Outstanding Natural Landscape "Rudnik Mountain": Natural values, protection and sustainable use

Rudnik Mountain is the highest mountain area in central Serbia with the highest peak called Veliki Šturac (Cvijić's peak) at 1132 m above sea level. It is characterized by relatively well-preserved natural and semi-natural habitats, as well as a rich hydrographic network. Institute for Nature Conservation of Serbia has evaluated this area, and by submitting the conservation study to the Ministry of Environmental Protection, the designation procedure was initiated on August 29, 2023. According to the determined values and the proposed protection category, the Ministry of Environmental Protection has prepared a Draft Decree, which categorizes the Rudnik Mountain area as a protected area of the I (first) category, the Outstanding Natural Landscape, with established protection regimes I, II and III, and with a total protected area of 10,017.74 hectares. The vision of the Rudnik Mountain sustainable development is to create more favourable and qualitative conditions for the life and work of the local population, primarily based on the improvement of agricultural production as the main activity of the majority of this area inhabitants. An important step in the designation process based on sustainable development is the involvement of all interested parties, primarily the local population. The sustainability of the protected area development can be achieved if there is support from the local population and their motivation and ability to implement their activities and the infrastructure of local communities in accordance with the conservation of natural values through the established protection regimes of ONL "Rudnik".