A new generation and institutions for the Old Mountain

As part of the BESTbelt project “Old Mountain for New Generations”, a two-day study visit to Old Mountain and a consultative meeting in Pirot aimed at teaching students and local and national institutions about nature protection, planning, and sustainable management.

 

As part of the EU-funded BESTbelt project “Old Mountain for New Generations - Towards accountable and inclusive biodiversity protection” ”, a two-day study visit was organised for students from the Faculty of Biology, Geography, Forestry, Architecture, and Organizational Sciences in August. During the visit, the students explored the unique flora and fauna of the Old Mountain (called Stara Planina in the local language), including endemic and endangered species, through an interactive programme, practical examples and fieldwork. They also learnt about the challenges of conserving natural resources and sustainably managing protected areas. The programme placed special emphasis on linking theoretical knowledge with practice, enabling students to grasp the intricacies of ecosystems and the significance of the responsible use of natural resources.

Parallel to the study visit, the second consultative meeting with institutions within the project was held in Pirot. Representatives of site managers, local municipalities, and tourism organizations from the Old Mountain area had the opportunity to gain a more detailed understanding of national and local nature protection policies and to discuss the challenges and opportunities for the conservation of Stara Planina, which is in the process of being designated as a National Park.

 

The activities described were carried out as part of the EU-funded BESTbelt project “Old mountain for new generations - Towards accountable and inclusive biodiversity protection”, implemented from October 1, 2024, to December 31, 2025 by the Renewables and Environmental Regulatory Institute.

For more information, please contact: 

Ksenija Todorovic, Renewables and Environmental Regulatory Institute (RERI), ksenija.todorovic(at)reri.org.rs

Project website: https://reri.org.rs/en/old-mountain-for-new-generations-towards-accountable-and-inclusive-biodiversity-protection/