STRENGTHENING STRATEGIC FRAMEWORK IN NATURE PROTECTION SECTOR AND FURTHER IMPLEMENTATION OF NATURA 2000 IN THE REPUBLIC OF SERBIA

Serbia as an EU Candidate Country is intensifying the EU accession process in the environment sector. Currently, the alignment in the field of nature protection, in particular with the Habitats and Birds Directives, is moderate. Serbia should further pursue the work to identify and pre-designate sites that will be covered by the Natura 2000 network, and should adopt the new nature protection law to fully align with the EU acquis. Institutional capacities still have to be strengthened, in particular as regards enforcement and wildlife trade.

The observed decrease of biological diversity in the country arises as the consequence of the disappearance, degradation and fragmentation of habitats, reduction in wildlife species’ population numbers, vulnerability of the conservation of genetic diversity of various native populations of plant and animal species, the introduction of invasive and allochthon species in nature, climate change, natural disasters, and human impact.

Proposal for a Natura 2000 network has to be prepared, negotiated, agreed and adopted in pre-accession period. Also, the institutions and stakeholders responsible for the implementation of the Directives and management of Natura 2000 network have to be capable for the implementation of transposed Birds and Habitats Directive and prepared management of protected areas designated as Natura 2000 sites.

Some progress has been made regarding the preparing for the establishment of the Natura 2000 network, but more specific activities should be executed in order to fulfil all the requirements for the establishment of the Natura 2000 network.

Overall objective: The overall objective is to support the protection of the environment, improve its quality and contribute to actions and policies aimed at biodiversity conservation in Serbia.

Specific outcomes:

1. To provide continuous support in identification and designation of the Natura 2000 sites establishing the base for successful implementation and management of future Natura 2000 network

2. To strengthen the regulatory framework for nature protection and biodiversity conservation in accordance with Natura 2000 requirements

3. To strengthen the capacities of authorities and other relevant bodies for the implementation of nature protection legislation and relevant international conventions (agreements) and to facilitate the consultation process in accordance with Natura 2000 requirements including Appropriate Assessment

4. To improve investment planning of nature protection and biodiversity conservation

5. To increase public awareness of nature conservation in accordance with Natura 2000 requirements.

All experts must :

• Be proficient in English;

• Have excellent communication and analytical skills;

• Be proficient in report drafting;

• Have excellent team working abilities.

Overall the team must include:

• Excellent knowledge of European legislation and international conventions on nature protection including EU Birds and Habitats Directives

• Strong knowledge of Serbia’s national nature protection legislation

• Experience in establishment and implementation of Natura 2000 in an EU Member State or candidate country. Experience in Natura 2000 site designation, habitat/species assessments, and conservation planning.

• At least 15 years of experience in environmental legislation and institutional reform. Supports legal gap analyses, alignment with the EU acquis and development of clear guidance for practitioners.

• Experienced trainer with extensive practice in strengthening environmental institutions, designing curricula and delivering training and study tours. Ensures that knowledge generated by the project is anchored in national institutions.

• At least 12 years of experience in GIS, remote sensing and biodiversity databases. Ensures that spatial and ecological data are integrated into decision-making and that institutions are trained in their use.

Domains of expertise:

Forest Habitat • Forest Ecologist / Dendrologist

• Silviculture / Forestry – Forest Management Expert

Grassland and Steppe Habitat

• Grassland Ecologist / Botanist with experience in:

o Continental and Pannonian steppe vegetation

o Dry calcareous grasslands and semi-natural meadows

• Experience in phytosociological surveys

Wetlands, Marshes, and Peatlands

• Wetland Ecologist / Hydrologist

• Knowledge of peat-forming processes, alkaline fens, and reed bed succession

• Experience with hydrological regime assessments Rivers and Riparian Systems

• Riverine Ecologist / Aquatic Habitat Specialist

• Experience with river channel morphology, vegetation dynamics, and bank habitats

Lake and Ponds

• Limnologist / Freshwater Biologist

• Experience in oligotrophic to eutrophic lake systems and vegetation dynamics

Rocky Habitats and Scree

• Geobotanist / Mountain Ecologist

• Experience with alpine-subalpine vegetation, serpentine/silicate screes, and rocky outcrops

Caves and Subterranean Habitats

• Speleologist / Subterranean Biologist

• Familiarity with cave ecosystems, microclimate, and fauna

Sand Dunes and Inland Dune Systems

• Dune System Specialist / Sandy Soil Vegetation Expert

• Experience with xeric grasslands and psammophytic vegetation Alkaline and Saline Habitats

• Halophyte Botanist / Saline Soil Specialist

• Experience in continental salt steppe and alkali habitats

Species Expertise:

• Mammal zoologists

• Chiropterologists / Bat

Monitoring Experts

• Ornithologists

• Amphibian Specialists and Herpetologists

• Ichthyologisst / Freshwater Fish Experts

• Invertebrate Zoologists / Malacologist / Entomologist

• Botanists

• Bryologists / Lichenologists

• MSc or PhD in ecology or landscape planning

• Experience with ecosystem restoration policies, wetland/peatland restoration

• Familiarity with Regulation (EU) 2024/1991

• Degree in law; specialisation in EU environmental legislation

• At least 7 years’ experience in Birds/Habitats Directives transposition

• Knowledge of Natura 2000 implementation in EU Member States

• Expertise in institutional reform and public sector capacity building

• Experience working with Ministries and local governments

• Knowledge of water, forestry, energy, agriculture policy frameworks

• MSc in environmental economics or finance

• Experience in cost-benefit analysis, EU funds, green finance

• Degree in communications or journalism

• Experience with EU-funded campaign strategy development

• Experience in branding, infographics, layout design

• Experience in curriculum design, education outreach

• Degree in geoinformatics, cartography, or environmental informatics

• Strong knowledge of ArcGIS/QGIS and remote sensing for habitat mapping

• Experience in managing Natura 2000-related spatial data

• Knowledge of CITES Convention, EU Wildlife Trade Regulation

• Experience developing or supporting eCITES systems

• Background in wildlife veterinary care or rehabilitation facility management