The autochthonousness and authenticity of the diversity of species, ecosystems and natural areas, as well as the objects and the phenomenon of geodiversity, are increasingly endangered and burdened with degrading anthropogenic effects. The aim of the course is to emphasize the need for scientifically based and on the legal basis regulated activities and strategies of nature protection. This course will point out a positive and prosperous approach to anthropogenic planning activities aimed at protecting, preserving, nurturing and improving the autochthonous values of biodiversity and geodiversity.

Application of acquired knowledge from the course in the educational process, process of management of protected natural areas and complex environmental protection.

Theoretical lectures

1. Basic theoretical-methodological foundations of nature conservation – definition, aims and research methods; 2. Importance of nature conservation; 3. Historical overview of activities on the nature conservation (global and in Serbia); 4. National strategies in nature conservation (overview of most important international strategies, programs etc.); 5. System of nature protection in Serbia; 6. International initiatives, conventions and programs of nature protection (Biosphere reserves, Ramsar sites etc); 7. Criteria for selection of protected areas – criteria for biodiversity and geodiversity protection; 8. In situ and ex situ conservation approach; 9. Terrestrial and marine biodiversity hot spots: 10. Ecoregions; 11. Important areas for protection – IBA, PBA, IPA…; 12. Ecological networks and ecological corridors of protected areas; 13. Legal and institutional aspect of nature protection; importance of NGOs and international institutions as IUCN, WWF etc; 14. Categorization and zonation of protected areas (international and national standards); 15. Managing of protected areas.

Practical lectures

1-3. Regional biogeographical analysis of protected areas distribution; 4-6. Case study analysis of in situ and ex situ species and populations protection; 7-8. Distribution analysis of protected areas on the territory of Serbia; 9-10. Case study analysis of some protected area in Serbia; 11-12. Field studies in protected areas; 13. Colloquium; 14-15. Presentations of essays.

Јанковић М., Атанацковић Б. (1999): Биогеографија са педологијом, Географски факултет, Београд.

Филиповић Д., Ђурђић С. (2008): Еколошке основе просторног планирања – практикум, Географски факултет, Београд.

Stevanović V., Vasić V. eds. (1995): Biodiverzitet Jugoslavije sa pregledom vrsta od međunarodnog značaja, Biološki fakultet, Ecolibri, Beograd.

Selected scientific and expert papers