Milica Aleksić
The main task of the research is a long-term biomonitoring of the selected springs (which are located on the Vlasina Plateau) with the aim to conserve the springs by the state and thus improve the environment.
The goal of this research is collecting data regarding the composition of the macroinvertebrate community in the springs of the studied regions. Considering that the springs have been “hotspots” of biodiversity, we believe that we will record some species with limited distribution, threatened species and even endemic species.
All the studied springs belong to the Category III of protection, where certain anthropogenic activities are allowed. One of the goals will be proposal for the possible reconsideration of the status of locations in which the springs are situated. If we detect rare, endemic or endangered species, we will propose the changing the status of protection from Category III in to Category I.
Activities of the project will be represent into three phases:
The first phase includes collecting samples, twice during the seasonal period for establishing the changes in the ecosystem during the seasons. Sampling will be done using kick-net specialized for spring type of ecosystem. At each field we will measure physical and chemical parameters of water: air temperature, temperature of water, depth of water, pH value, water conductivity, turbidity, concentration of oxygen, concentration of phosphorus, nitrate, nitrite, chloride, phosphorus, nitrogen and BOD5. The samples then will be packed in plastic bags, labelled and transferred to the laboratory for counting, sorting and determination.
The second phase involves laboratory work. Collected samples will be sorted and determined using the specific identification keys. Based on the obtained results we will form the database and write all the time the note book of laboratory work. The public will be notified about the results and a great number of volunteers will be included in the research process and the importance of the project will be represented.
The third phase includes the presentation of the obtained results and informing the public about it. The presentation includes the creation of promotional materials, including posters, sketches and power point presentations and present to students and pupils of the surrounding educational institutions and the local population in order to raise human consciousness about the importance of conservation and protection of springs, not just as sources of drinking water is a growing problem but and the importance of protecting biodiversity. It is interesting that these areas are very poor tourist visited probably due to lack of knowledge of the population on the existence of such regions, so that should indicate to the public on these natural resources.
Activities include:
- lectures to students and pupils
- posters and informing the local population
The organization and management of the camp at the Stara Mountain with students and any interested volunteers for their education and training for independent research of springs. The planned realisation of the project is one year.