2235 research outputs found
Sort by
Adaptation to climate change through spatial planning in Serbia - opportunities and challenges
No full textThe space and all created and natural structures in this space, including the population, are exposed to climate change, i.e. the consequences of extreme climatic events. Since spatial plans are prepared with the aim of defining the purpose of the space and creating optimal and better living conditions for the community, the conclusion is that through the plans certain risks to which the space is exposed can be reduced (if they cannot be completely eliminated) to a level that adapts the space to future climate changes. This fact is supported by a review of a large body of foreign and domestic literature that recognizes spatial planning as an important tool for defining adaptation measures. In the paper, the national planning documents of the Republic of Serbia, Montenegro, Croatia, the Republic of Srpska and North Macedonia were first evaluated using the multi-criteria analysis method to determine the current situation. The results lead to the conclusion that the modern planning system requires a change in the methodological framework, which must be based more on risk-based, i.e. climate and climate-resilient planning. The paper presents the basic objectives, opportunities and limitations as a contribution to the creation of a new methodological framework for spatial planning in Serbia, which could enable adaptation to changed climate events.Editor: Natalija Miri
Održivo korišćenje neobnovljivih prirodnih resursa: Planiranje za budućnost
No full textOdrživo korišćenje neobnovljivih prirodnih resursa je ključno za obezbeđivanje ekonomskog razvoja i očuvanje životne sredine za buduće generacije. Neobnovljivi prirodni resursi, kao što su metalične, nemetalične i energetske mineralne sirovine, predstavljaju osnovu moderne industrije i ekonomije. Međutim, njihova ograničena dostupnost i ekološki uticaji eksploatacije postavljaju ozbiljna pitanja o održivosti. U radu su istraženi pristupi i strategije koji se mogu primeniti kako bi se osiguralo efikasno i odgovorno korišćenje ove resursne kategorije. Integracija ekoloških standarda u planiranje urbanog razvoja i industrijske proizvodnje naglašava važnost smanjenja negativnog uticaja na životnu sredinu. Analizirani su koncepti zelene agende u planiranju, održivom upravljanju resursima i tehnoloških inovacija kao ključnih faktora za postizanje održivosti. Takođe, rad ukazuje na ulogu obrazovanja i svesti zajednice u promovisanju održivih praksi kroz multidisciplinarni pristup koji balansira ekonomske, socijalne i ekološke aspekte, čime se doprinosi dugoročnoj održivosti. Kroz efikasno zoniranje, procenu uticaja na životnu sredinu, upravljanje resursima i rehabilitaciju zemljišta, mineralne sirovine mogu da se koriste bez ugrožavanja dugoročne ekološke ravnoteže i društvene stabilnosti. Takođe, kroz integraciju zakonodavnih okvira i politike, planiranje za budućnost može doprineti zaštiti interesa lokalnih zajednica i postizanju ekonomskog razvoja zasnovanog na odgovornom korišćenju prirodnih resursa.Urednici: Dejan Filipović, Velimir Šećerov, Dušan Ristić, Marina Ili
Cloud-Based Assessment of Flash Flood Susceptibility, Peak Runoff, and Peak Discharge on a National Scale with Google Earth Engine (GEE)
No full textFlash floods, exacerbated by climate change and land use alterations, are among the most destructive natural hazards globally, leading to significant damage and loss of life. In this context, the Flash Flood Potential Index (FFPI), which is a terrain and land surface-based model, and Google Earth Engine (GEE) were used to assess flood-prone zones across North Macedonia’s watersheds. The presented GEE-based assessment was accomplished by a custom script that automates the FFPI calculation process by integrating key factors derived from publicly available sources. These factors, which define susceptibility to torrential floods, include slope (Copernicus GLO-30 DEM), land cover (Copernicus GLO-30 DEM), soil type (SoilGrids), vegetation (ESA World Cover), and erodibility (CHIRPS). The spatial distribution of average FFPI values across 1396 small catchments (10–100 km2) revealed that a total of 45.4% of the area exhibited high to very high susceptibility, with notable spatial variability. The CHIRPS rainfall data (2000–2024) that combines satellite imagery and in situ measurements was used to estimate peak 24 h runoff and discharge. To improve the accuracy of CHIRPS, the data were adjusted by 30–50% to align with meteorological station records, along with normalized FFPI values as runoff coefficients. Validation against 328 historical river flood and flash flood records confirmed that 73.2% of events aligned with moderate to very high flash flood susceptibility catchments, underscoring the model’s reliability. Thus, the presented cloud-based scenario highlights the potential of the GEE’s efficacy in scalability and robustness for flash flood modeling and regional risk management at national scale
Karst area of Zabučje-Gradina
No full textKarst areas of western Serbia, such as the Valjevo and Pešter karsts, are well known and researched, but there are smaller and less well-researched units, such as the Zabučje–Gradina karst unit. This paper presents the basic geomorphological characteristics of the Zabučje–Gradina karst unit. The focus of the research is on karstological characteristics, with a special emphasis on the distribution of sinkholes and valleys in the karst. Detailed analysis using GIS tools has enabled the definition and consideration of the processes that led to the creation of specific karst forms, including sinkholes and fossil valleys. The spatial distribution of sinkholes is also shown, as well as the relationship of their distribution to the slope of the terrain on which they are located. Analysis in QGIS has determined that, as in Miroč, sinkholes in this area are also located at small slope angles, up to 12° at most. In the research area, valleys are classified as active, dry and relict, and this characteristic and arrangement of them were used for further reconstruction of paleoflows. The existence of epigenetic incision of the Đetinja into the limestone bedrock was also established. Special emphasis was placed on speleological objects in the Drežnica Valley, such as the Potpećka, Pipalska and Todorova caves, which represent significant objects in the research of karst processes and karst hydrology of this area
Impact of the mediterranean oscillation on climate elements and streamflow in the South Morava river basin
No full textThis study investigates the relationship between climate elements and river flow in the South Morava basin, emphasizing their dependence on the Mediterranean Oscillation Index (MOI). Data from the Korvingrad hydrological station, the Vranje synoptic station, and MOI records were analyzed over a 30-year period (1991–2020). Results indicate a positive trend in mean monthly temperatures across all months, with significant increases in February, March, and April. Significant trends were also observed in mean annual temperature and precipitation. Flow trends exhibited notable changes in March, with an annual flow value of 3.265 m³s⁻¹. The Pearson correlation coefficient revealed significant seasonal relationships between flow and precipitation, particularly in winter, summer, and autumn, while flow-temperature correlations were significant in summer and autumn. To further quantify these relationships, multiple linear regression was applied, using temperature and precipitation as independent variables and river flow as the dependent variable. The results demonstrated statistically significant associations in 11 out of 12 months, with the strongest linkage observed in November. Seasonal models indicated that precipitation had a dominant influence on flow in winter, spring, and autumn, while temperature had a relatively greater impact during the summer. The autumn model yielded the highest explanatory power (R² = 0.517). These findings underscore the Mediterranean Oscillation’s role in shaping both climate variability and hydrological dynamics in the South Morava basin, while highlighting the importance of integrating statistical modeling to better understand seasonal patterns of flow response to climatic drivers
Evaluation of bioclimatic conditions for tourism activities in the Podrinje-Valjevo Region (Serbia)
No full textTo better understand outdoor thermal comfort on both seasonal and monthly levels, the current trends and anomalies in the Podrinje-Valjevo Region (PVR) over the past 30 years (1991–2020) and their impact on tourist activities, two bioclimatic indices, the Universal Thermal Climate Index (UTCI) and the Tourism Climatic Index (TCI), were utilized for the temporal assessment of bioclimatic conditions in Loznica and Valjevo. The results show that spring and autumn are the most favorable seasons for outdoor tourism activities, with April, May, September, and October being particularly optimal. According to UTCI, November has also become more bioclimatically favorable due to a rise in average monthly UTCI values. Additionally, UTCI data reveal a notable upward trend in seasonal anomalies, especially during autumn and spring, with average seasonal UTCI values increasing. Although TCI indicates that summer is particularly ideal for tourist outdoor
activities and tourists’ thermal comfort, UTCI highlights that summer months can cause significant thermal discomfort due to moderate heat stress. The results obtained can serve to more effective tourism planning in the Podrinje-Valjevo Region in Serbia
Reevaluating ethnostatistics in the context of the contemporary demographic challenges in Serbia
No full textContemporary demographic processes, including population aging, declining fertility rates, and increasing migration, present complex challenges that require reliable statistical data to create timely and adequate public policy responses. In this context, the role of ethnostatistical data becomes both analytically significant, statistically challenging and politically sensitive. This paper examines the demographic framework of ethnostatistics, questioning the usability and reliability of ethnic data in understanding key population trends. The question of whether census and vital statistics data can be accepted without restriction as a quantitative basis is of great importance and it explores how such data can give a wrong depiction of the demographic reality of different ethnic communities. This phenomenon is not only relevant for demographic research, it is also crucial for the formulation and implementation of public policies. This is particularly evident in the context of policies pertaining to the delineation of the legal and political status of minority communities
and the enforcement of their rights. The primary objective of this study is to assess the quality of ethnostatistical data employing various demographic methodologies. The findings of the research on the ethnodemographic characteristics of the Serbian population demonstrated that the data for certain national communities was of lower quality. The paper argues that census and vital statistics should serve as the foundation for the study of ethnodemographic characteristics within the population. Nevertheless, it is also proposed that alternative sources of data on ethnic communities be developed, to ensure that the specific needs of these communities are addressed in diverse, multiethnic, and multicultural societies.Editor: Natalija Miri
The Prospects of Congestion Pricing in Medium‐Sized Cities
No full textCongestion pricing is an increasingly relevant policy tool for managing urban traffic
congestion and reducing environmental impacts. While its implementation has been widely studied in
large metropolitan areas such as London, Singapore, and Stockholm, its applicability to medium-sized
cities remains underexplored. This paper examines the potential of congestion pricing in medium-sized
urban contexts, addressing the benefits, challenges, and policy adaptations necessary for effective
implementation. Medium-sized cities face unique challenges, including weaker public transit networks,
technological limitations, and greater political resistance. To navigate these obstacles, congestion pricing
policies must be gradually introduced, technologically feasible, and socially equitable. Strategies such as
trial periods, transparent revenue reinvestment, and targeted equity measures can mitigate opposition
while ensuring broad public support. The integration of hybrid pricing models, low-emission zones, and
parking reforms can further enhance policy effectiveness. Lessons from global case studies suggest that
medium-sized cities should adopt a phased approach, starting with simpler fixed charges and
progressively refining their pricing mechanisms based on data and public response. By overcoming
financial, technological, and social barriers, congestion pricing can shift from a contentious policy to a
sustainable mobility solution. With evidence-based design and public engagement, medium-sized cities
can implement it effectively, fostering efficient, accessible, and eco-friendly urban transport
Demographic aspects of the planned resettlement of settlements in Lazarevac municipality
No full textThe planned resettlement of settlements in the course of the expansion of open-cast mining in the Kolubara mining basin has an impact on all aspects of social life in the municipality of Lazarevac. Primarily, this impact is reflected in the demographic development of the area. The expansion of coal mining and the immediate proximity to Belgrade, are the cause of significant demographic shifts.
The municipality has 33 settlements, a third of which are located in the exploitation area. The number of inhabitants in some settlements is drastically decreasing, and some of them are completely displaced, while on the other side, there is a sudden influx of population in the city of Lazarevac and the secondary centers of the municipality (Veliki Crljeni, Stepojevac), both from the municipal territory and from other parts of Serbia, motivated by the economic advantages of Lazarevac and its surroundings. This fact determines the trend of a constant increase in the number of inhabitants in urban settlements in all observed intercensal periods from 1948 to 2022, while the decline in the number of inhabitants in rural settlements has been observed since the 1981-1991 census period. The sudden increase in the number of inhabitants in urban settlements since the 1980s can be explained by the intensification of mining operations and the process of expropriation taking place in rural settlements. According to the last census in 2022 – 55,146 inhabitants live on the territory of Lazarevac municipality, of which 27,635 live in the only urban settlement in the municipality and 27,511 in rural settlements. The data indicates that for the first time, the urban population in the municipality exceeds the rural population.
This paper focuses on analyzing the impact of the decades-long development of mining activity on the territory of the municipality of Lazarevac on the population and the comprehensive development of the settlement, both in a positive and negative context. The research also focuses on the transformation of the settlement environment caused by the expansion of open-cast mining, with an emphasis on the changes in the demographic characteristics of the settlement. The paper is based on the analysis of data from the Statistical Office of the Republic of Serbia, settlement regulation plans in the process of resettlement, the plan for the mining area of the Kolubara lignite basin and other sources relevant to the understanding of the given problem, as well as on the spatial representation of data using GIS software and tools. If we compare the dynamics of the expansion of the mines and the population of the Lazarevac municipality (before the start of open-cast mining and today), certain trends can be observed that make it possible to understand the demographic aspect of the process of planned displacement.Editors: Ivan Marinković, Marko Galja