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Teachers’ attitudes toward the implementation of environmental content in geography education with the aim of fostering environmentally responsible citizens of the 21st century
No full textThe development of science and technology has facilitated human life, but it has also enabled an increasing pressure on the environment. Intensified anthropogenic impact predominantly exerts negative effects on the natural environment, resulting in an ecological crisis. Current demographic and economic processes, such as demographic booms in economically underdeveloped countries, excessive resource exploitation, and others, further aggravate the existing crisis. Consequently, addressing this issue is considered one of the priorities of contemporary humanity. A change in human attitudes toward nature emerges as a key solution to the problem, with adequate environmental education being of paramount importance in this regard. Geography, as an interdisciplinary “bridge science,” provides valuable insight into the interdependence of humans and nature. Owing to its contribution to the development of students’ environmental awareness, geography occupies a prominent place in the environmental education of young people. Given the importance of fostering ecological awareness among students, this research focused on identifying the possibilities for implementing environmental content in geography education. For this purpose, teachers’ attitudes were examined with respect to the relevance and representation of existing environmental content, ecological goals and tasks within curricula, syllabi, and textbooks, as well as their views on the importance of environmental education itself. A questionnaire employing a five-point Likert scale was completed by 100 geography teachers in Serbia. The results were analyzed using statistical, descriptive, and causal methods. The findings revealed that: most teachers are dissatisfied with the extent to which environmental content is represented in geography curricula; a majority of teachers expressed satisfaction or neutrality concerning the quality of ecological goals and tasks present in existing geography teaching programs; most teachers are dissatisfied with the quality of geography textbooks regarding their contribution to achieving the aims and tasks of environmental education; and most teachers lack an adequate level of awareness of the significance of environmental education for students. Finally, the identified teacher attitudes served as the basis for formulating concrete measures aimed at improving the implementation of environmental content in geography education and fostering the development of ecological awareness essential for addressing the ecological crisis of the 21st century.Editor: Natalija Miri
Sustainable land use in Moldova: GIS & remote sensing of forests and crops
No full textForests and agricultural lands are critical components of the environment, influencing ecosystem stability, biodiversity, and land productivity. In the Republic of Moldova, a country with limited forest cover (11.4 % of its territory), the relationship between forested areas and cultivated land plays a key role in sustainable land management. This study examines the spatial interactions between forest land and two major agricultural crops—sunflower (Helianthus annuus) and grapes (Vitis vinifera) - using remote sensing and GIS techniques. By integrating Google Earth Engine (GEE), CORINE Land Cover data, and cadastral records, we analyze land cover changes from 1996 to 2018, identifying vulnerable areas where deforestation and agricultural expansion intersect. Additionally, fuzzy aggregate AHP and zonal statistical methods are applied to assess land suitability for crop cultivation and reforestation. Our findings highlight regions where sustainable land management policies should be prioritized to balance agricultural development with forest conservation. The study provides actionable insights for policymakers, emphasizing the need for adaptive land-use strategies that account for climate variability, urban expansion, and rural land degradation
Dynamics of suspended sediment in the Južna Morava river, south-eastern Serbia
No full textThis study estimate the temporal trends of recent suspended sediment in Južna Morava river. The variations of suspended sediment transport were analyzed at different time scales (inter-annual, monthly and seasonal, among different periods), based on 47-year hydrological data from the outlet hydrological station. The results indicate of a decline in suspended sediment concentration and sediment load in the long-time series,which can be divided into three periods: high SSC or Qs (1961-1976), medium SSC or Qs (1977-1988) and low SSC or Qs (1989-2007). The average annual SSC and Qs of these three periods are SSC=0.7284 g/l, SSC=0.3580 g/l, SSC=0.1865 g/l, and Qs=4260x103 t, Qs=2277 x103 t, Qs=789 x103 t, respectively. The decrease in SSC and Qs is at the significance level of α=0.001. The frequency distribution of the daily SSC show that cumulatively 92% of daily SSC during the low stage was u distributed in classes up to 0.5 g/l, versus 82% during the medium and 67% during the high period. The frequency of daily SSC in the class of 1-5 g/l decreases over time, from 14% in high period to 6% in low period. In the period 1989-2007 have not been reported SSC greater than 5 g/l. Different patterns of suspended sediment concentration SSC-Q hysteretic loops have been observed for each period. Two types of hysteretic loops were found at Južna Morava River: figure-eight typical of periods 1961-1976 and 1978-1988 and counter-clockwise in period 1989-2007. Human impact is the main factor in reducing suspended sediments. An important change in agriculture land in the basin recorded a significant impact on sediment transport
Housing Age and Urban Zones in the Changing Patterns of Socioeconomic Segregation in Belgrade
No full textThis study explores the evolving patterns of residential segregation in Belgrade by analysing the interactions between socioeconomic structure and urban morphology across three census periods: 2002, 2011, and 2022. Employing a two-dimensional analytical framework, the research distinguishes between (1) urban zones—central, middle, and peripheral—and (2) housing age: pre- WWII, socialist (1945–1990), and post-socialist (1991–2022). Occupation serves as a proxy for socioeconomic status, and spatial patterns are assessed using location quotients and segregation indices to capture both localized and city-wide dynamics. Findings indicate a persistent and deepening centre–periphery divide, with higher socioeconomic strata increasingly concentrated in centrally located, post-socialist developments and pre-WWII housing, while peripheral and post-war socialist areas showgreater heterogeneity or signs of marginalization. Evidence of gentrification and selective upgrading is observed in the central and inner-middle zones, whereas the socioeconomic profile of the urban periphery remains shaped by informal housing developments. The results confirm the complex nature of post-socialist urban transformation, where increased economic polarization does not uniformly translate into spatial polarization. Instead, micro-level segregation, housing market dynamics, and institutional legacies produce a patchwork of socio-spatial outcomes.Editor: Daniel Göle
Resistance and engagement in mining communities: Experiences from Bor and Majdanpek (Serbia)
No full textExtracting resources without considering the needs of the local community and adequate environmental protection can deepen existing inequalities between social groups, creating opportunities for ecological conflicts. This, in turn, gives rise to various forms of activism opposing the exclusion of individuals and social groups from decision-making processes related to the management of natural resources. The first part of the paper explores the concepts of participatory, professional, and transactional activism. Additionally, the theoretical framework includes the concepts of environmental distribution conflicts and mining conflicts. These concepts will be illustrated through an analysis of mining areas in Eastern Serbia, firstly by providing a contextual overview of broader local community engagement in Bor and Majdanpek based on the analysis of secondary sources, and secondly by analyzing the results of a survey conducted with the residents of Bor and Majdanpek between July and September 2024 (N=300). In the concluding section, based on the contextual analysis and empirical findings, the sources of motivation and types of citizen engagement in Bor and Majdanpek are interpreted in relation to different conceptualizations of activism that may lead to social conflict expressed through collective action resisting mining activities
The Drought Hazard Index (DHI) vs. the Extended Satellite-based Drought Condition Index (SDCI): A Case Study of the Zaječar District
No full textThis paper examines the application of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) in the identification of drought-prone areas in the Zaječar district. Drought is one of the most severe natural hazards, leading to the depletion of essential resources such as water and food. Its increasing frequency causes significant damage to socio-economic systems, the environment, and human well-being, posing a major challenge for affected communities. As climate variability intensifies, the need for accurate, spatially explicit drought assessment becomes more urgent, especially in vulnerable regions. The aim of the study is to identify the most drought susceptible areas of the Zaječar district by processing satellite imagery. The study applies the Drought Hazard Index (DHI), Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) and Extended Satellite-based Drought Condition Index (SDCI), combining remote sensing data with decision-support methodologies. The Drought Hazard Index (DHI) is derived from four parameters: Land Surface Temperature (LST), Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), Normalized Difference Moisture Index (NDMI) and Topographic Wetness Index (TWI). Each of these components is assigned a weighting coefficient using the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP), which enables the prioritization of variables based on expert judgment and pairwise comparison. The Extended Satellite-based Drought Condition Index (SDCI) is calculated by incorporating LST, NDVI, NDMI, TWI, Albedo and Soil Moisture. These variables are normalized and combined to reflect drought severity, with higher values indicating more extreme drought conditions. The integration of additional parameters such as Albedo and Soil Moisture enhances the sensitivity of the index to surface and subsurface dryness. These methods aim to assess the spatial distribution of drought susceptibility, emphasizing potential risks and identifying critical zones for intervention. The results contribute to proactive planning, sustainable resource management, and informed decision-making in crisis situations. This research also highlights the importance of integrating geospatial technologies with environmental indicators to improve early warning systems and long-term drought mitigation strategies. Ultimately, this GIS-based approach supports resilience-building and adaptive strategies in the face of increasing environmental stressors.Editors: Slobodan B. Marković, Srđan Rončević, Lazar Lazi
Assessing the geotourism potential of glacial lakes in Plav, Montenegro: A multi-criteria assessment by using the M-GAM model
No full textThis study aims to evaluate the significance of glacial lakes within the municipality of Plav from the perspective of geotourism development, employing the modified geosite assessment model methodology for geosite assessment. Although the Plav region is distinguished by its exceptional natural values and landscape diversity, it has not yet been the subject of systematic investigation concerning its geoheritage and geotourism potential. This research represents an initial contribution toward the identification, valorization, and promotion of glacial geosites as a foundation for the development of sustainable geotourism in the area. The analysis encompasses four glacial lakes: Lake Plav, Visitor Lake, Hrid Lake, and Abdija Lake. These lakes represent attractive geosites and play a vital complementary role in shaping an integrated geotourism offer, contributing to the diversity of content and spatial cohesion of tourist attractions within the municipality. The findings confirm that the glacial lakes in Plav possess considerable geotourism potential, providing a robust basis for the planning of specialized tours, educational activities, and the dissemination of geoscientific knowledge. Realizing this potential necessitates coordinated collaboration among local government bodies, tourism organizations, and other relevant stakeholders to develop infrastructural support, enhance the interpretation of geosites, and promote geotourism as a sustainable form of tourism. Although previously underrecognized within the geoheritage framework, the Plav area offers substantial opportunities for further scientific research, educational initiatives, geoconservation efforts, and recreational use in alignment with the principles of geotourism development
The Influence of Information and Communication Technology on Economic Growth in Europe
No full textThe aim of this study is to estimate thtrae influence of information and communication technology, based on the use of the ICT development index (measured by the number of Internet users, fixed broadband Internet subscribers, and the number of mobile subscriptions per 100 inhabitants), on economic development measured by gross domestic product (GDP) per capita. For this purpose, data were collected from a panel of 43 European countries from 2000 to 2020, and three econometric models were used to investigate the impact of ICT use on GDP per capita growth. First, multiple linear regression (MLR) and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression were used to research the impact of ICT use on individual countries. Then, a generalized linear dynamic data (GLD) panel model was taken to provide a general model of the dependence of the observed variables. Accordingly, a positive and significant relationship between real GDP per capita and ICT use in Europe is confirmed. The obtained results also show that the impact of ICT on economic growth is greater in low-income countries, i.e., those belonging to Eastern and Central Europe. It is crucial that governments follow the dynamics of the ICT sector and implement specific policies
Културно наслеђе у туризму и међународној сарадњи: пример Руског културног наслеђа у Србији
No full textИнтеракцију културног наслеђа и туризма карактерише дуг континуитет и растући
интензитет узајамних веза. Ова релација и динамика је теоријски и практично добро проучена
и потврђена. Мање је препозната, истражена и уважена чињеница да на овој релацији,
нарочито код иностраног туризма, постоји завидан потенцијал унапређења комплексних односа
међународне сарадње. Србија је давно препозната као мозаик духовне и материјалне културе
различитих епоха, својстава и утицаја из ближег и даљег окружења (етничких, религијских,
идеолошких, политичких). У фокусу рада је руско (совјетско) културно наслеђе на простору
Србије. Оно са свим својим просторно, временски и тематски диференцираним својствима
и карактеристикама доприноси укупном културном наслеђу. Најзначајнија фреквентност,
разноврсност, препознатљивост и просторна присутност „утиснута” је током прве половине
XX века, али се са промењивим интензитетом може пратити од скоро хиљаду година уназад
до данашњих дана. Овај сегмент културног наслеђа представља значајан потенцијал за
унапређење билатералних, али и укупних регионалних и међународних односа – развоја
туризма, културне размене, економских и политичких перспектива. Ова тема свакако има
растући значај и у контексту актуелне геополитичке ситуације. Руси поново откривају Србију
као туристичку, духовну, привредну и у сваком другом контексту пожељну дестинацију за краће
и дуже задржавање.Уредници: Велимир Шећеров, Иван Раткај, Даница Шанти
The influence of rural areas transformation on the urban heat islands occurrence – Тourist center Zlatibor case study
No full textAbstract— As urbanization continues to increase, changes in the ecological characteristics
of urban areas are becoming more reasonable to meet the needs of a growing population.
However, the profound impact of human-induced urban pressures on land, often called the
“billing impact”, is strongly emphasized in research publications. In many cases,
contemporary anthropogenic processes alter the dynamics of environmental functions in
complex ways. Urban regions meet a particular climate regime characterized by increased
air temperatures compared to peripheral areas and a significant reduction in wind speed,
attributable to the interaction of natural and anthropogenic factors. An urban heat island
(UHI) occurs when the air above populated areas heats up additionally, causing air to flow
from the site’s edges to its center and creating a heat dome. This study reveals the influence
of urbanization on microclimatic changes, encompassing increased evapotranspiration,
altered vegetation cover, and temperature fluctuations. The results illustrate environmental
transformations caused by abrupt and unregulated urbanization in the mountainous area of
Zlatibor, Serbia, a trend that has intensified over the past decade