INTEGRATING ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL MANAGEMENT PLANS IN SUSTAINABLE HYDROMELIORATION PRACTICES: A CASE STUDY OF THE VOJVODINA REGION

Environmental and Social Management Plans (ESMP) play a crucial role in promoting sustainable environmental practices within hydromelioration systems. By integrating environmental conservation and development objectives, these plans help mitigate adverse impacts and ensure the long-term sustainability of water resource management initiatives. This paper critically analyzes the ESMP implemented for a hydromelioration project in the Vojvodina region, aimed at minimizing ecological, societal, and cultural impacts during the reconstruction and operation of pumping stations. The ESMP emphasizes sustainable environmental practices to mitigate pollution and preserve biodiversity. It addresses occupational health and safety risks, as well as public health concerns. Socio-economic considerations encompass temporary disruptions to livelihoods and social-economic activities, localized primarily around the pumping station sites, workforce presence, machinery deployment, organizational protocols, and technological applications. The study highlights effective strategies for harmonizing developmental imperatives with environmental and social priorities in hydromelioration projects.