SPATIAL PLANNING ASPECTS OF NATURAL HAZARD TREATMENT IN PROTECTED AREAS OF THE REPUBLIC OF SRPSKA

Abstract

Spatial planning has maintained its continuity since the inception of the Republic of Srpska, embodying an endeavor of broad societal significance. One of the main tasks of spatial planning is to create frameworks and conditions for sustainable spatial development. Sustainable development of a territory implies preserved and enhanced nature and environment. The concept of protecting certain areas with valuable biological and landscape diversity, as well as specific ecosystems and habitats of plants and animals, significantly contributes to the overall sustainable development of a territory. The complexity of physical geographical and other characteristics of the Republic of Srpska's territory has influenced the presence of certain natural hazards. Natural hazards can threaten the normal functioning of protected areas and their wider surroundings to a greater or lesser extent. One of the unavoidable phases in the overall disaster risk management cycle is the planning or prevention phase. Spatial planning plays a significant role in this phase. Its role primarily lies in the preparation of adequate spatial planning documentation for protected areas with a special emphasis on protection from the negative consequences of natural and other hazards. This paper analyzes the presence of certain natural hazards in protected areas based on spatial planning documentation and assesses the vulnerability of each protected area depending on the type of natural hazard. The analysis has shown that hydro-climatological hazards are the most prevalent in protected areas, while hazards from the biological and geophysical groups are represented to a lesser extent. Additionally, the analyses have shown that almost all types of natural hazards have been identified in the National Parks "Kozara," "Sutjeska," and "Drina," as well as in the Nature Park "Orjen." The results of the analysis necessitate a systematic approach to addressing the aforementioned issues in terms of developing adequate spatial planning documents and elaborating on the methodology related to protection from natural disasters and other accidents.