PE “Vojvodinašume” has participated in the implementation of several international projects related to the improvement of forests and forestry. The following projects should be particularly highlighted:
- Development and Introduction of an Innovative Forest Management Planning Concept Respecting Economic, Ecological (Flood, Ice Break, and Fire Protection), and Social Aspects in Serbia (BMEL);
The objective of the project was identified as the improvement of the economic and ecological stability of Serbian forests through the introduction of a new approach to forest management planning, based on the concept of close-to-nature forest management developed in Germany, while respecting the specific characteristics of Serbian forestry. On the one hand, the aim was to enhance the economic performance of the Serbian forestry sector by developing a specific and effective methodology for forest management planning, while on the other hand, greater emphasis was placed on the protective function of forests within the forest management planning system in Serbia as the primary focus of the new approach. The prerequisite for this is the establishment, tending, and maintenance of a stable close-to-nature forest stock in the right locations, so that forests can fully perform their protective functions (protection of soil, water, biodiversity, and climate) and withstand natural disasters such as floods and droughts, and/or resist disasters caused by fires, ice breaks, outbreaks of plant diseases and pests, and others. - Contribution of Sustainable Forest Management to Low Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Climate-Resilient Development in Serbia (Project financed by the GEF)
The objective of the project is the promotion of multifunctional sustainable forest management aimed at conserving biodiversity, preserving and increasing carbon stocks, and ensuring forest ecosystem services in productive forests. A new methodology for data collection in forestry was developed, harmonised with global and regional standards, which includes biodiversity information — representing an innovation in the stand-level forest inventory of Serbia. In addition, the Second National Forest Inventory was carried out, with active participation of forestry engineers employed in PE “Vojvodinašume” (data collection in the territory of AP Vojvodina). Furthermore, an important component of the project relates to the establishment of an information system in forestry, which entails full implementation of the software package “Osnova2020”, the development of a new web portal, as well as the development of missing modules necessary to ensure the full functionality and operability of the information system.
The availability of various European Union funds has initiated a series of projects, mainly related to the improvement of the condition of protected areas managed by PE “Vojvodinašume”. Projects have been intensively implemented since 2009, and by 2021 a total of 15 projects had been realised, with an overall value exceeding €1,500,000.
Overview of the Most Significant International Projects of PE “Vojvodinašume”
| Programme Title | Project Title | Project Acronym | Implementation Period | Role of PE “Vojvodinašume” in the Project |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SEE Programme | Managing Natural Assets and Protected Areas as Sustainable Regional Development Opportunities | NATREG | 2009-2011. | Partner 10% |
| SEE Programme | Danube River Network of Protected areas – Cooperation for conservation | DANUBEPARKS | 2009-2011. | Observer Partner |
| SEE Programme | Anchoring the Danube River Network of Protected Areas as Platform for Preservation of Danube Natural Heritage | DANUBEPARKS STEP 2.0 | 2012-2014. | Project Partner |
| ADRIATIC IPA Programme | Adriatic Modal Forests | AMF | 2012-2014. | Project Partner |
| IPA Cross-Border Cooperation Programme RO/SRB | Exploring Nature Across Borders | ENABO | 2013-2014. | Lead Partner |
| IPA Cross-Border Cooperation Programme RO/SRB | Wildlife health and conservation of selected NATURA 2000 species within the Danube Cross-border region in Serbia and Hungary | WILDCOND | 2012-2014. | Lead Partner |
| UNDP | Improvement of Financing for Protected Areas Managed by PE “Vojvodinašume” | / | 2013 | Project Coordinator |
| SEE Programme | Bridging the Danube Protected Areas towards a Danube Habitat Corridor | DANUBEparks | 2017-2019. | Project Partner |
| CONNECTED | ||||
| Interreg Programme | Transboundary Management Programme for the planned 5-country Biosphere Reserve “Mura-Drava-Danube” | CoopMDD | 2017-2019. | Project Partner |
| Interreg Programme | Preserving Sava River Basin Habitats through Transnational Management of Invasive Alien Species | Sava TIES | 2018-2021. | Project Partner |
| IPA Cross-Border Cooperation Programme CRO/SRB | Flood protection infrastructure restoration and development of cross-border system for protecting people and natural assets from floods | ForestFlow | 2017-2019. | Project Partner |
| IPA Cross-Border Cooperation Programme HU/SRB | Improving Floodplain Forest Management along the Danube in the area | SafeForest | 2019-2022. | Lead Partner |
| IPA Cross-Border Cooperation Programme HU/SRB | Protect Wild Birds = Protect Habitats = Protect Humans | Birdprotect | 2019-2022. | Project Partner |
| Interreg Programme | Protecting and restoring ecological connectivity in the Mura-Drava-Danube river corridor through cross-sectoral cooperation | LifelineMDD | 2020-2022. | Observer Partner |
| Parks Dinarides | Integration of the Local Community into the Management Process of Protected Areas: The Case of the Special Nature Reserve “Gornje Podunavlje” | / | 2021 | Lead Partner |
| Parks Dinarides | Knowledge exchange between protected areas: Obedska bara and Tivoli Rožnik and Šiška hill landscape park in the field of communication, education and nature interpretation | / | 2021-2022. | Lead Partner |
| LIFE Programme | The Danube Wild Island Habitat Corridor | WILDisland | 2021-2027. | Project Partner |
Knowledge of project management and all its fundamental elements is of great importance for employees working in this field. International projects are mainly implemented from the enterprise’s headquarters with the support of employees from its branches and forest administrations. The implementation of projects is part of the regular activities of employees.
The demonstrated seriousness and ability in project implementation have characterised PE “Vojvodinašume” as a highly respected and sought-after partner in all ongoing programmes where there is an opportunity to finance nature protection and certain aspects of forest management. At this moment, PE “Vojvodinašume” is in the process of applying for several new projects. Although PE “Vojvodinašume” has reached almost the maximum use of its capacities for project work, the enterprise nevertheless expresses goodwill and interest in numerous proposed topics (sometimes even innovative ones) and strives to provide positive responses for participation in projects of many potential partners.
PE “Vojvodinašume” Previously Implemented International Projects
