Serbia sets up first National Ecology Center

The Minister of Environment and Spatial Planning, Mr Oliver Dulić and the Director of Nature Park "Mokra Gora" Emir Kusturica, opened a two day meeting "Nature Conservation and Natura 2000 in Serbia" today. The Ministry of Environment and Spatial Planning is organizing this meeting in order to present to all interested parties (managers of the protected areas, scientific and technical institutions, as well as the representatives of NGOs) a new legislative framework in the field of nature conservation and biodiversity, as well as the process of establishing a network of protected areas "Natura 2000" in Serbia. One of Serbia's obligations in the process of accession to EU is to become a member of the network of protected areas "Natura 2000".

- Serbia aims to become a member of the network of protected EU areas "Natura 2000". Slightly more than a 6% of the territory of Serbia is designated as a protected national area. The current Serbian Government has plans to double the percentage of Serbian lands designated as protected areas by the end of its mandate. - said Minister Dulić during his visit to the Nature Park "Mokra Gora".

In the Nature Park "Mokra Gora" Serbia's first National Ecology Center has been established at a cost of 450,000 euros. The Ministry of Environment and Spatial Planning helped the building of Ecology Center that will employ 20 people. The Centre for Visitors is situated at the altitude of 1,400 m and it covers the area of 2,200 m².

The director of the Nature Park "Mokra Gora" Emir Kusturica emphasized the importance of raising public awareness on the significance of environmental issues.

- What we have here is the first state institution of this kind that was built in 30 years which will serve to all people who accept to follow ecological standards - said Minster Dulić.

- The Center will welcome the first visitors in a month, after the use permit for the facility is obtained. The facility is adequately equipped and it is built on the protected area in accordance with the environmentally friendly principles. This is the proof that environmental protection and education are necessary for Serbian citizens - said the park director Emir Kusturica.