Spatial planning and ecological networks in Serbia

The paper explains the importance and role of spatial planning in the context of the preservation and sustainable use of ecological networks. The concept of ecological networks is presented in terms of its main goals, structure, functions and approaches to biodiversity conservation. The paper gives an overview of ecological network development in Serbia, but also an overview of the activities carried out in establishing the NATURA 2000 European ecological network. Possibilities for improving the spatial planning process in light of the functional development of ecological networks in Serbia are indicated through an analysis of the requirements arising from the policies relevant for spatial planning and the development of ecological networks using the example of drawn up spatial plans. [Project of the Serbian Ministry of Education, Science and Technological Development, Grant no. TR 36035: Spatial, Environmental, Energy and Social Aspects of Developing Settlements and Climate Change - Mutual Impacts