The draft Spatial Plan for the Rtanj Special Nature Reserve envisages solutions that can seriously threaten nature and the chance for a more sustainable development of this unique area. The absence of a protective zone, the planning of ski resorts and the construction of small reservoirs are moves that will lead to the devastation of the natural values of this area. In the following, we present the key problems that come with such a Spatial Plan.
While in Vojvodina, the practice of establishing protection zones around protected areas is regularly implemented, the rest of Serbia, including Rtanj, unjustifiably lags behind this good practice. This is an obvious shortcoming in the Draft PPPN SRP Rtanj. The protective zone is of key importance for preserving the integrity of the natural asset, and its omission threatens the wider area, not only the borders of the reserve.
The proposed Spatial Plan envisages the construction of a ski resort on Rtnja, which poses a serious threat to the ecosystem. The construction of ski resorts would remove large areas of preserved high forests, fragment the habitats of endangered plant and animal species, and damage landscape values. Given the changes in the climate, ski resorts at altitudes below 1500 meters even in the Alps, which have significantly more precipitation, are becoming unsustainable, and artificial snowmaking is both ecologically and economically unjustified. Such projects do not have a long-term perspective and should be deleted from the Draft Plan.
The planned construction of small reservoirs on Vrmdžanska, Lozanska river and Jošanica seriously endangers the Rtnja hydrographic system and violates valid strategic acts in the field of water management and water supply. These accumulations would significantly alter mountain river ecosystems, turning salmonid waters into significantly altered water bodies and endangering native species of fish and other aquatic organisms. In addition, the opening of possibilities for hydropower utilization is completely contrary to local bans on the construction of mini-hydroelectric plants.
The condition of the forests in Rtnje is not satisfactory, with a large part of degraded forest areas. Reclamation of degraded forests and reconstruction in thickets are important measures that would increase water retention, improve biodiversity and reduce soil erosion. Although current forest reconstruction is considered economically unprofitable, the long-term ecological benefits outweigh the short-term economic interests of managers.
We invite citizens to participate in the process of public discussion and send comments on the proposed Draft Spatial Plan. You can send your comments to the following address: Agency for Spatial Planning and Urban Planning of the Republic of Serbia, Ul. kralja Milutina 10a, 11000 Belgrade until October 1. 2024. As well as to take part in the public session of the commission for public inspection on Friday, October 11, 2024. Starting at 11 a.m. in the hall of the SO Sokobanja in Ul. St. Sava no. 23 in Sokobanja.
Download Polekol’s remarks HERE.
We must not allow someone to make a concrete cube out of this pyramidal mountain – send comments! The draft PPPN and SPU are available at the link: https://www.mgsi.gov.rs/cir/dokumenti/javni-uvid-u-nacrt-ppppn-srp-rtanj-i-izveshtaj-o-spu-ppppn-srp-rtanj-na-zhivotnu-sredinu
National photo: Rtanj, Miloš Knežević