Eco-Tourism Evaluation Municipality Medvedja

Background:

The Municipality is located in the southern part of Serbia, 330 km from Belgrade, 90 km from Nis and50 km from Leskovac. Medvedja is located on the banks of the river Jablanica. The region has a much lower population density than neighbouring communities. Village structures tend to be decentralized with neighbours up to a kilometre in distance. Generally speaking family settlements are the norm and include two to three houses; ages vary with a rough average of fifty years.

Medvedja had several factories and industries that have all collapsed. The largest gold mine within the former Yugoslavia once supported a large percentage of the work force. A walk through any forest in the region demonstrates the unique mineral features of the area. Several assets from this infrastructure could perhaps be converted for eco-tourism projects.

Transportation is very limited and in poor repair, above abandoned equipment from the mine could be converted for transportation. In the largest village, one bus arrives in the morning on Thursday and returns in the afternoon from the market place in Medvedja. In earlier more prosperous times daily bus service was the norm. This sector could provide the first practical approach to income generation with a focus on eco-tourism. Mini-kombi service could become more practical once the roads are improved. Alternative fuels, which already reach the market in Serbia, could be introduced. Work currently flows as sources of funding; this piece of road lost funding 2 km from the largest village.

Phase One (Day One – Three):

Our first phase will establish the ecological carrying capacity by gathering statistics and information for a GIS database for the Medvedja, CO (In cooperation with Cleveland State GIS Department). We will have a clear picture of the region to compare as it develops. Data already provided by UNDP will be supplemented at an early stage to create a broader picture of the Municipality.

A digital photo camera will be used to document our investigations. Paths in the woods created by lumber removal and livestock, both of which activities have been curtailed, could be used as bike routes. Zoran Djordjevic, our bicycle activist and photographer, will explore and demonstrate feasibility digitally. The pictures will be used for multi-media presentations, web development, and most importantly a physical record of the conditions as we start this programme. We will be able to keep a clear picture of what we hope to preserve and what needs to be changed.

Phase Two (Day Three – Seven):

Information will be gathered from various locations to create an inventory of environmental assets and liabilities. The hunting association, tourist organization, hotels and spas in the region will all be investigated. Hunting limitations are currently in place, which is a positive sign that shows there is some measure of control. Several reservations that have offer hunting of wild pigs will be a special focus during our assessment. We need to collect relevant information together to evaluate the possibilities for our programme.

A geyser, unique in Europe, is an example of special assets; Roman ruins also offer a unique advantage. The mineral hot springs of the region have drawn people for millennia. Medvedja is also known for wild mushrooms, two of our team members found both large edible mushrooms and other interesting wild life (including various birds and several large turtles) during a short walk. An inventory of species will also be completed. Protection of endangered species could also offer a special focus.

Practical discussions will be held with interested parties about renovating their property for eco-tourism. The possibility of attracting regional environmental seminars will also be explored.

Phase Three (Day Eight – Ten):

A studio will be created to bring all the information together. An open house will be held to present both information collected in the community and information about other projects in the Balkans. In the process an advocacy group could be encouraged to form as a bridge into the community.

Back in Nis

Work will be continued to prepare a web presentation and a full project proposal for Medvedja. REC (Regional Environmental Centre for Central and Eastern Europe0, The Environmental University program in Nis, Anped (Southern Alliance for Sustainable development), Regional tourism organizations (including Green Mountain, BIH), UNDP and other interested parties will be consulted in the process.

The region has a mixed population, which has been reduced as a large number of Albanians have left for nearby Kosovo. These practical realities need to be addressed at the earliest part of our assessment.

The real genesis of modern eco-tourism came after the adoption of the Local Agenda 21 principles in 1992. For Eastern Europe this movement began in 1995 with Hungary leading the way, but in Serbia we will need a more practical approach from the beginning.

“According to forecasts from the World Tourism Organization, the number of international tourist arrivals is expected to nearly double by the year 2010 to 937 million visitors. While tourism no doubt represents a huge boon to the global economy, this growing industry will also have a lasting impact on the environment. More travellers will certainly lead to some environmental degradation - increased pollution from transportation, construction of more facilities to house and entertain these visitors; and like a herd of bulls in a china shop their sheer numbers can sometimes overwhelm a destination's carrying capacity.” From Ecotourism: Threat or opportunity? Regional Environmental Centre for Central and Eastern Europe Bulletin Spring 1996

GUIDELINES

Guidelines for the development of sustainable tourism in natural areas

1. State clear conservation aims.

2. Establish an inventory of existing ecological resources and baseline environmental status.

3. Develop partnerships with all interested parties, especially local communities.

4. Assess the possible environmental degradation and carrying capacity.

5. Analyse tourist markets and visitor's needs.

6. Ensure that tourism supports a wide range of local economic activities.

7. Identify tourism activities that are compatible with the area.

8. Establish standards for quality.

9. Establish management policies that minimize environmental damage, such as zoning for building, and transportation and waste management.

10. Educate and train staff; establish programs for educating visitors.

11. Create a communications and marketing strategy.

12. Establish a program for monitoring and review