Omorika Digital repository of the Faculty of Forestry, University of Belgrad
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THE ROLE OF NWFPs IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF ENTREPRENEURSHIP IN SOUTHEASTERN SERBIA
No full textIn the social context, forests have a significant role for many inhabitants, either
in the form of livelihood, or income generated from a wide range of wood and
non-wood forest products (NWFPs). In this research, NWFPs were analyzed as
a component of rural entrepreneurship in s outheastern Serbia. In this regard, 11
companies dealing with the purchase, processing, and marketing of mushrooms,
forest fruits, and medicinal herbs were surveyed. The period considered is 2008-
2017. The aim of the research was to familiarize with the elements of business related
to the marketing mix (product, price, promotion, and distribution) in these
companies, as well as to assess the possibilities for their improvement. In this
way, it aimed to recognize the potential for the development of primarily small
entrepreneurship in S outheastern Serbia through the use of NWFPs for commercial
purposes
ECOSYSTEM SERVICES OF NATURE PARK PALIĆ AND SPECIAL NATURE RESERVE LUDAŠ LAKE – BETWEEN NATURE PROTECTION AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
No full textEcosystems provide numerous valuable services that represent the direct and indirect benefits humans receive from nature. The protected areas in the north of the Republic of Serbia, the Palić Nature Park (NP) and the Ludaš Lake Special Nature Reserve (SNR), represent a mosaic structure of aquatic, forest-steppe and agricultural ecosystems that provide various ecosystem services. This area belongs to IUCN category IV and is classified as an important bird area (IBA NO-033), hosting more than 238 bird species, including 176 strictly protected, which underscores its role in maintaining biodiversity and ecological connectivity. The SNR Ludaš Lake is classified as a wetland of international importance (Ramsar sites - 3YU002).
The aim of this study is to present the main ecosystem services of these protected areas related to aquatic ecosystems, agriculture, fisheries, recreation. The analysis is based on available literature, management plans, conservation studies, and regional statistical databases. The provisioning services include agricultural production in the protected-area zone, as well as the fish stock. Regulatory and supporting services include the processes of climate regulation, regulation of hydrological processes, water purification and waste treatment, regulation of erosion and natural disasters, regulation of biodiversity, habitat maintenance, nutrient cycling, soil stabilization, landscape regulation. Cultural services are recreation, tourism (residential, congress and events), as well as ecotourism, educational activities, birdwatching, cultural identity and heritage, health and well-being. Cultural services are particularly prominent with over 36,000 visitors in 2024 and more than 80,000 overnight stays.
The results of this study indicate that it is necessary to include the concept of ecosystem services in the sustainable management of these protected areas to preserve and improve their multifunctionality, considering climate change, the problem of diffuse and point pollution of lakes, intensive agriculture, and intense tourism
DESIGNING THE URBAN LANDSCAPES: PLANNING AND DESIGN CHALLENGES FOR URBAN FOREST LJEŠKOPOLJSKA GORICA IN PODGORICA, MONTENEGRO
No full textThe rapid urbanisation process and global shift toward post-industrial, highly urbanised societies are reshaping the field of forestry. As urbanization introduces stressors such as pollution, hydrological disruption, and land conversion, urban forests have become essential landscape elements for improving human and environmental health. Traditionally focused on timber production, conservation, and rural land management, forestry has been increasingly challenged by new societal expectations, environmental pressures, and the expanding influence of urban areas on forest landscapes. As urbanisation continues, the boundaries between the urban and forest environment are becoming blurred, exposing forests to intensified land-use pressures, disruption of ecological processes, and competing social demands.
This transformation makes the topic of urban forestry critical, as urban forests now play a key role in addressing climate adaptation, biodiversity loss, public health, and social well-being. Their importance is intensified by the “citification” of forest spaces, which has intensified conflicts between production-oriented and society-driven functions, revealing the need for new ideas, concepts, and design approaches that reflect the complexity of contemporary urban landscapes.
The research question guiding this study is: How can interdisciplinary principles of urban forestry (human well-being, sustainable planning and management, nature-based solutions and community engagement) be spatially and conceptually integrated into the design of urban trees, forest and green spaces? How can urban forests be spatially and conceptually integrated into the design of urban landscapes?
The study aims to explore how multifunctionality, ecological resilience, and public accessibility can be combined in the landscape design of Lješkopoljska Gorica urban forest (Podgorica, Montenegro), illustrating how contemporary urban forestry ideas can be translated into spatial strategies.
The methodological approach overlays landscape-ecological principles, terrain morphology studies, visual analysis and design-based research. The project applies multifunctionality, public engagement, and the design of tree-dominated urban green spaces. It is applied across scales, from regional ecological corridors to city-wide green networks and site-specific habitat design, guided by landscape ecological principles to enhance connectivity, biodiversity, and ecological resilience. The spatial arrangement, composition, and structure of urban forests influence not only their ecological functioning, but also public perception, recreational use, and aesthetic and cultural value.
The resulting conceptual design for Lješkopoljska Gorica urban forest illustrates how these principles can be practiced. This study focuses on the revitalisation of Lješkopoljska Gorica through a reforestation project. The site, historically perceived primarily as a vantage point for viewing the city, is presented as an “urban island” within Podgorica’s landscape matrix. The design shifts the focus from a single path to a diversified system of entrances, circular routes, terraces, and gathering spaces that respond to terrain morphology and ecological potential. By preserving large interior natural areas, enhancing accessibility, and integrating multifunctional elements such as an amphitheatre, plateaus, and a pavilion functioning as an eco-centre and water-retention structure, the project demonstrates how urban forests can foster ecological continuity, and climate resilience by allowing natural processes to guide long-term ecosystem strengthening
OAK SEEDLING ESTABLISHMENT WITH TREE SHELTERS ON ABANDONED AGRICULTURAL LAND
No full textAfforestation of abandoned agricultural land can pose significant challenges for forestry practitioners due to site-specific environmental conditions, which must be addressed to ensure successful establishment. The factors leading to the abandonment of agricultural land, such as flooding, drought, and herbivory by game animals, often present challenges for forestry practitioners. These sites could typically be transformed into healthy and productive forests if the initial generation of seedlings is successfully established and managed. This study focused on the initial development of oak (Quercus robur L.) seedlings on abandoned agricultural land with or without tree shelters.
One-year old bareroot oak seedlings were planted manually on abandoned agricultural land (44°30'26"N 20°25'43"E) on a total area of 20 a with regular spacing 2.5 X 2.5 m during late autumn 2020. Four types of shelters produced by Tubex® (standard, ventex and combitube two variants, https://tubex.com/products/) were randomly distributed across afforested areas on one half of planted seedlings. Sample of 100 seedlings were selected for two years observation. Weed control was not performed, and the seedlings were exposed to environmental conditions influenced by various abiotic factors (two short-term flooding events in May 2021 and June 2022, high summer temperatures, and precipitation-free periods exceeding six weeks in both growing seasons) and biotic factors (game animals).
At the end of 2021 was the first evaluation of survival and growth and results showed significant differences in survival rate between unprotected (87.86%) and sheltered seedlings (100%). Second evaluation at the end of 2022 showed lower survival rate of unprotected seedlings in comparison to the first year on the field and protected seedlings (59.18%). In the same time protected seedlings showed lower survival rate related to the previous year (89.47%). Positive effect of tree shelters on seedlings survival could be addressed to protection from herbivory, modification of microclimatic conditions, and mitigation of extreme climatic events.In planting time average height (H) of seedlings was 19.84 cm and diameter in the above ground level (D) was 3.65 mm, after first growing season on the field average height (H1) was 22.61 cm and diameter (D1) 4.31 mm, while after the second growing season average height (H2) was 34.25 cm and diameter (D2) 5.56 mm. Seedlings height and diameter was similar for both categories of seedlings during the first year, while in the second year there were noticeable differences in height between seedlings with tree shelters and unprotected seedlings (one way ANOVA, p<0.05). Sheltered seedlings showed superior growth after planting and maintaining this advantage over the observed period (Table 1).
The results of this study confirm the positive influence of tree shelters on the survival and early growth of one-year old oak seedlings during the first two years after field establishment on abandoned agricultural land
PROACTIVE FOREST BIOSECURITY: THE ROLE OF SENTINEL PLANTATIONS AND CROSSBORDER COLLABORATION
No full textDriven by climate change and the globalization of trade and travel, the introduction of non-native
forest pests and pathogens has reached historic highs and continues to rise. Current detection
systems often fail to identify harmful organisms before they become established, as many species
remain inconspicuous during transport or early invasion stages. This delay frequently results in
significant ecological and economic damage, making management increasingly costly and
ineffective. Sentinel plantations (also called ex-patria plantations)—experimental plantings of nonnative tree species established outside their natural distribution—offer an innovative and proactive
solution. By exposing foreign tree species to local insect and pathogen communities, these plantings
allow researchers to identify novel pest–host interactions long before they emerge within trade
pathways. This approach provides an early-warning tool that is both cost-efficient and highly
informative for risk assessment and forest biosecurity planning. The goal of this study was to
evaluate the feasibility, benefits, and challenges of establishing joint Serbian–Chinese sentinel
plantations and to identify tree species and locations most suitable for bilateral monitoring. To
achieve this, we reviewed global sentinel plantation initiatives, analyzed trade and pathway risks
between the two countries, and considered ecological, logistical, and regulatory constraints. Our
analysis revealed that Serbia currently has no established sentinel plantations, despite its diverse
forest ecosystems, strategic location along major European trade routes, and increasing exchange
of plant products with China. In contrast, China has established sites in Beijing and Fuyang with
plantings of Abies alba, Carpinus betulus, Cupressus sempervirens, Fagus sylvatica, Quercus petraea,
Q. suber, and Q. ilex, providing practical experience and methodological frameworks for future
collaboration. Such cooperation would enable coordinated experimental design, shared diagnostic
expertise, and integration of advanced technologies including automated monitoring, molecular
identification, and early-warning informatics. However, successful implementation requires longterm maintenance commitments, harmonized data-sharing procedures, and careful species
selection to minimize ecological risks. Despite these challenges, establishing bilateral sentinel sites
would significantly strengthen early detection capacity and contribute to building more resilient
forest ecosystems
Evaluating the Potential of Personal Weather Stations (PWS) for Semi-distributed Hydrological Modelling
No full textPersonal Weather Stations (PWS) have gained attention in recent years as a potential complement
to operational meteorological networks, which are often sparse and may not adequately capture
localized rain events, especially in areas with complex orography. PWS, on the other hand, can
improve the spatial resolution of rainfall data due to their affordability and, thus, widespread
distribution. However, their effectiveness and reliability depend on overcoming certain challenges.
PWS often lack adherence to World Meteorological Organization standards, as they may not be
properly placed nor regularly maintained, and there are no standardised approaches for data
quality check. Frequent gaps in the series (mainly due to data transmission issues), and a
constantly changing network layout further limit reliability and consistency of PWS data for
hydrological modelling. Therefore, the application of PWS rain data for hydrological modelling is
still in its infancy.
This research focuses on evaluating PWS rainfall data for hydrological modelling in the peri-urban
Lambro catchment in northern Italy, by comparing characteristics of hourly rainfall data obtained
from the MeteoNetwork (Giazzi et al., 2022; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos13060928, 2022) to
those of the rain gauge data obtained from the Regional Agency for the Protection of the
Environment of Lombardy (ARPA). This study focuses on the characteristics of the subcatchmentaveraged rainfall series are compared. The rain depths in each of the 15 subcatchments are
calculated by using the inverse-distance weighting method with the power of 2, and with
increasing maximum distance between the station and the centroid of a subcatchment (10km,25km and 50km). The two subcatchment-averaged rainfall series are compared in terms of (1)
accumulated rain depth, (2) maximum rainfall intensity, and (3) timing of the peak rainfall intensity
during a rain event.
Our results indicate that, compared to ARPA rainfall data, PWS data can both underestimate and
overestimate rainfall values with similar frequency. Specifically, the magnitude of error in rain
depths ranges from -44% to +56% across the subcatchments, and this range does not change
significantly with increasing maximum distance. With the maximum distance of 10 km, in eight
out of 15 subcatchments the absolute value of the error is smaller than 15%, while the median
value amounts to 1.9%, and decreases to -17% and -19% with increasing maximum distance. The
errors in maximum rainfall intensity are slightly larger, ranging from -67% to 76%, when compared
to the official ARPA gauges with the maximum distance of 10 km. The median error amounts to
15.5%, -26% and -30% for the three maximum distance values. Concerning the timing of peak
intensity, there are no discrepancies between the two datasets, and PWS data can be considered
accurate in this regard. However, large errors in rain depths and intensities suggest that PWS rain
data alone cannot be expected to yield accurate outputs in hydrological simulations. This
conclusion will be tested by running a hydrological model with these datasets
Uptake and distribution of Cu, Pb, and Zn in Tilia tomentosa Moench: plant tissue and urban soil interactions
No full textThis study analyzed Cu, Pb, and Zn concentrations in roots and leaves of Tilia tomentosa Moench. and associated soil (at 0-10 cm and 10-30 cm) at Bulevar Nikola Tesla (BNT) and Park Ušće (PU) (Belgrade, Serbia), with Fruška Gora Mt. serving as the control. To evaluate its phytoremediation potential, the bioconcentration (BCFRoot and BCFLeaf) and transloca-tion factors (TF) were calculated. Site-dependent variations were observed for all analyzed parameters, especially at BNT at both depths, with Pb and Zn concentrations greater than 200 mg/kg. Leaf Pb concentrations indicated insignificant soil-leaf transfer. Photosynthetic efficiency measurements in T. tomentosa showed similar mean values within the optimum range for plants at all sites (Fv/Fm > 0.800). This indicates high overall vitality in urban habitats with elevated concentrations of potentially toxic elements, as shown by the absence of statistically significant differences in mean chlorophyll fluorescence values between sites. There was a positive correlation between Cu and Zn levels and Fv/Fm in leaves from all analyzed sites. Thus, the species appears well-adapted to the uptake and accumulation of elements that are vital for optimal photosynthesis and other physiological processes, while photosynthetic efficiency is not significantly impacted by their occasional deficiency
Šuma kao multifunkcionalni ambijent: ekoinovacije u zaštiti životne sredine
No full textŠumski resursi, u diskursu „funkcija blagostanja” savremenog razvijenog društva,
predstavljaju kompleksan i multifunkcionalni ambijent od posebnog značaja za
održivi razvoj. Rad se bazira na vrednovanju socijalnih ekosistemskih usluga šuma,
sa posebnim akcentom na identifikaciji i klasifikaciji šuma posebnog značaja i
šuma visoke zaštitne vrednosti, pogodnih za primenu inovativnih modela zaštite
životne sredine. Definisani su ključni parametri za ekološku i funkcionalnu
valorizaciju šumskih područja u kontekstu njihove rekreativne, terapijske i vaspitno-obrazovne uloge. Istovremeno, predstavljeni su indikatori za procenu pogodnosti
šumskih resursa za obezbeđenje socijalnih funkcija sa društveno-humanističkog
aspekta, uključujući pristupačnost, kulturnu prihvatljivost, mogućnost inkluzije
ranjivih grupa i stepen lokalne participacije. Cilj rada je senzibilizacija naučne,
stručne i šire javnosti za dalji doprinos odgovornom korišćenju šumskih resursa i podsticaj njihovog održivog razvoja. Posebna pažnja posvećena je inovativnim
praksama: Forest Medicine, Forest Bathing (Shinrin-Yoku), Forest Wellness, Nature Selfness i
šumske pedagogije; kao i konceptima Cure Forest i Healing Forest, koji tretiraju šumu
kao prostor za regeneraciju, terapiju i prevenciju bolesti ljudskog organizma. Ovi
programi naročito se primenjuju u skandinavskim zemljama, Nemačkoj, Velikoj Britaniji, Sloveniji, Španiji, Hrvatskoj, Kanadi, SAD-u, Japanu, Južnoj Koreji, Kini,
Australiji i na Novom Zelandu. Zaključeno je da šumski ambijent, kroz integraciju
ekoloških, zdravstvenih, vaspitno-obrazovnih i kulturnih funkcija, predstavlja
ključni savremeni terapeutski, edukativni i pedagoški resurs za razvoj održivih
modela zaštite životne sredine i unapređenja kvaliteta život
ENHANCING AGRICULTURAL LANDSCAPE CHARACTER THROUGH FOREST LANDSCAPE RESTORATION (FLR): THE CASE OF SURČIN MUNICIPALITY
No full textDespite being part of a highly urbanized met
-
ropolitan area of Belgrade, Surčin Municipali
-
ty has a rich agricultural background that has
shaped its landscape for centuries. The terri
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tory of Surčin has been settled since prehis
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toric times, it has been characterised by flat,
marshy terrain intersected by numerous can
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aled streams. While it no longer represents
a traditionally rural landscape, this area has a
long history of agricultural land use. Over the
past fifty years, the municipality has undergone
significant transformation due to infrastructure
development and urban expansion, altering
landscape structure, functioning and meaning,
impacting both historical identity and ecolog
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ical integrity. However, rapid urbanisation pro
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cesses fragmented the landscape, urging for
strategies to preserve and enhance its distinc
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tive landscape character.
The European Landscape Convention (ELC)
represents a paradigm shift in landscape con
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ceptualization. Rather than focusing on the
identification or designation of specific excep
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tional areas for protection, as in the UNESCO
framework, the ELC employs a comprehensive
approach that encompasses the entire terri
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tory for integrated landscape planning, pro
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tection, and management. Ratification of the
ELC in 2011 (Off. Gazette of the RS, no. 4/2011)
created a more favourable context for Serbian
landscape planners to apply the holistic ap
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proach of landscape conceptualization which
has been implemented in The Spatial Plan of
the Republic of Serbia (SPRS) for the period
from 2010 to 2020 and from 2021-2035. Leg
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islative measures for the implementation of the
third national planning document (SPRS 2021-
2035) foresee the development of landscape
character assessment, as a methodology for
identification of the landscape character, its
protection, and management at the region
-
al and local levels through regional, local and
sectoral planning (forestry, agricultural, trans
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portation system, infrastructure, tourism, etc.).
In addition to urban planning, the preservation
and enhancement of agricultural landscape
character largely depend on the effective plan
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ning and management of forestry resources.
This paper explores the role of the novel “For
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est landscape restoration plan” (FLR) in main
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taining the agricultural identity of the Surčin
municipality. The FLR approach is conceptual
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ized as focusing on the landscape, maintaining
and enhancing natural ecosystems within land
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scapes, engaging stakeholders and supporting
participatory governance, tailoring to the local
context using a variety of approaches, restor
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ing multiple functions for multiple benefits, and
managing adaptively to enhance the resilience
of the landscape and its stakeholders over the
medium and long term (UNFCCC 2003).
This paper presents the Surčin Forest Land
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scape Restoration Plan as a case study, illus
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trating the application of Landscape Character
Assessment (LCA) as a research method with
the capacity to integrate the concept of FLR
implementation. By evaluating landscape sen
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sitivity (biodiversity sensitivity and visual sen
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sitivity), the study addresses the fundamental
questions of „what “, „where “, and „how“ in es
-
tablishing new forested areas within a broader
landscape framework.
By adopting a strategic, spatially informed LCA
approach, we can ensure that restoration ef
-
forts enhance biodiversity, connectivity, and
the cultural and ecological identity of Surčin
Municipality. This integrated method promotes
sustainability, resilience, and a strong sense of
place for local communitie
Biodiversity conservation in Djerdap National Park – an example of good practice
No full textIn recent years, we have witnessed increasing pressure on forest genetic resources, and the
conservation of genetic diversity can be considered one of the primary goals of biodiversity
conservation. Although national parks represent a form of in situ conservation of forest genetic
resources, their areas often lack sufficiently effective methods for conserving the gene pool of
individual tree species. Sometimes there is a lack of timely responses to the harmful effects of
biotic and abiotic factors, which can lead to a significant decline in numbers or complete
disappearance of a species from a given area, directly reducing biodiversity. Djerdap National
Park is an area of exceptional biodiversity, where 57 forest and shrub communities have been
identified. This research aimed to present the activities on identifying relict, rare, and
endangered forest tree species in Djerdap National Park, as an example of good practice, to
assess the degree of their endangerment and propose conservation measures. The research was
conducted in selected localities with a protection regime of the first degree, where a total of 17
forest tree species, categorized as relict, rare, and endangered in the Serbian Forest Fund, were
identified. Based on the results obtained, measures for active conservation and monitoring of
individual genotypes or groups of trees were defined, the implementation of which is expected