The research involved a comparison of two case studies dealing with the perceptions of the local population to tourism. The effects and the control of tourism development were analyzed, as well as the availability of information on sustainable tourism and impact on the community in two national parks (NPs) in Serbia. The survey method was applied on a sample of 227 (NP Đerdap) and 210 (NP Tara) respondents. The survey results identified the strong positive perception of the presence of tourists among the two categories of respondents and also certain differences regarding economic benefits of tourism. Research also recognized a poor impact of tourism on the local community in terms of their knowledge and personal involvement. Education and employment in tourism industry were found to be strong factors affecting the residents’ perceptions. Some independent variables significantly predicted the level of local population’s support for tourism in both national parks (tourism impact on job creation, tourism impact on fostering a local culture, etc.). This comparative analysis provides inputs for directing future tourism programmes and devising a development policies adjusted to the needs of the local community.

This study aims to present the potential for sustainable tourism development on Vlasina Lake, which is, along with its surroundings, declared as a Ramsar site, Natural Asset of Exceptional Importance, IBA, IPA, PBA and Emerald area. A survey conducted among the residents indicated that they expressed positive attitudes towards sustainable tourism development, even though a small percentage of them are employed in tourism. Considering the lake as the most valuable part of this area, this study emphasized water quality assessment as the necessary condition for sustainable tourism development. Water quality indices (SWQI, CWQI and WPI) were used for water quality assessment for the period 2013–2022. Based on SWQI, Vlasina Lake has a good to excellent water quality and, according to WPI, has clean water suitable for tourism and recreation. The CWQI for overall water quality ranged from marginal to good. It is the highest for recreation, but it is based on only one parameter (pH), which is the limitation of this methodology. Based on field research, survey, water quality assessment and previous studies, it is concluded that this area has favorable conditions for developing various types of tourism, which could contribute to the future development of this undeveloped and unpopulated area.

Tamara JOJIĆ GLAVONJIĆ, Dejan DOLJAK, Jovana BRANKOV & Marko FILIPOVIĆ - RESIDENTS' PERCEPTION TOWARD PROTECTED AREAS −LANDSCAPE OF EXCEPTIONAL FEATURES "VLASINA" (SERBIA), Carpathian Journal of Earth and Environmental Sciences, February 2019, Vol. 14, No. 1, p. 5 - 17; DOI:10.26471/cjees/2019/014/053

This study evaluates the water quality of the Tamiš River, a tributary of the Danube, at the Jaša Tomić and Pančevo hydrological stations from 2011 to 2016 and from 2018 to 2022, using the Water Pollution Index (WPI) and seasonal analysis. The analysis revealed elevated nitrite and orthophosphate concentrations at both stations, with Pančevo exhibiting extreme microbial contamination in 2015, attributed to urban runoff, agricultural activities, and inadequate wastewater treatment. Seasonal results indicate that while spring conditions align with Class I water standards, summer presents critical risks, especially at Pančevo, where the highest WPI value (26.47 in 2015) was recorded. Autumn shows stabilization, though sporadic WPI peaks reflect the impact of nutrient runoff. Winter conditions are marked by stability, with favorable dissolved oxygen levels but occasional exceedances in heavy metals, particularly at Jaša Tomić. Increased concentrations of suspended solids and heavy metals at Jaša Tomić emphasize diverse pollution sources, including industrial discharges and soil erosion. These findings underscore the necessity of integrated water management strategies, such as wastewater treatment upgrades and sustainable agricultural practices, to mitigate pollution. Protecting the Tamiš River is crucial for supporting biodiversity, safeguarding public health, and ensuring sustainable use of this vital Danube tributary.

The research was carried out in the villages of the buffer zone and the close environment of the Ramsar site 'Stari Begej - Carska Bara' Special Nature Reserve, in the Serbian part of Banat. The survey method was used to establish the local population's attitude towards the impact of area protection on their life quality and the degree of cooperation with the managing body. A total of 393 adults were surveyed, which accounted for 5.34% of the total adult population of the studied area (fve villages). In order to provide opinions from all stakeholders, the managing body was also asked to respond to some of the questions. A comparison of the responses revealed a generally low level of dialogue and understanding between the two interested parties. The results indicate some differences in the degree of impact depending on the location of the villages, as well as the occupation of the respondents and their age.

This research seeks to determine whether the residents of the City of Pančevo use the surrounding protected areas (PAs) for excursions and to what extent. A survey was conducted on a sample of 715 respondents above the age of 15. One main and six assisting hypotheses were set, testing the significance of differences between specific groups of respondents. Following the analysis of the results obtained by the descriptive statistics method and a Chi-Square Test, statistic conclusions were derived. The results show that 88.7% of the respondents like excursions into nature, but due to the lack of free time, money, and similar factors, only 55.1% of them practice such trips. Findings about preferred activities (dominated by walking 33.8%), the frequency (58.6% of respondents having visited the Special Nature Reserve "Deliblatska peščara" several times; 51.9% of respondents never having visited the Nature Park "Ponjavica"; 65.9% of respondents never having visited the Nature Monument "Ivanovačka ada") and the style of visits to these PAs (mostly on their own), can help define guidelines for their further development.