ЖИВОТНА СРЕДИНА, ПРОСТОРНО ПЛАНИРАЊЕ И ОДРЖИВИ РАЗВОЈ

SPATIAL PLANS OF SPECIAL PURPOSE AREAS AND PROTECTION OF NATURAL ASSETS IN THE REPUBLIC OF SRPSKA

Branislav Bijelić — Wed, 09 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0200

Spatial plans of special purpose areas represent the most important category of strategic spatial planning documents that deal with the protection of natural assets, i.e. protected natural areas. In Bosnia and Herzegovina, before 1992, the Spatial Plan of the special area of „Sutjeska“ National Park was adopted, while the Spatial Planning Program was adopted for the „Kozara“ National Park. The paper analyzes today's presence of spatial plans of protected natural areas in the territory of the Republic of Srpska, with special reference to the planning propositions from the Amendments of the Spatial Plan of the Republic of Srpska until 2025, which refer to the development of spatial plans of protected natural areas.

SYSTEMATIC AND SPATIAL PLANNING APPROACHES TO ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION IN THE REPUBLIC OF SRPSKA IN THE ZONE OF INFLUENCE OF THE LOW AND MEDIUM RADIOACTIVE WASTE STORAGE/DUMP AT TRGOVSKA GORA IN THE REPUBLIC OF CROATIA

Brankica Milojević, Neđo Đurić — Wed, 09 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0200

The conducted preliminary geological surveys of the territory of B&H show that this territory has been superficially and inadequately defined by experts from Croatia for the purposes of preparing a study of the impact of the planned contents on Trgovska Gora. That is why there is a justified need for the preparation of the same study by experts from Bosnia and Herzegovina. Its preparation and adoption by B&H should be one of the important tasks in the coming period. Another important task is the activation of planning mechanisms for the protection of space at entity levels as an integral part of systemic approaches to the protection of the territory of BiH from harmful cross-border influences. The essence of the Ministry's agile and proactive work in light of the Trgovska Gora issue is reflected in the accelerated dynamics of the creation of a new spatial plan of Тhe Republic of Srpska, the declaration of natural assets and the creation of plans for special purpose areas. It represents the basic mechanism for planning, arranging and sustainable use of space, natural resources, protected areas and the ecological network of The Republic of Srpska. Also, the municipalities of Novi grad, Kostajnica, Kozarska Dubica, Prijedor and Oštra Luka in The Republic of Srpska, whose territory is located in the zone of influence of planned contents on Trgovska Gora, should initiate local activities on the development of new municipal spatial plans, with a focus on environmental protection. In order to develop the mentioned plans, it is necessary to complete all the available spatial and informational basis. It, along with the planning methodology of spatial analysis, is currently quite sufficient to pass the plans. The started and planned research on the territory of Bosnia and Herzegovina under the influence of harmful action must be, in any case, continued, in order to produce a study of the impact of the nuclear waste storage/disposal onTrgovska Gora, as part of a unique spatial information systems, and to improve the scientific research database and their visibility on international research platforms. Therefore, the role of universities, scientific institutes, academies of sciences is of great importance for the future development of the area, because challenges in the field of environmental protection and sustainable use of natural resources have become a very current topic in the domestic public. The role of Bosnia and Herzegovina and entity institutions in the process of creating the state spatial plan of Croatia is also important, as interested parties, because the planned content on Trgovska Gora has not yet been included in the spatial planning documentation of Croatia. Systemic approaches are also reflected in the continuation of activities of state and entity diplomacy, legal and expert teams, in accordance with the legitimate rights to protect state territory, which is defined by numerous international regulations.

ASESSMENT OF THE THREAT OF REPTILES OF THE REPUBLIC OF SRPSKA BASED ON CHARACTERISTICS OF DISTRIBUTION, ECOLOGY AND LIFE HISTORY

Goran Šukalo, Ljiljana Tomović — Wed, 09 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0200

The assessment of extinction risk status according to official categories was never performed on reptiles of the Republic of Srpska. Due to the lack of population studies and scarcity of data on distribution of reptile species within the territory of Republic of Srpska, it is not possible to determine the extinction risk according to quantitative criteria proposed by IUCN. Therefore, the main goal of this paper was to assess the conservation status for 28 reptile species that are definitively present within the area of Republic of Srpska, using the parameters of distribution, ecology and life histories. The results of the analysis showed that 15 reptile species in Republic of Srpska should be categorized as threatened species, including five species (Dinarolacerta mosorensis, Zootoca vivipara, Ablepharus kitaibelii, Vipera berus and Vipera ursinii), with the status of “Critically endangered”, seven species (Pseudopus apodus, Algyroides nigro punctatus, Dalmatolacerta oxycephala, Lacerta trilineata, Elaphe quatuo rlineata, Zamenis situla and Platyceps najadum) with the status of “Endangered” and three species (Testudo hermanni, Lacerta agilis and Telescopus fallax) deserve the status of “Vulnerable”. On the other hand, eight species should be categorized as “Least Concern” and five species as “Near Threatened”. The greatest impact on “Critically Endangered” and “Endangered” species is shown by factors related to ecology.

MEDICINAL PLANTS OF THE NATIONAL PARK „SUTJESKA“: Agrimonia eupatoria L. (Rosaceae)

Siniša Škondrić, Tanja Trifković, Biljana Kukavica — Wed, 09 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0200

The National park „Sutjeska“ is located in the southeastern part of Bosnia and Herzegovina. This oldest and largest national park is characterized by significant biodiversity. The prevention and treatment of various diseases using medicinal plants is deeply woven into the traditions of the peoples of the Balkan Peninsula, including the area of the National park „Sutjeska“. Agrimonia eupatoria is a well-known medicinal plant used in traditional and conventional medicine. The aim of the paper was to compare the antidiabetic and antioxidant properties of the extract of A. eupatoria originating from our region with literature data. Analysis of the qualitative and quantitative content of phenolic components of A. eupatoria ethanolic extract from the Republic of Srpska revealed the presence of flavonoids, phenolic acids, coumarins, catechins and polyhydroxy ascorbic acid (quinic acid). The extract of A. eupatoria showed the best ability to inhibit -amylase and -glucosidase compared to the extracts of Salvia officinalis, Trifolium pratense, Cichorium intybus and Vinca minor, also originating from the territory of the Republic of Srpska. A. eupatoria ethanolic extract from the territory of the Republic of Srpska shows excellent antioxidant activity measured by ABTS and DPPH methods and a good ability to reduce Fe and Cu. The obtained results can be explained by the influence of the qualitative and quantitative composition of phenolic compounds in the extract, the different contributions of individual phenolic compounds from the extract, as well as their possible synergistic and antagonistic relationships.

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

Marko Ivanišević, Neda Živak — Wed, 09 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0200

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.

INTEGRATED SPATIAL PLANNING IN THE FUNCTION OF NATURE PROTECTION – SITUATION, CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR IMPROVEMENT IN THE REPUBLIC OF SRPSKA

Brankica Milojević — Wed, 09 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0200

Nature protection in The Republic of Srpska faces great challenges. Although, according to the Spatial Plan of The Republic of Srpska by 2025 should be between 15 and 20% of the territory in the category of protected natural assets, currently less than 3% of the territory is protected. Also, a spatial plans and zoning plans of special purpose areas have not yet been prepared for all areas declared as natural assets, although they are the basis for implementing the prescribed protection measure. In such circumstances of the slow process of nature protection, the application of integrated spatial planning is extremely important, because it acts preventively and enables nature protect with the planning mechanisms of analysis, valorization and use of space until the official categorization of natural assets. In that aim, it is necessary to further develop the methodology of integrated planning from the aspect of nature pro tection and natural assets and to strengthen the professional capacities of planning teams. Very important prerequisites in this process are the intensive cooperation of planners with the Republic Institute for the Protection of Cul tural, Historical and Natural Heritage of The Republic of Srpska, expanding and permanently updating the information system about nature, supporting biodiversity research, improving legal regulations, raising professional and in stitutional capacities and inter-institutional cooperation.

THE ROLE AND SIGNIFICANCE OF THE CIRCULAR ECONOMY IN ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION

Dušica Pešević — Wed, 09 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0200

Earth as a planet has limited natural resources and current levels of extraction and consumption are not sustainable. The organizational model for the production of goods and services in society is predominantly linear: resources are extracted, passed through the production process, used by society, and then discarded, ignoring external effects. While the linear economy was very successful in creating material wealth in industrialized countries until the 20th century, it has proven to be unsustainable in the new millennium, as such an approach depletes natural resources, piles up waste, contributes to climate change, and increases other forms of pollution and environmental degradation. environment. In contrast to the conventional linear economic model, where resources are extracted, used and discarded, the concept of circular (circular) economy is increasingly developing in the world, conceived as an ideal and instrumental model of development determined by the responsible and cyclical use of resources, in order to maintain their value in the economy, minimized the pressures on the environment and contributed to the improvement of socio-economic well-being. The collection of concepts that make up the circular economy enables the reduction of waste by incorporating the reuse of goods components by design through closed loop and cascade approaches, increasing the resilience of the economic system, preserving the environment, meeting the growing demands of an increasingly populated planet and increasing the operability and profitability of production. The application of circular economy principles brings cleaner air through the application of measures to reduce air pollution, encouraging the use of renewable energy sources and energy efficiency; cleaner water through the implementation of measures to prevent water pollution; regulated waste management system; addressing climate change and a number of other measures that ultimately bring a positive impact on people's health and the preservation of resources for future generations. Eco-innovations are one of the key tools for the transition from a linear to a circular economy and the fight against climate change. The circular economy reduces the pressure on natural resources, and is a prerequisite for achieving the goal of climate neutrality by 2050 and stopping the loss of biological diversity. Implementation of CE worldwide appears to be still in its early stages, mostly focused on recycling rather than reuse. Evidence suggests that CE has numerous advantages as it represents a unique policy strategy for avoiding resource depletion, energy conservation, waste reduction, land management and integrated water resources management. The transition to a system based on a circular economy represents an advantage not only for the market, by stimulating competitiveness and innovation, but also for the environment, reducing resource dependence and waste problems. On the other hand, challenges include lack of clear, standardized quantitative measurements and targets, data quality, lack of advanced technology, weak law enforcement, weak economic incentives, poor governance and lack of public awareness. The advantages are undeniable, and such innovative models lead to a reduction of dependence on raw materials by strengthening the relationship between the company and its customers, offering products with a high degree of customization, the emergence of a participatory economy based on digital technologies, etc. Despite widespread recognition of its benefits, implementation has been slow. Attempts tend to focus on short-term, immediately feasible actions rather than transformative, structural changes. The category of highly circular strategies targets processes such as the creation, design and development of products or services and involves significant investment in research, development and innovation. The lesson learned from successful experiences is that the transition to CE comes from the involvement of all actors of society and their capacity to connect and create appropriate patterns of cooperation and exchange. Previous research shows that the transition to a circular economy represents a systemic shift that contributes to the long-term resilience of society and local communities to climate change and economic shocks, creates business opportunities and jobs, and has lasting positive effects on the environment and society. The government should play a leading role in drawing up a macro-development plan, raising public awareness of the circular economy, establishing a system of laws and regulations, encouraging key industries, investing capital and providing technical support for the development of the circular economy. The circular economy research field still has a long way to go to create positive global, political, economic, scientific, social and environmental impacts. There is a need for studies in different sub-fields to highlight potential impacts in the present and future, as well as research to find ways to accelerate the economic transition towards a circular economy.

ENDEMIC FAUNA OF AQUATIC GASTROPODS OF REPUBLIC OF SRPSKA – CONTRIBUTION TO THE LIST OF STRICTLY PROTECTED WILD SPECIES

Dejan Dmitrović, Vladimir Pešić — Wed, 09 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0200

Endemic taxa are characterized by a small range (distribution area). They are often facing extinction due to the negative impact of anthropogenic factor, and therefore there is a strong need for their protection. According to the current legislatives in Republic of Srpska, endemism (local endemism and stenoendemism) may be a valid reason for placing a species into the group of strictly protected wild species. The goal of this paper was to form a checklist of aquatic gastropods endemic for the area of Republic of Srpska, in order to provide a scientific basis for expanding the existing list of strictly protected wild species. The presented faunistic list of aquatic species endemic for the area of Republic of Srpska was formed after an overview of available malacological literature. According to the existing knowledge, this list should include 18 stenoendemic species: Bosnidilhia vreloana, Bythiospeum petroedei, B. plivense, Iglica bosnica, Paladilhiopsis arion, P. maroskoi, Belgrandiella balkanaensis, B. kurtovici, Islamia dmitroviciana, I. steffeki, Plagigeyeria lewarnei, P. reischuetzorum, Radomaniola nachtigallae, Travunijana gloeri, T. vruljakensis, Lithoglyphus pyramidatus, Marstoniopsis vrbasi and Bythinella tabakovaensis. There are three determined centers of endemism. The most of the listed species inhabit underground waters. Only one species (Marstoniopsis vrbasi) has a defined threat status (CR - Critically endangered). Two species from this list (Islamia dmitroviciana and Bosnidilhia vreloana) already bear the status of a strictly protected wild species in Republic of Srpska, while the remaining 16 species also fulfill the necessary criteria for obtaining the same status. The collected data and discussion indicate the need to complement the existing Regulation on strictly protected and protected wild species by amending the list of strictly protected wild species.