SRPSKA AND SERBIA TO CONNECT PROTECTED AREAS

Protected areas in Republika Srpska and Serbia are set to establish a new cross-border cooperation framework under the name “Tara–Drina”, bringing together protected natural areas on both sides of the border.

PHOTO: SRNA

The initiative will connect Drina National Park and Veliki Stolac Nature Park in Republika Srpska with Tara National Park and Šargan–Mokra Gora Nature Park in Serbia, the Ministry for Spatial Planning, Construction and Ecology of Republika Srpska told Srna.

A NEW CROSS-BORDER AREA

Bojan Vipotnik, Minister for Spatial Planning, Construction and Ecology of Republika Srpska, said the four protected areas will carry out joint activities under the name “Tara–Drina Cross-Border Area.”

Vipotnik recalled that a Memorandum of Understanding and Cooperation in the Field of Environmental Protection, signed in November 2025 between Serbia’s Ministry of Environmental Protection and Republika Srpska’s Ministry for Spatial Planning, Construction and Ecology, provides, among other things, for cooperation concerning protected areas, particularly through cross-border links between protected areas in Serbia and Republika Srpska.

“Activities aimed at establishing the Tara–Drina Cross-Border Area have been underway since mid-2024 and are the result of cooperation between the two ministries, as well as the Republic Institute for Protection of Cultural, Historical and Natural Heritage of Republika Srpska and the Institute for Nature Conservation of Serbia,” Vipotnik said.

LEGAL FRAMEWORK FOR COOPERATION

The legal basis for connecting the protected areas across the border is provided by the Nature Protection Law of Republika Srpska, which allows protected areas to be linked with protected areas in neighbouring countries or entities.

Vipotnik added that a similar provision is contained in Serbia’s Nature Protection Law.

COOPERATION IN NATURE CONSERVATION

According to Vipotnik, the cross-border connection will directly contribute to developing and improving cooperation in the management of protected areas and implementation of conservation measures.

It will also facilitate joint scientific research, the exchange of experience and expertise in nature protection, and cooperation among institutions responsible for managing protected areas.

“We will be able to implement projects, contribute to the development of sustainable tourism, organize education and promotional activities, and involve all interested stakeholders in the implementation of activities within the cross-border protected area,” Vipotnik said.

FOCUS ON SUSTAINABLE TOURISM AND NATURAL HERITAGE

Future cooperation will focus particularly on improving the management of protected areas, implementing conservation measures, organizing scientific research and exchanging experiences.

The partners will also work on the development of sustainable eco-tourism and the promotion of the natural and cultural values of the Tara–Drina Cross-Border Area.

The initiative is expected to strengthen cooperation between Republika Srpska and Serbia in nature conservation while creating new opportunities for joint projects, research, education, tourism development and the promotion of one of the region’s most valuable natural areas.