Project will be conducted at only Biosphere reserve in Serbia "Golija–Studenica" (southwest Serbia). This project is focused on biodiversity screening in selected ecosystems, mainly grasslands and grassland forest landscapes, to introduce sustainable use and management concept for local community upon evaluation of quality and quantity of plant resources and information obtained from farmers.

Grasslands and related grassland-forest ecotones of the Man and Biosphere Reserve "Golija-Studenica" so far haven’t been sufficiently researched in terms of distribution, type, ecology, biodiversity, quality and productivity, as well as former and current use and management. One of the main problems in this rural and protected area is insufficient use and management of grasslands whose biodiversity was never assessed. Serious depopulation and ageing in rural mountain areas of the Balkans is also presented at Mt. Golija, causing abandonment and/or improper bio-resources management. This results in loss of biodiversity because of spontaneous vegetation successions.

Since semi natural mesic and dry grasslands in the Balkans represent major source of plant biodiversity, it is important to assess selected grasslands at Golija-Studenica. They are also evaluated for significant presence of medicinal plants which are used in this area for centuries. Although local people already use MAP for herbal remedies for their own consumption, there is no organized collection of MAP and other NWFP (despite the affluent and diverse resources). Grassland’s diversity and productivity is in direct correlation with use and management. It is well accepted that sustainable use and management of bio-resources is the best way for their conservation. Most recent conservation approaches valorise mapping of traditional management practices and traditional knowledge as well.

Our efforts will be focused on referral of the local community to sustainable use of present resources, which can lead to the diversification of economic activities and opportunity for reducing depopulation in this rural area.