Spatial Discrepancies of Ecological Networks in the Border Region of Serbia and Bulgaria

Abstract

The main objective of the report is to analyze the current status of ecological networks in the border region of Serbia and Bulgaria, illustrate the spatial extent of future NATURA 2000 ecological network in Serbia, and indicate the potential network linkages with the already existing NATURA 2000 sites in Bulgaria. The author’s participation in the verification and mapping of habitat types of NATURA 2000 sites in Bulgaria provoked his interest in their spatial configuration in the border regions, and so far consecutive studies have been carried out along the borders with Greece, Romania, Turkey, and Macedonia. Apart from analysis of relevant literary and electronic sources, comparative analysis between the Serbian model of establishing ecological networks and the experience of Bulgaria, and its Balkan neighbors, is also applied. Mapping as a method is used on one hand as an existing product, but also as a basis for a synthetic approach to derive new regularities and cartographic images. In the border area of Bulgaria there are 15 NATURA 2000 protected areas, of which 4 are under both Birds and Habitats Directives. The Emerald network of Serbia in the border area comprises 12 sites, and 5 more are proposed by a non-governmental organization. The enclosed specially developed schematic map of sites of ecological networks in the border area between Serbia and Bulgaria illustrates the spatial ecological gaps, and on that basis recommendations for the establishment or expansion of new sites are made.