SUPPLEMENTARY FEEDING STATIONS, BIRD WATCHING AND ECOTOURISM IN NORTH MACEDONIA

Ecotourism has the potential to positively develop the tourism sector in the Republic of North Macedonia. It emphasizes the protection of the environment, nature, and related resources. In addition to traditional tourism, ecotourism can serve as an additional source of income for the country. This type of tourism promotes the preservation of all ecosystems, including water, soil, air, and the cultural heritage of specific regions. Globally, various activities promote ecotourism, one of which is birdwatching. Birdwatching can be directly linked to the creation of supplementary feeding stations, which serve as a wildlife conservation measure and an ecotourism activity. The research problem addressed in this paper focuses on the protection of wildlife, particularly vultures, which are protected species of great importance to biodiversity. The research objectives include analyzing the current situation of wild bird feeding stations in the country and proposing measures to improve the situation while developing ecotourism in this domain. The methodology employed in the study involves content analysis, including an evaluation of legal regulations, domestic and international experiences, and best practices in wild bird conservation. Additionally, the authors conduct field visits to assess the potential for ecotourism development and feeding station implementation on-site.