Degradation and Protection of Wetlands in Special Nature Reserves in Vojvodina

Stojanović, Vladimir1 Introduction cal and technological accomplishments Wetlands, with their swamps, marshes leave an impression that man is independ- and water surfaces on peat land, natural ent of nature. However, natural disas- Abstract and artificial, steady and periodical, with ters, such as floods, storms, erosions, and In accordance with ecological, economic, stagnant or running water, are becoming droughts - suggest the opposite. The real- scientific and cultural importance of wet- an area of interest in the field of environ- ity is that the civilization is still quite de- lands and their ecosystems, in the last cou- mental protection. They have a key ecolog- pendant on nature and the ecosystems in ple of years there has been a much greater ical function as regulators of water regime the surrounding area. The historical de- interest in these areas and their adequate and as places of rich biodiversity. These ar- pendence of man and society in wetlands preservation. Moreover, that is because eas often unite significant economic, cul- is noticeable on the example of special na- wetlands are considered to be areas af- tural, scientific and recreational values of ture reserves in the valleys of the rivers in fected by various phenomena. As condi- their territory and that is why they have to Vojvodina. A medieval town of Bodrog, tions of natural-geographical environment be preserved. Human ecological faltering which is also mentioned as the centre of became favourable, numerous floodable and the loss of these kinds of ecosystems the whole region, was located on the terri- plains emerged in valleys of big rivers in can cause a serious damage to the environ- tory of special nature reserve “Gornje Po- Vojvodina, both in geological and the near ment (The Convention on Wetlands - bro- dunavlje”. Its ruins date back to the begin- past. Inundant zones in alluvial river plains, chure, 2000). ning of 17th century. An old fortress with thanks to hydrological flood processes at It was not unusual for valleys of large a tower, next to the Danube and the Tis- times of high water levels, were extreme- rivers and their floodable plains to become za, can be seen on the old coat of arms of ly favourable for the development of het- centers of the earliest civilizations. Many the region (Radovanović, 1997). The ruins erogeneous plant and animal world. When wetlands played an important role in the of the medieval fortification Bač, once the man appeared on the historical stage of development of human society. That is historical centre of this part of the Panno- natural and authentic entities of Vojvodi- simply reflected through the importance nian plain, is placed north of the special na, building settlements near big rivers of water in human life. Advanced techni- nature reserve “Karađorđevo”, in the me- by the rule, i.e. where life conditions were the most favourable - these kinds of areas gradually started disappearing. Now, great effort is invested in order to preserve them. The research was conducted in the following special nature reserves: “Gorn- je Podunavlje”, “Karađorđevo”, “Koviljsko- petrovaradinski rit”, “Obedska bara”, “Stari Begej-Carska bara”.

Key words: Degradation, Nature reserves, Protection, Serbia and Vojvodina

1 Vladimir Stojanović Faculty of Natural Science, Department for Geography, Tourism and Hotel Figure 1 Geographical position of wetlands in floodable plains of rivers in Vojvodina; 1. Management, Trg Dositeja Obradovića 3, SNR “Gornje Podunavlje, 2. SNR “Karađorđevo”, 3. SNR “Koviljsko-petrovaradinski rit”, 4.

Geographica Pannonica 09/2005 Pannonica Geographica 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia SNR “Obedska bara” and 5. SNR “Stari Begej – Carska bara” 24 Vladimir Stojanović

ander of the Mostonga river. Still, there are old walls of the Kupinik fortification on the rim of Obedska bara. It belonged to Hun- garian and Serbian rulers and historically recognized as rather important. These historical components are just one of the cri- teria for the recognition of values and importance of wetlands. Naturally, the times have changed and wetlands have gained a completely different function lately. Their strategic importance got lost, whereas economic importance is constantly rising, in accordance with their natural resources. The same situation is in Vojvodina as well. At one moment, especially before the protection of wetlands, natural values in floodable plains of big rivers in Vojvodina were seriously endangered. An abundance of wood material and other resources, and even a thought about potential cultivated fields on their territory - represented a danger for these unique natural complexes. The decision to protect wetlands, through the protection of special nature reserves, gives us hope that these areas, in the spir- it of sustainable development, will be preserved for future generations (Stojanović, 2004). However, is everything that simple and without problems? Researched model Law on the environmental protection in Serbia identifies the following types of protected natural resources in Serbia: national park, park of nature, area of exception- al natural values, nature reserve (general), special nature reserve, natural rarities. Special nature reserve can be defined as “an area where one or more natural values is fully expressed and which needs to Figure 2 Special Nature Reserve “Gornje Podunavlje” - potential Ramsar area be specially protected, or natural phenom- firm a hypothesis on the importance of nu- advantages. That is why it is necessary to ena that need to be closely observed or di- merous components in these wet, swampy harmonize all the needs and put them rected” (“Official Gazette of the Republic areas. The economic importance lies in the in the correlation with protective func- of Serbia”, No. 66/91). development of forestry, hunting, fishery tion. The solution of that task lies in the Special nature reserves - “Gornje Po- and tourism, and some other activities as smart usage that today, at the beginning dunavlje”, “Karađorđevo”, “Koviljsko- well, that can be a source of important in- of 21st century, is called sustainable usage. petrovaradinski rit”, “Obedska bara”, come. The income could be also used to That kind of usage enables present genera- “Stari Begej-Carska bara”, are placed on cover expenses of the environmental pro- tions to use resources, without causing any the banks of big rivers in Vojvodina - the tection. Special nature reserves, i.e. areas damage to future generations. Sustainable Danube, the Sava and the Begej. The im- that they cover, helped the population of usage should also help man support natu- portance of the ecosystems in those re- surrounding places in cultural develop- ral prosperity in ecosystems. serves is in direct relationship with riv- ment, a thing that is noticeable even today ers that created them, both in the present in styles of their houses, settlements and The importance of wetlands - through floods, and in the past, histori- customs. Special nature reserves in Vojvo- In valleys of big rivers, wetlands are con- cally-geographically observed – through dina are the gathering point of many re- sidered important as controllers, i.e. fac- the evolution of their basic characteristics. searches and scientists of different profiles tors of flood prevention. These natural reg- Those are mainly “wet areas” or “wetlands”, and interests, a fact that irrefutably proves ulators are cheaper than artificial systems where marshes and swamps prevail. Two their scientific function. Excursion impor- of expensive protection and far cheap- of the mentioned special reserves belong to tance is performed by a large number of er than reclamation of flood consequenc- Ramsar areas (“Obedska bara” and “Stari excursionists, fishers, and tourists as well, es. Neglecting these facts, i.e. building of Begej-Carska bara”), and another two are that seek alienation from modern, chaot- dikes along the rivers, forces many coun- recommended to also become Ramsar ar- ic way of life in these kinds of natural en- tries to restore ecosystems of wetlands. eas (“Gornje Podunavlje” and “Koviljsko- tities. All these confirm the interest of dif- The fact remains that dikes represent an petrovaradinski rit”). ferent economic and social categories in efficient way of flood protection. Howev- Special nature reserves in Vojvodina, the usage of special nature reserves, which er, their building is sometimes uncompro-

when observed for the very first time, con- actually only proves a thesis about their misingly performed when surrounding 09/2005 Pannonica Geographica 25 Degradation and Protection of Wetlands in Special Nature Reserves in Vojvodina

also given to future generations, according to the principles of sustainable development – to the same or even greater extent. That is why efforts should be made to fit- ac tivities such as forestry, fishery, hunting, industrial production within the frames which would never endanger the natural scope of resources. Degradation of wetlands The influence of humans on special nature reserves is evident and fiercely alters ecosystems of these protected natural resources. The key influence upon these wetlands was observed during 19th and 20th century, with expressive meliorative works that spread over Vojvodina. Significant changes in the ecosystems of special nature reserves were achieved by dike building, draining of floodable plains, changes of river courses, and building of canal net- Figure 3 Traditional architecture on the rim of the Special Nature Reserve “Obedska bara” work. This is confirmed by comparison ecosystems are concerned. That condi- numerous food products, such as fish and of archive and contemporary geographi- tion now forces experts to begin with the venison. Nowadays, since they are classi- cal maps. The crucial influences that gave recognition of these kinds of areas in our fied as protected natural resources, spe- physiognomy to today’s nature of special country too, and the best example is marsh cial nature reserves are sources of building nature reserve “Gornje Podunavlje” oc- “Monoštorski rit” in the special nature re- material, since forestry is one of the most cured at the end of 19th and the beginning serve “Gornje Podunavlje”. common economic branches especially in of 20th century, when regulation works Wetlands are also areas of a very rich bi- “Gornje Podunavlje”, “Koviljsko - petro- on the digging of the new Danube’s riv- odiversity. Disregarding the fact that these varadinski rit”, “Obedska bara”. Almost erbed were conducted. Three water canal areas cover only 1% of the Earth surface, all are areas with high level of fish catch, were dug: Blaževački, between 1,386th and more than 40% of all living species and the main source of income for significant 1,383th river kilometre, Sigajski between 12% of all animal species are concentrat- number of people. In certain reserves there 1,416th and 1408th river kilometre and ed in them (Wetland, values and functions, are beehives, i.e. apiculture is being devel- Dravski between 1,386th and 1,383th riv- year unknown). These numbers deserve re- oped thanks to phytodiversity. Finally, sce- er kilometre. Blaževački water canal cut spect, and even greater importance is as- nic and esthetic values can be considered off the meander around Blaževac, Sigajski signed to economic and financial evalua- as an additional “product”, which contrib- water canal cut off meanders around Ve- tion of biodiversity. Special nature reserves utes to the development of tourism. liki and Mali Kazuk, Siga, Ampovo and as examples of wetlands in our country are Value and function of wetlands can be Adica, whereas Dravski water canal cut also centres of heterogeneous biodiversi- observed through a prism of cultural im- off the meander that surrounds Srebrni- ty where rare and protected plant and ani- portance. For many nations and members ca (Bukurov, 1975). mal species are to be found, many of which of different cultural communities these The Mostonga River in special nature are on the National red list of endangered wetlands represent important historical, reserve “Karađorđevo” also experienced species. religious and archeological places of price- severe changes. The beginnings of the hu- Wetlands are natural reservoirs and less significance for their cultural devel- man influence on the Mostonga date back storehouses of numerous natural products opment. In case of special nature reserves, to 15th century when it was regulated that used for different purposes. Some of them their wetlands are of great importance for the ships from the Danube can undisturb- are directly used for nutrition, while oth- the cultural development of local commu- ingly sail to the fortress in Bač (Dudas, ers, after being processed in the industry nities that, in harmony with multinational 1896). At the end of 18th and the beginning gain their final form. Here, we can mention characteristic of Vojvodina, belong to dif- of 19th century, when Great Bačka Canal rice and fish, as the most famous wetland ferent nations (Serbs, Hungarians, Croats, was dug, its riverbed was cut off. The route products in the world that enable existence Romanians, etc.). Ecosystems of wetlands of the canal overlapped the riverbed of the for millions of people around the plan- had a great influence on their way of life, Mostonga in the length of 2.5 km. Since et. Moreover, there are fruit, seashells, an- tradition, culture and customs. the water level in the canal was relative- imal meat, leather, wood building material, Wetlands represent fragments of au- ly high, draining of excessive water from fire-wood, herbs, materials used for medi- thentic nature in Vojvodina, which disap- Mostonga’s marshes was made difficult. cines, plants that give textile, alcohol, vin- peared under the influence of man, who That forced the inhabitants of surround- egar, cattle food, and other products. Inter- transformed them into cultivated land. The ing placed to finance the first works on the dependence of local people and wetlands preservation of these ecosystems would digging of this river’s waterbed. Situation is noticeable on the example of special na- enable future generations to face impor- was similar in the south parts of the riv- ture reserves in Vojvodina. It was especial- tant natural phenomena on the spot. Sec- er course, where certain works were con- ly on a large scale in the past. Building ma- ondly, resources of special nature reserves ducted during 19th century. (Dedić, Božić, terial, that was used for the building of the and the rivers were used by the ancestors 1998). After the World War II the ideas on whole settlements on the edges of these ar- of the local population. The existence of a the further control of the river were re- eas was also found there. Those are main- certain number of people and their house- alized. After the construction of the hy- ly wood and reed that were used for cover- holds depends on these resources even to- dro-system Danube-Tisza-Danube, whose

Geographica Pannonica 09/2005 Pannonica Geographica ing of roofs. Furthermore, there were also day. The possibility to use them should be main principle was to include existing wa- 26 Vladimir Stojanović

tercourses into its network, the Mostonga experienced its key transformation. From Sombor to Bač, the Mostonga was canal- ized and included into the canal network. The overall length of the natural river course is 58.4 km (Milošev, 1998). All this resulted in the disappearance of the delta that the Mostonga built at its mouth into the Danube, which was also a very important wetland. Similar to previous cases, one of the basic influences of man and his activities in the special nature reserve “Koviljsko - petrovaradinski rit” is its influence on hydrological characteristics and water regime. Koviljsko - petrovaradinski rit is situated in the Danube’s alluvial plain, that is flooded in the time of high water levels, when the river breaks through the system of natural depressions and ca- nals all the way to the furthest parts of the marsh and then withdraws. Numer- ous human activities, together with natural processes, regularly fill depressions and thus prevent the water from breaking through. Those tendencies lead to even greater draining of Koviljsko - petrovaradinski rit, thus threatening to completely destroy this unique natural complex. Draining endangers the surface water aquifer in the north parts of Koviljski rit, especially stagnant tributary the Tonja. Due to these conditions, an initiative to clean the swamp was yielded. In Kozjak area (1st level of protection), those works were already conducted and the course of the Danube was linked to its branch, thus ena- bling a normal flow of water into this part th of the marsh. Petrovaradinski rit is under Figure 4 The Mostonga delta before vital regulations, at the beginning of 20 century similar condition. Undisturbed navigabil- occured as the result of digging of the new Dike building along rivers had the ity by boat to the Danube’s branch near riverbed of the Begej; river that is very im- greatest negative influence on wetlands Sremski Karlovci depends on the water portant for this protected natural resource. in Vojvodina, which is especially noticea- level. The north parts of the branch got so- The works began in the mid 1960s, as part ble in “Gornje Podunavlje” and “Stari Be- lidified, thus cutting off the marshes and of the construction of the hydro-system gej-Carska bara”. The area between Sig and branches in the other part of the marsh. Danube-Tisza-Danube. The Begej canal Kazuk is situated in marsh Monoštorski That is why similar actions are also nec- (navigable Begej) was opened for river traf- rit, west from Bački Monoštor. The whole essary here. fic in 1971, when the works on the dam- area is “protected” with dikes. As such, In special nature reserve “Obeds- ming of the former riverbed were finished, that area between Sig and Kazuk stands ka bara”, which belongs to a group of the from near the building of the present ho- for the symbol of changed ecosystems in oldest protected natural resources in the tel Sibila up to the lock on the mouth into special nature reserve „Gornje Podunav- world, we can notice violation of basic hy- the Tisza. That completely changed the lje”. Similar situation is observed in special drological characteristics and great water water regime of the river. The damming nature reserve “Stari Begej-Carska bara”, deficit. Reduction of open water surfaces as of Tiganjica and Perleska marsh had an where dike building had a great influence well as their weak flow is caused by great- especially negative influence on the basic on basic physiognomy of the scenery and er human influence, that culminated dur- characteristics of this region, which con- on geographical characteristics. When a ing 20th century. Apart from human influ- sequently lead to the shoaling and decreas- new route of the Begej River was dug (the ence, decrease of water area in this wetland ing of those depressions. In just a few years, Begej canal - navigable Begej), new dikes is also the result of natural processes. The whole complexes were covered in willows for protection from high waters were also size of aquifer, especially in Obedska bara, and marsh macrophytes. The Stari Begej built and they have a strong influence upon increased greatly. Today, this natural phe- was also dammed a bit more southwards, the area of today’s special nature reserve, nomenon is endangered more than ever near Perlez, thus connecting old and new whose territory is completely surrounded before. Disturbance of water regime and dike. Those changes in the surface hydrog- by dikes. The last years when floods were water flow is conditioned primarily by fill- raphy of today’s special nature reserve recorded 1972 and 1973. ing of the supply canal Revenica and exces- probably significantly reflected on ground Some other ways of degradation are sive deepening of the draining canal Vok. waters, which influenced both hydrologi- also noticeable. Destroying of authentic Changes in the ecosystems of special cal and biogeographical characteristics of plant and animal world is the result of the

nature reserve “Stari Begej-Carska bara” the whole region. nursery planting of Euro-American pop- 09/2005 Pannonica Geographica 27 Degradation and Protection of Wetlands in Special Nature Reserves in Vojvodina

lands. The incomes from sold tickets, boat renting, professional guiding services, sold tickets for local ethno-museums and other tourist-catering services can be used to finance nature protection. It is true that those incomes would rather not be high, but under conditions of steady economic and social situations, and in combina- tion with other economic activities, they should gain importance. Apart from the economic component, tourism could have much wider importance for special nature reserves. This activity can have an important role in the popularization of problems in the protection of wetlands. Finally, it should not be forgotten that the principle of “deep ecology” would in- sist that the only right procedure is the one that gravitates towards the preservation of integrity, stability and the beauty of nature Figure 5 Euro-american poplars - danger to authentic ecosystems of wetlands and ecosystems. It is wrong to gravitate to- lars, that completely changes the appear- activities are partially present, and tradi- wards something else. It is our duty to give ance of the wetlands. Some of the reserves tionally known from previous centuries. up our wrong habits in order to enable nat- experience extremely negative intensive Those are fishery, reed manufacturing and ural unities of wetlands to develop undis- changes through application of protective apiculture. Products of these activities are turbingly. measures, i.e. through poor management. in great demand on the market because of However, the level of endangering these their healthy and ecological components. References natural resources has not reached critical Local community should be also in- Bukurov, B. 1975. Fizičko - geografski pro- level, when they are considered lost. With cluded in the process of the protection of blemi Bačke. Srpska akademija nauka an adequate protection program, many of special nature reserves, because it is an i umetnosti. Odeljenje prirodno-mate- endangered ecosystems could be restored important factor of sustainable develop- matičkih nauka, knjiga 43, Beograd, pp. and brought back to their original state. ment. The concept of sustainable devel- 1-250. opment must be and can be brought to a Dedić, M., Božić, Đ. 1998. Režim voda po- How to act in the future? higher level through strengthening of con- dručja omeđenog Dunavom i Moston- Special nature reserves with their wetlands sciousness about the necessity of nature gom, Mostonga i vode Zapadne Bačke. are protected according to the regulations protection and its rational exploitation. Edicija Tija voda, Kulturno-istorijsko proclaimed by the Government of the Re- Local population are not well informed ei- društvo “Proleće na čenejskim salaši- public of Serbia. Regulations issue all per- ther about special nature reserves in whose ma”, Novi Sad pp. 23-32. mitted and prohibited activities in these hinterlands they live, or about their pro- Dudas, G. 1896. A honfoglalastol a moha- protected natural resources, as well as du- tection, permitted or prohibited activities csi veszig. Bacs - Bodrogh varmegye ties of the director of the protected natu- inside the very reserve and areas with dif- egyetemes monografiaja I, Zombor. ral resource. That is the legal frame with- ferent regime of protection, or about wid- Milošev, Ž. 1998. Slivno područje i formi- in which promising future and qualitative er possibilities of their exploitation. That ranje vodotoka Mostonge. Edicija Tija evaluation of these natural entities is guar- is why the solution for that situation must voda, Kulturno - istorijsko društvo anteed. Management of these areas should be looked for in finding adequate mecha- ”Proleće na čenejskim salašima”, Novi provide the preservation of valuable eco- nisms for better education of the popula- Sad, pp. 17-21. systems. Issues of repeated overflowing of tion, development of the consciousness Puzović, S., 2002. Plantaže topola i zaštita inundant terrains are being examined and that they belong to a certain protected nat- vlažnih staništa i biodiverziteta. Šume, that is one step further towards the revital- ural resource. However, what is also neces- broj 67, Srbijašume, Beograd. ization of degraded wetlands. sary is to find useful economic policy that Primack, R. 1993. Essentials of Conserva- The resources of wetlands in special na- would offer support to those who see their tion Biology. Sinauer Associates Inc. ture reserves still represent a strongpoint chance in performing some activities that Sunderland, Massachusetts. for certain economic activities that are be- are based on the usage of resources from Radovanović, S. 1997. Vojvođanski spome- lieved to destroy their authentic character- special nature reserves. Well-informed nar. NIC Plavi Zmaj, Sremski Karlovci, istics. This particularly implies to forestry population is one of the secure ways to- Tiski cvet, Novi Sad. and the planting of poplars. According to wards qualitative protection and sustaina- Stojanović, V. 2004. Primena koncepta CORINE classification, these wetlands do ble development, both of protected natural održivog razvoja u specijalnim rezerva- not have a character of a forest, but do have resources and their hinterland. tima prirode Vojvodine. Doktorska di- a character of agricultural areas. Planta- One of the ways to protect and popu- sertacija u rukopisu. Departman za ge- tions significantly change natural look of late these areas can be the development of ografiju, turizam i hotelijerstvo, PMF, reserves and wetlands, which means that sustainable tourism and ecotourism. In- Novi Sad, pp. 1-170. this operation should be completely avoid- terests for the reserves have already been The Convention on Wetlands - brochure, ed. The solution should be sought in dif- shown both on domestic and internation- 2000. ferent economic evaluations of biodiversity al market. This contemporary social phe- Zakon o zaštiti životne sredine, ”Službeni in wetlands. These areas do offer resourc- nomenon is desirable in protected natural glasnik Republike Srbije”, broj 66, 1991. es for economic activities that would not resources and as such it can considerably Wetland, values and functions, Ramsar

Geographica Pannonica 09/2005 Pannonica Geographica completely destroy them. Some of those complete sustainable exploitation of wet- Convention Bureau. 28