonal influx of visitors and the growing impacts of climate change. Methodology includes a content analysis of local plans, planning documents and policy reports, qualitative in-depth interviews with local stakeholders and extensive field surveys. In response to the challenges mentioned above, the study proposes two key lessons aimed at shifting the current trajectory away from expansive growth, towards a more balanced and sustainable integration of tourism development and nature preservation. First, the study highlights the urgent need to strengthen the governance capacity of local institutions in the Bay of Kotor. This includes fostering interinstitutional cooperation across different levels of government and improving the transparency and accountability of policy-making processes. Moreover, the importance of enhancing environmental monitoring, particularly of biodiversity, is underlined with a more proactive role of local governments in safeguarding the natural and cultural heritage.