Indicator of state

Figure 1: State of selected woodland bird species (Source: Institute for Nature Protection of Serbia)

Indicator of trend

Figure 2: Forest area in Central Serbia (Sources: Srbijasume, SEPA). Getting better or worse?

One of the important indicators of the state of a forest ecosystem is the number of woodland birds. Studies of selected woodland bird species between 1990 and 2003 show that most, 14, of the species were stable, four had an increasing population and only four had falling populations. Monitoring shows that 80 % of these species were in good condition. It is very important to note that populations of three tits (Parus sp.) were stable or growing.

The forest area in Serbia was much bigger at the beginning of 19th century – the central part of Serbia was even called Sumadija – Forestland. However in the past 50 years the forest area has almost doubled and the quality of trees has greatly improved over the past 20 years. The state of forest health monitored by ICP Forest shows that with exception of Norway spruce (Picea abies), all important wood species are stable with less defoliation in the past five years.

These indicators show that the forest ecosystem is in a better state than in most European countries.

Further national information
 • http://www.sepa.gov.rs
 • http://www.sepa.gov.rs/download/Izvestaj_2007_Web.pdf
 • http://www.srbijasume.rs

Indicator on pressure

Evaluation of pressures

At the same time the pressures on forest ecosystems are being reduced. Forest cutting has fallen by 10-15 % in the past 30 years; the use of firewood per person shows a small reduction; development of gasification and central heating networks have reduced the use of fossil fuels and firewood. However, development of bio-fuel production in would allow better exploitation of forests as a renewable energy source.

The policy of sustainable use of nature, following expert opinion, has led to about 12 m³ of deadwood per hectare being left in Serbian forests. This level of deadwood provides enough habitats for many forest species that are important for ecosystem stability. On the other hand, excessive hunting is affecting populations of game animals – not only the number and structure of local game species, but also of imported game species.

Indicator of solution and actions

Figure 1: Exceedances of critical loads for acidification by deposition of nitrogen and sulphur compounds in Serbia. (Source: EEA: http://themes.eea.europa.eu/IMS/ISpecs/ISpecification20091007131526/IAssessment1245763350536/view_content)

Policy context and solution and actions taken by the country

 According to EEA data , exceedances of critical loads for acidification by deposition of nitrogen and sulphur compounds, assuming only current legislation, will be more than halved in 2020 compared with 2000. In the best solution with maximum feasible reductions there will be no exceedances at all. 

With the development of legislation for air pollution and strong monitoring and control, the pressures on forests will be reduced and the state of forest ecosystems will become more stable. This is very important for many forest and also non-forest endangered species. Populations of plants and animals will be more stable and the ecosystem chain will be far less sensitive to external influences.