Jovana Cvetkovic
This project will contribute to determining the population status of critically endangered, endangered, vulnerable and endemic species on “Lalinačka slatina“ saltmarsh as well as their environmental preferences and threat factors. One of the goals is to examine the attitudes of the local inhabitants and educate them, to raise awareness of the conservation of this habitat and the importance of the species found on it. Interviews with respondents will aim to inform them about the habitat conservation needs. This project will enable the promotion of natural wealth of this area to the local inhabitants, farmers, pupils and the scientific community.
Lalinačka slatina.
1. Forming a floristic list and assess the extent of the anthropogenic impact. “Lalinačka slatina“ saltmarsh is under strong anthropogenic pressure, because of hydromelioration, grazing, extensive agriculture and use of pesticides. The saltmarsh area is inhabited by large number of critically endangered, endangered, vulnerable and endemic taxa. This project will contribute to determining the population status of these taxa, as well as their environmental preferences and threat factors. We will form a floristic list and will assess the extent of the anthropogenic impact. Special attention will be given to plants of importance – to endemic and critically endangered plant species.
Stachys milanii.
2. Field excursion. Members of the team will organize an educational excursion with the assistance of a professors from Faculty of Science and Mathematics, University in Niš. The field excursion is intended for master students of ecology and nature protection.
3. Sociological study. We will conduct research using a standardized questionnaire. The questionnaire will contain questions about the demographics data of the respondents, their attitude towards this saltmarsh, their knowledge of the biological and geological features of this habitat and finally about legal provisions concerning this Nature Monument.
4. Promotional activities. Promo materials with the Rufford Foundation logo will be distributed to commoners during sociological research, presentations, conferences and field trips. Promotion of the protected area and the project itself, will be done in primary school and project results will be presented at the Serbian Universities. Members of BSDSP will organize a conference for stakeholders, in cooperation with the Institute for Nature Conservation of Serbia, with local government representatives, protected area managers and locals. There joint actions for sustainable management of the area will be discussed. Also, there will be an exhibition of photographs taken by researchers and students during the field excursion. An info boards will be set up in cooperation with the Institute for Nature Conservation.