Saving wetlands in Southern Serbia

 

Organization: Bird Protection & Study Society of Serbia (BPSSS – BirdLife Serbia)
Award Amount: €34 000
Project Type: PROZHUM Small Project
Duration: January 2024 – December 2026
Project Contact: Slobodan Marković, slobodan.markovic@pticesrbije.rs
Keywords: ornithology; data collection; data synthesis; advocacy

Seventeen nesting boxes have been installed in the project area as part of the biodiversity monitoring efforts

Seventeen nesting boxes have been installed in the project area as part of the biodiversity monitoring efforts

Summary

Shallow freshwater wetlands and high mountain peat meadows in the southwestern and southern parts of Serbia are rare habitats in the central Balkans and serve as important stopover and breeding sites for migratory birds between the Pannonian and Mediterranean basins. Despite international recognition and certain areas considered nationally protected, the habitats continue to undergo illegal peat extraction, drainage and threats from construction projects. Because of the limited research on biodiversity in this area, it is difficult to make convincing arguments to national officials about the national and international value of protecting and improving these habitats. BPSSS has previously performed sporadic bird migration and nesting surveys in the region and established relationships with local organizations and community members who have shown an interest in acquiring national recognition and protection of these habitats.

To support the process of acquiring national protection and stop illegal activities, BPSSS has selected four sites for biodiversity data collection for this Small Project. The team will conduct field surveys and synthesize previously published and unpublished data. The results will be presented to the local community partners in a series of public events and workshops to support advocacy efforts. Finally, by serving as a link between the state institutions, local organizations, and community members, BPSSS will develop and submit a series initiatives to the Institute for Nature Protection of Serbia and Ministry for Environmental Protection for national protection of these sites.

Objectives

  • Collect biodiversity data and arguments for the initiative to stop illegal peat extraction and amelioration of Pešter wetlands
  • Submit 3 initiatives for the national protection of localities supported by geo referenced data
  • Present results of the project and advantages of protected areas to local communities

Resources

  • Learn more about the PROZHUM project

Funding

Agence Française de Développement (AFD) implements France’s policy on international development and solidarity. Through its financing of NGOs and the public sector, as well as its research and publications, AFD supports and accelerates transitions towards a fairer, more resilient world. It also provides training in sustainable development (at AFD Campus) and other awareness-raising activities in France.