Luković, M., Šilc, U. – Management of continental saline ecosystems in the Republic of Serbia – Are these
ecosystems suitable for nature-based tourism? – Hotel and Tourism Management, 2021, Vol. 9, No. 2: 37-49.
37
Original Scientific Paper UDC: 338.483.11(497.11)
502.131.1
doi: 10.5937/menhottur2102037L
Management of continental saline ecosystems in the
Republic of Serbia – Are these ecosystems suitable for
nature-based tourism?
Milica Luković
1*
, Urban Šilc
2
1
University of Kragujevac, Faculty of Hotel Management and Tourism in Vrnjaĉka Banja,
Serbia
2
ZRC SAZU, Institute of Biology, Ljubljana, Slovenia
Abstract: Continental saline habitats represent unique, authentic and rare ecosystems. These
ecosystems are typically distributed in arid and semi-arid regions; however, they are also
found in inland areas in temperate climate zones. Usually, the general public is not familiar
with this particular type of ecosystem. In order to present saline habitats to tourists, a broadly
applied method of ecosystem suitability assessment (ESI – ecosystem suitability index) was
used and adjusted to the purposes of this research. The research aims to estimate the nature-
based tourism potentials of selected sites. Thus, six representative halophytic habitats
distributed along the geographic gradient, from the Pannonian Plain to the south of Serbia,
were chosen. In terms of each site, seven indicators (e.g., flora and vegetation, bird fauna,
landscape, protection status, accessibility, and ecotourism facilities), important for nature-
based tourism, were analyzed. The results show that the Pannonian saline habitats have
greater opportunities for development of this type of tourism in almost all categories
compared to southern sites.
Keywords: saline habitats, nature-based tourism, ecosystem suitability index
JEL classification: Q57
Upravljanje slatinskim ekosistemima u Republici
Srbiji – Da li su pogodni za turizam zasnovan na
prirodnim resursima?
Sažetak: Kontinentalna slatinska podruĉja predstavljaju jedinstvene, autentiĉne i retke
ekosisteme. Ova podruĉja su svojstvena aridnim i semiaridnim klimatskim zonama, ali se
sporadiĉno pojavljuju duboko u kontinentu umerene zone. Ĉesto je ova vrsta ekosistema
nepoznata široj populaciji. U svrhu pribliţavanja slatinskih staništa turistima korišćen je
široko primenljivan metod procene podobnosti ekosistema za turizam zasnovan na prirodnim
resursima. Cilj ovog istraţivanja je procena ekoturistiĉkih potencijala odabranih podruĉja. Za
* [email protected]
This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and
conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY) license
(http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).
Luković, M., Šilc, U. – Management of continental saline ecosystems in the Republic of Serbia – Are these
ecosystems suitable for nature-based tourism? – Hotel and Tourism Management, 2021, Vol. 9, No. 2: 37-49.
38
potrebe istraţivanja izdvojeno je šest reprezentativnih slatinskih lokaliteta duţ geografskog
gradijenta, od Panonske nizije do juga Srbije. Za svaki lokalitet je analizirano sedam
kriterijuma (flora i vegetacija, fauna ptica, predeo, status zaštite, pristup i ekoturistiĉka
infrastruktura) koji su znaĉajni za ekoturizam. Rezultati su pokazali da panonske slatine
imaju veći ekoturistiĉki potencijal po gotovo svim analiziranim kriterijumima u poreĊenju sa
juţnim slatinama.
Ključne reči: slatinska podruĉja, ekoturizam, indeks podobnosti ekosistema
JEL klasifikacija: Q57
1. Introduction
Saline ecosystems are primarily distributed in arid and semi-arid regions, but they could be
found in all climate zones as a type of intrazonal vegetation. Generally, around the globe,
naturally occurring saline areas, salt affected soils include salt marshes, salt coastal wetlands
or salt sandy shores, as well as continental salt marshes and meadows/pastures. Flora and
vegetation growing in salt-affected areas is referred to as halophytic flora and vegetation.
Halophytes are remarkable group of plants that have developed special abilities and
mechanisms to cope with extremely high salt concentrations (Ranĉić et al., 2019). The fact is
that only a small number of plants can grow in conditions of increased salinity. The habitats
with halophytic flora and vegetation are indeed captivating landscapes, bearing no
resemblance to any other attractive ecosystem. Saline habitats, as rare and specific
ecosystems, have an important role and are valuable for preserving the natural habitats of
halophytic species and communities, including the regulatory and supporting functions, as
well as a great potential for tourism development. Because of their authenticity,
representativeness and rarity, saline habitats can be ranked as an ecotourism attraction.
In the Republic of Serbia, these rare saline habitats are primarily distributed in the Pannonian
plane, where different salt-affected soil types occupy the surface of 15,000 to 25,000 ha.
Most of them are located in Baĉka, then in Banat and fewer in Srem. The highest percentage
of solonetz type of soil is found in Banat (68,000 ha), less in Baĉka (4000 ha) and even less
in Srem (3,000 ha) (ĐorĊević & Radmanović, 2016). Saline habitats appear as small
mosaically distributed patches in the southern part of Serbia, near the Prokuplje, Vranje and
Bujanovac. Natural saline ecosystems are among the most endangered and fragile habitats in
Serbia, due to high anthropogenic pressure, including the formation of reclamation canals,
changes in the water regime, conversion of salt-affected soils into arable land or garbage
dumps, intensive grazing, invasion of weeds and ruderal flora, burning, construction etc.
According to (Zlatković et al., 2005), to this day, rare saline habitats have survived in the
area of Vojvodina and few of them in the south of Serbia. Besides well-affirmed ecotourism
attractions, saline habitats could be seen as captivating multifunctional additions in tourism
offer, contributing to nature conservation and education, as well as boosting the economy
and diversification of economic activities in local communities.
In general, saline habitats, especially coastal and continental salt marshes, have similar
characteristics to wetlands that are recognized as an ecotourism attraction. Wetlands, as well
as salt marshes, are ranked as productive ecosystems for their biodiversity richness,
especially in plant and bird species, and very attractive landscapes. According to biodiversity
and ecosystem features, these types of habitats could be considered as a place of nature-
based tourism and recreation. Coping and replicating a well-established model of wetland
ecotourism supports development of saline habitats as ecotourism sites that provide
advantages and potentials for local communities through the diversification of the local
economy, as well as ensures ecological benefits for these sites.
Luković, M., Šilc, U. – Management of continental saline ecosystems in the Republic of Serbia – Are these
ecosystems suitable for nature-based tourism? – Hotel and Tourism Management, 2021, Vol. 9, No. 2: 37-49.
39
The aim of this study is to review and assess suitability of selected saline habitats in the
Republic of Serbia for nature-based tourism. The research was based on the hypothesis that
the remaining natural and autochthonous saline habitats possess a variety of natural values
(original flora, fauna, landscapes, etc.) suitable to be considered as nature-based tourism
objects providing a range of ecological and economic benefits.
2. Theoretical background
Throughout the world, saline habitats refer to coastal salt marshes called lagoons, mangrove
habitats, sand dunes, continental halophytic ecosystems with specific halophytic flora and
vegetation adapted to survive in the range of environmental conditions – edaphic rather than
climatic, as well as wet saline habitats, deserts and salt meadows in the temperate climate
zone (González, 2020; O‟Leary & Glenn 1994). Saline habitats are characterized by a range
of roles in terms of ecosystem functions and services. Besides maintaining ecosystem
balance, they have a variety of commercial values (Nikalje et al., 2019). Saline meadows are
traditionally used for livestock grazing as well as hay supply for winter feed. It is known that
many halophytes are suitable for pharmaceuticals or industrial chemicals production, as well
as for raw materials such as fiber, biomass, biofuel, etc. (Dagar, 2005). Halophytes support
human well-being through food, fodder, non-timber forest products (Zhao et al., 2011). They
are also a source of medicinal and aromatic plants, spices, construction materials, energy,
and ecosystem support. Their role in CO2 sequestration, landscaping, natural purification,
environmental protection and wildlife support is very important (Luković et al., 2021). In
addition, a number of recent studies examined chemical suitability of halophytes for human
nutrition (Barreira et al., 2017). The demand for halophytic products on the European market
is growing. Some halophytic species, e.g., Salicornia europaea, Salicornia fruticose, Suaeda
maritima, Aster sp. genus Atriplex have already become a part of the new and attractive
cuisine. In some tourist centers they are included in the gastronomic offer and often used in
salads, as spices, side dishes and etc., due to their health benefits for the consumers
(Petropoulos et al., 2018; Srivarathan et al., 2020).
Several studies (e.g., Lasabuda et al., 2019) investigated ecotourism suitability of mangrove
habitats (as one of the saline types). Mangrove ecosystems are becoming, in recent times, a
subject of interest as tourism destinations. The growing popularity of mangroves and the
findings of the mentioned studies are used to promote a sustainable approach, nature, and
wildlife conservation (Nelly et al., 2019). In addition, certain studies were conducted to
determine marine ecotourism suitability (Johana et al., 2017; Tanto et al., 2018). By
examining the studies, practice, knowledge, and experience in wetlands ecotourism, as well
as a new approach in mangrove ecosystem as an ecotourism destination, the authors came up
with the idea to analyze potentials and suitability of continental saline habitats in this respect.
Salt marches and salt meadows (steppe) are inconsistently distributed in the territory of the
Republic of Serbia (the Pannonian plane and southern Serbia). Salt marches represent one of
the floristic centers in the Republic of Serbia. The landscape of saline habitats complements
several shallow alkaline lakes. These rare inland habitats have existed in the Carpathian
Basin since the last Ice Age (Šefferová Stanová et al., 2008). The unusual plant species
characteristic for marine areas rather than the country which has no access to the sea,
together with sparkly-crystal surfaces formed due to the increased salt concentration in the
soil and high evaporation of groundwater during summer, make these areas unique and very
attractive. Alkaline lakes are habitats of many different bird species that could be the subject
of interest of a wider group of ecotourists (Ecsedi et al., 2004). Due to limited geographical
distribution and anthropogenic factors, they belong to the group of the most threatened
habitats in Europe. Only several sites are under protection, while the rest of them are
competing with agriculture or human impact. In recent time there has been some progress
Luković, M., Šilc, U. – Management of continental saline ecosystems in the Republic of Serbia – Are these
ecosystems suitable for nature-based tourism? – Hotel and Tourism Management, 2021, Vol. 9, No. 2: 37-49.
40
towards protecting such rare ecosystems. Nature-based tourism could be the solution for the
promotion of educational aspects including gaining practical experience, getting
opportunities to work with scientists, involvement in data collection and active participation
in nature conservation. Ecotourism activities offer travel opportunities to tourists who are
fond of nature and willing to contribute to conservation, as well as open to learning about
rare habitats, country and culture (Lowman, 2004). As responsible tourism branch, nature-
based tourism is a driving force and a safeguard of the ecosystem integrity and producer of
economic benefits for local communities that can encourage conservation (Nash, 2001). Such
rare ecosystems are always attractive for eco-tourists, and their “placing on the market” must
be strictly regulated by conservation strategies and sustainable use of natural resources, even
though nature-based tourism has less harmful impacts (Sánchez-Prieto et al., 2021). To avoid
any kind of negative impact of tourism, it is necessary to apply sustainable development
models, which imply using natural resources “that meet[s] all economic, social, and aesthetic
needs while respecting cultural integrity, basic ecological processes, biological diversity, and
lifestyles” (Raiĉević & Marjanović, 2021, p. 92). Saline ecosystems as a part of rural
ambient include numerous additional activities arranged by rural hosts such as hunting,
fishing, horse-riding, walking, even wellness (Tomić et al., 2020).
3. Materials and methods
3.1. Study area
The study area includes two representative continental saline habitats located in the
Pannonian plane (Slano Kopovo and Rusanda) and four habitats geographically distributed in
southern Serbia (Lalinaĉka slatina, Oblaĉinska slatina, Bresniĉić and Aleksandrovaĉka
slatina) (Figure 1).
Slano Kopovo represents one of the most important saline habitats in the Republic of Serbia
according to the level of preservation of authenticity and nature. Slano Kopovo is located in
northwestern Banat (Province of Vojvodina) near the city of Novi Beĉej. This saline habitat
is also important for its saline lake. The lake (together with its surrounding area) was
declared a natural asset of exceptional importance and classified in the first category of
protection at the end of 2001, while according to the classification of the International Union
for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) it belongs to category IV - habitats and other managed
areas. In addition, Slano Kopovo was listed under the Ramsar Convention in 2004 as a
wetland of international importance. It is characterized by a steppe-continental climate, as
well as all other areas in Vojvodina. During the summer months, the lake usually dries up
and a salt crust forms on the floor of the lake. This site is a typical example of extreme saline
habitats which are characterized by a mixture of salt marches and salt steppe vegetation.
Many plant species characteristic of this type of vegetation are rare or endemic species and
are protected by the law (saltwort- Salsola soda, sea-blites- Suaeda maritima, glasswort-
Salicornia europaea, Schwartzerbergian’s plantain- Plantago schwartyerbergiana etc.). In
addition, Slano Kopovo is one of the most important bird habitats in Serbia.
Lake Rusanda is one of the saline habitats in Banat region. This lake is part of the Rusanda
Nature Park and is surrounded by meadows and anthropogenicaly altered habitats. The
Rusanda Spa and its Special Hospital for Rehabilitation, located in the centre of the Nature
Park, use mineral peloid in different medical and spa treatments. This lake represents one of
the last remaining alkaline lakes in Serbia. Lake Rusanda is located near the town of Melenci
and resembles the shape of the letter C. It is inhabited by numerous bird species, and it is a
migratory stopover. The shore of Rusanda lake is overgrown with the Pannonian endemic
seashore aster - Aster tripolium ssp. panonnicus and succulent halophytes.
Luković, M., Šilc, U. – Management of continental saline ecosystems in the Republic of Serbia – Are these
ecosystems suitable for nature-based tourism? – Hotel and Tourism Management, 2021, Vol. 9, No. 2: 37-49.
41
Saline habitats of central and southern Serbia include limited number of sites distributed
around Prokuplje and along the valley of the South Morava, near Vranje and Bujanovac.
These complex salt habitats include several sites: Lalinaĉka slatina, Oblaĉinska slatina,
Bresniĉić and Aleksandrovaĉka slatina, that are the subject of the research in this study.
These saline habitats are mosaically distributed in the shape of small patches around the
source of salt waters. A few saline sites in this region belong to vulnerable and threatened
habitats. Flora and vegetation in this region differ from those in the Pannonian region in a
biogeographical sense. The impact of sub-mediterranean climate has produced specific
conditions. Floristic differences are reflected in the presence of rare and endemic species
such as Camphorosma monspeliaca, Satchys milanii, Puccinelia festuciformis ssp. Convolute
etc., but also in the absence of succulent halophytic flora.
Figure 1: Geographical distribution of selected saline sites
Source: Author‟s research (author‟s photographs: 1. Slano Kopovo, 2020; 2. Rusanda, 2015;
3. Oblaĉinska slatina, 2020)
3.2. Data collecting method
Necessary datasets were collected during the comprehensive research of saline habitats in the
Republic of Serbia (2012-2015) and these include: vegetation patterns (communities,
density, cover), floristic data, data on protection or endangerment, geospatial information, as
well as community information such as accessibility to main roads or ecotourism facilities.
Data on flora and vegetation were collected using the standard Braun-Blaquet method
(Braun-Blaquet, 1932) widely used in the science of phytocoenology. The data on more than
300 relevés were collected on the whole territory and stored in vegetation databases (GIVD,
Dajić-Stevanović et al., 2012). For the purpose of this research, 16 relevés were examined
for each of the selected sites. Data on fauna were collected from secondary literature sources.
Geospatial and communities‟ data were collected using GPS, fieldwork observation and
national infrastructure of geospatial data (National Spatial Data Infrastructure, 2021).
Luković, M., Šilc, U. – Management of continental saline ecosystems in the Republic of Serbia – Are these
ecosystems suitable for nature-based tourism? – Hotel and Tourism Management, 2021, Vol. 9, No. 2: 37-49.
42
3.3. Data analysis
Data analysis was conducted based on similar studies (e.g., Nelly et al., 2020; Pin et al.,
2021) with adjustment of selected parameters to this research. The final set of
parameters/variables include vegetation cover, percentage of endemic, rare or attractive plant
species per relevé, bird diversity, percentage of modified landscapes, category of the
protected area, accessibility in terms of main roads vicinity and ecotourism infrastructure
such as info tables, viewpoints, bridges, towers etc. Ecotourism suitability assessment was
carried out using ESI (ecosystem suitability index for continental saline habitats).
ESI = ∑ (Ni/ Nmax) x 100% (1)
N
i = The value of parameter “
I” (weight x score),
Nmaks = Maximum value of continental saline habitat tourism category.
The suitability index was classified into three categories consisting of N = Not suitable, with
a value of <50%, S2 = Quite suitable, with a value of 50-75% and S1 = Suitable, with a value
of 75-100% for parameters that could be estimated using percentage share.
Table 1: Matrix of continental saline habitats ecotourism suitability
Env. Parameters/category Score
Weight
1 3 5
N S2 S1
Vegetation cover (VC) 5 <50% 50-75% >75%
Endemic/rare/attractive species
(NSp)
5 <50% 50-75% >75
Birds diversity (BD) 3 <30% 30-50% >50%
Protection status (PS) 3 NOP
NM, FOB,
SNR,
NtP, NP
Modified landscape (ML) 3 >70% 30-70% <30%
Accesability (A) 1 ND/NR
ND/HR
D/HR
Ecotourism facilities (EF) 1 NEF IT IT, VP, etc.
Note: Abbreviations: NOP – Not protected, NM – Natural monument, FOB – Features of
outstanding beauty, NtP – National park, SNR – Special nature reserve, NP – Nature park,
ND – Not designed, NR – Not road, D – designed, HR – Have road, NEF – Not ecotourism
facilities, IT – Info tables, VP – Viewpoints)
Source: Author‟s research
4. Results and discussion
The main parameters that were considered for the nature-based tourism suitability of
continental saline habitats were selected according to similar studies that deal with the main
factors of ecotourism attractiveness. The following 7 categories were assessed: vegetation
cover, participation of endemic, rare and attractive flora, bird diversity as an important
ecotourism attraction, the status of protection, level of anthropogenic modification of original
landscape, a factor of accessibility and existing ecotourism facilities or infrastructure. The
weights and score values were given according to the importance of ecotourism activities
(Table 1). The values of each category were given based on fieldwork research described in
Luković, M., Šilc, U. – Management of continental saline ecosystems in the Republic of Serbia – Are these
ecosystems suitable for nature-based tourism? – Hotel and Tourism Management, 2021, Vol. 9, No. 2: 37-49.
43
Methods and represented in Table 2. Based on observation results, out of all criteria
parameters related to suitability of saline habitats for nature-based tourism, Oblaĉinska
slatina had the lowest ESI value of 45.3, while Rusanda had the highest ESI value of 87.4.
The matrix of nature-based tourism suitability indicates that sites Slano Kopovo and Rusanda
are suitable (S1), while Lalinac is quite suitable (S2) and Oblaĉina, Bresniĉić and
Alekdandrovac are not suitable (N); The possible reasons for such results lie in the fact that
they are not protected, there are no information signs or boards which would inform the
people about their location and significance and are considerably modified by anthropogenic
impact.
Table 2: The suitability values of continental saline habitats categories for nature-based
tourism
Research
site
Sampling
point
Parameter/category ∑ ESI SCg
VC NSp BD PS ML A EF
Slano
Kopovo
Water,
Costal
Meadow
75.0 70.0 74.0 70.0 10.00 90.0 10.0 79 83.2 S1
Rusanda
Water,
Costal
Meadow
70.0 70.0 84.0 75.0 30.00 90.0 70.0
83 87.4 S1
Southern
salines
Lalinac 70.0 30.0 70.0 60.0 50.00 75.0 1.00 53 50.8 S2
Oblaĉina 60.0 40.0 70.0 1.00 75.00 75.0 51.0 43 45.3 N
Bresniĉić 55.0 60.0 70.0 1.00 75.00 1.00 1.00 47 49.5 N
Aleksand
rovac
60.0 55.0 65.0 1.00 75.00 50.0 10.0 47 49.5 N
Note: SCg – Suitability category
Source: Author‟s research
4.1. Vegetation cover and floristic attractiveness of continental saline habitats
Natural resources are a very important component of the development of tourism in general.
Knowledge and assessment of natural resources represent the basis for strategic planning and
management of the potential tourism area. Flora and vegetation are components of natural
biological resources. Vegetation cover with endemic, rare and attractive species has the
highest weight because it represents the key factor of attractiveness. According to Reichel et
al. (2008), nature and landscape play an important role in attractiveness, including the wild
flora and fauna, as well as the tradition and culture. Rare, endemic flora is very competitive
for tourism attractions (Henri et al., 2017). As reported in the assessment study (Asrianny et
al., 2020) of main ecotourism attractiveness, flora was identified as a very important factor in
addition to natural features. Some strictly protected plants, among which are
succulents Salicornia europaea, Suaeda pannonica, Suaeda maritima, Salsola soda, etc., are
found on the territory of saline habitats of Vojvodina, to which Slano Kopovo and Rusanda
belong (Luković & Dajić Stevanović, 2020). These plant species represent the main
attraction and build a recognizable mosaic of the landscape together with evaporated salt
crystals on the land surface. The second group of floristic attractions includes salt-steppe
meadows populated with Artemisia santocica that smells like the seaside. Besides the
mentioned plants, many other endemic, rare and attractive species grow in this region such
as Limonium gmelini, Plantago schwartzerbergiana, Plantago maritima, which are all
considered important ecotourism objects as confirmed by other studies in the field of
ecotourism (Brankov & Ţujović, 2008). A Ramsar site - Special Nature Reserve “Slano
Kopovo” and the Nature Park “Rusanda” represent the last examples of the authentic
Pannonian salt marshes with a wealth of flora and fauna (Ĉuĉulović et al., 2012). On the
Luković, M., Šilc, U. – Management of continental saline ecosystems in the Republic of Serbia – Are these
ecosystems suitable for nature-based tourism? – Hotel and Tourism Management, 2021, Vol. 9, No. 2: 37-49.
44
other hand, southern saline habitats are fragmented and mosaically distributed like small
patches in total surroundings. They give a unique visual effect to the landscape. All Panonian
saline habitats do not contain the same number of different species, however this does not
diminish the floristic value of sites. Several studies recognized and valorized salt marshes as
a touristic potential based on the authenticity of a site, designation as a Ramsar site or the
potential for local development (e.g., Brankov & Ţujović, 2012; Stojanović et al., 2018).
4.2. Bird diversity
Birdwatching is one of the acceptable recreational ecotourism activities since it seeks to
observe wildlife (Rajević et al., 2016). It represents a very responsible and educational
activity, and, as part of ecotourism, supports conservation of natural and cultural values of
the local area, contributes to the development of the local community and brings important
economic benefits (Son et al., 2011). Birdwatching is considered in numerous studies as a
part of the ecotourism package (e.g., Suana et al., 2020). The most developed birdwatching
market is in Great Britain and the Netherlands, while the most attractive destinations are
exotic countries (Africa, Asia, Japan, India). Having in mind the fact that more than 70% of
the bird fauna of Europe lives in Serbia, the country represents one of the potentially
desirable locations for bird watching (Škvareninová et al., 2013). Centers of bird diversity in
the Republic of Serbia are related to nature protected areas like NP Djerdap, NP Kopaonik,
NP Golija etc., or Ramsar sites such as Peštersko polje, Vlasina, Gornje Podunavlje,
Labudovo okno and Zasavica. Saline lakes Slano Kopovo and Rusanda, as subjects of this
research, are home to more than 200 bird species and important migratory stations.
Especially interesting bird species are thin-beaked mallard, blue-billed duck, black float,
little cormorant, and cranes. Floristic and bird fauna characteristics of saline lakes make the
core basis for suitability for nature-based tourism in these areas.
4.3. Protected areas
Protected areas with their natural beauties are identified as a key expressive attribute of
ecotourism satisfaction (Carvache-Franco et al., 2020). Three of the selected sites researched
in this study were designated as protected areas: the Special Nature Reserve “Slano
Kopovo”, Nature Park “Rusanda” and Natural Monument “Lalinaĉka slatina”. The rest of the
studied sites are not under protection, notwithstanding their vulnerability and natural values.
The status of protection determines the value/weight of the particular parameter and affects
the final score; accordingly, the mentioned sites are considered suitable for nature-based
tourism.
4.4. Authenticity of landscape
Some studies reported the importance of original eco-landscape for ecotourism suitability
assessment (Bunruamkaewa & Murayamaa, 2011; Xiaolei et al., 2015). The results show that
protected sites (Slano Kopovo and Rusanda) have the highest values (between 10% and 30%
are modified) of the preserved original landscape, while saline habitats in the south are over
50% modified and under the intensive anthropogenic impact. According to Zlatković et al.
(2005), these southern saline habitats are suffering the negative impacts of agriculture,
pollution, and degradation. These human factors disturb the original landscape and diminish
the natural value important for tourism development.
Luković, M., Šilc, U. – Management of continental saline ecosystems in the Republic of Serbia – Are these
ecosystems suitable for nature-based tourism? – Hotel and Tourism Management, 2021, Vol. 9, No. 2: 37-49.
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4.5. Community factors (accessibility and ecotourism facilities)
Road network and infrastructure enable access to site points. Road accessibility was analyzed
as one of the compulsory criteria for ecotourism suitability (Šiljeg et al., 2019). Developed
road network and ecotourism infrastructure can largely affect the economic improvement of
tourist destination (Chandio et al., 2014). Slano Kopovo has a good position in terms of
traffic infrastructure, due to main roads which facilitate access from the direction of Novi
Beĉej. In the vicinity of Slano Kopovo, in the 30km to 50km radius, the town of Kikinda and
the city of Novi Sad are located. The Rusanda site is located near a small town of Melenci
and gravitates towards Zrenjanin and Novi Sad. Both sites are equipped with basic
ecotourism facilities such as information desks or small tourism facilities. Researched sites in
southern Serbia are less developed in terms of road infrastructure. These sites are situated in
villages and some of them do not have direct access to major roads and are not marked by
information or sign boards. Due to their geographical position, Lalinaĉka slatina, Oblaĉinska
slatina and Bresniĉić gravitate towards the city of Niš and the town of Prokuplje, while
Aleksandrovaĉka slatina gravitates towards the town of Vranje. The common characteristic
of all these areas is that they are not marked by information boards and do not have any
ecotourist facilities. Analyzed community factors indicate that the Pannonian saline habitats
are more suitable for nature-based tourism development. Investments in infrastructure
represent one of the crucial activities and strategic advantages for any type of tourism
development (ĐorĊević-Milošević et al., 2021).
5. Conclusion
In this paper, the authors analyzed two Pannonian saline habitats (Slano Kopovo and
Rusanda) and four saline habitats situated in southern Serbia (Lalinaĉka slatina, Oblaĉinska
slatina, Bresniĉić and Aleksandrovaĉka slatina) according to their nature-based tourism
suitability. Continental saline habitats represent exceptionally valuable biodiversity areas,
however, the public is generally not aware of their existence. Tourism development in these
areas must support protection, education, and promotion of natural values in order to
preserve saline habitats. According to the results, the Pannonian continental saline habitats
belong to the S1 suitability category. Lalinaĉka Slatina belongs to the S2 category in terms of
its suitability, while the rest of the southern Serbian saline habitats are not considered
suitable for nature-based tourism.
Although the Pannonian saline habitats are in the S1 category thanks to their exceptional
flora and bird fauna and authenticity of landscape, investments in improvement and
promotion of eco-tourism facilities are needed. The saline habitats in southern Serbia need to
be further studied in the future period, as well as protected by the law and finally adequately
promoted as potential nature-based sites.
Acknowledgement
Basic data on flora and vegetation, landscape, site management, etc., were collected thanks
to the project “Sustainable Use and Management of Halophytic Grasslands as Key Element
for Biodiversity Conservation”, No. 9636-1 supported by Small research grants, Rufford
foundation. Data process and analyzing were conducted within bilateral collaboration Serbia-
Slovenia, project “Multivariate biodiversity analysis and quality of natural grasslands in
Western Balkans as the basis for sustainable use”, the Serbian Ministry of Education,
Science and Technological Development.
Luković, M., Šilc, U. – Management of continental saline ecosystems in the Republic of Serbia – Are these
ecosystems suitable for nature-based tourism? – Hotel and Tourism Management, 2021, Vol. 9, No. 2: 37-49.
46
Conflict of interest
The authors declare no conflict of interest.
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Received: 7 November 2021; Sent for revision: 20 November 2021; Accepted: 23 November 2021