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. The team will conduct field surveys and synthesize previously published and unpublished data.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.