Serbian ski resorts’ altitude and latitude are lower than in most European ski resorts. In the context of climate change and the Serbian Government’s plans to keep opening new ski resorts, this study examines the competitiveness of Serbian ski resorts in the eyes of domestic tourists, hence the justification of new developments. This research was carried out in three steps: a statistical analysis of a survey conducted among domestic tourists, an interpretation of the context based on responses to open-ended questions, and a comparison of Serbia’s most popular ski resorts with leading ski resorts in Austria, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Italy, and France. The results showed that Serbian tourists focus on value for money, skiing, and ski infrastructure quality rather than additional activities such as cultural tours, entertainment, or wellness. In the context of international discussions on climate change impacts, environmental consequences of ski resorts, and survey results, we recommend that future strategies of ski resort operators in Serbia focus on developing and promoting complementary activities to winter sports and prioritizing the redevelopment of existing ski resorts rather than constructing new ones.

Extractive regions are among the most visible frontlines of the Anthropocene as they are areas where the environmental and social consequences of intensive resource exploitation are concentrated. In Serbia, mining areas such as Bor and Majdanpek represent complex socio-spatial assemblages in which everyday life, work, and governance intersect under pressures of neoliberal development and ecological degradation. This study aims to identify the challenges and opportunities for citizen participation in mining regions, providing guidance on enhancing participatory processes in decision-making. To operationalise this aim, the study pursues three objectives: (1) to assess residents’ awareness, participation practices, access to information, and motivation to engage in planning; (2) to identify perceived barriers and opportunities for participation; and (3) to formulate recommendations for improving participatory and communication processes in extractive-region governance. Accordingly, the research is guided by the main question: How do residents of the Bor–Majdanpek mining region perceive opportunities and barriers to public participation in planning and decision-making processes? To address this question, a face-to-face field survey was conducted in the summer of 2024 with a random sample of residents (N = 300). In this mixed-methods exploratory study, primary survey data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistical methods. In contrast, open-ended questions were analysed qualitatively to capture respondents’ detailed perceptions and suggestions. Findings indicate limited awareness of planning procedures, low participation experience, and structural barriers related to information access, trust, and institutional responsiveness. At the same time, respondents show a strong interest in more transparent, accessible, and dialogic forms of engagement. This study demonstrates that citizen participation in extractive landscapes is not only a procedural requirement but a mechanism to strengthen democratic governance and rebuild trust. Insights from Bor–Majdanpek provide an evidence base for improving participatory practices in mining regions undergoing socio-environmental transformation.

Extracting resources without considering the needs of the local community and adequate environmental protection can deepen existing inequalities between social groups, creating opportunities for ecological conflicts. This, in turn, gives rise to various forms of activism opposing the exclusion of individuals and social groups from decision-making processes related to the management of natural resources. The first part of the paper explores the concepts of participatory, professional, and transactional activism. Additionally, the theoretical framework includes the concepts of environmental distribution conflicts and mining conflicts. These concepts will be illustrated through an analysis of mining areas in Eastern Serbia, firstly by providing a contextual overview of broader local community engagement in Bor and Majdanpek based on the analysis of secondary sources, and secondly by analyzing the results of a survey conducted with the residents of Bor and Majdanpek between July and September 2024 (N=300). In the concluding section, based on the contextual analysis and empirical findings, the sources of motivation and types of citizen engagement in Bor and Majdanpek are interpreted in relation to different conceptualizations of activism that may lead to social conflict expressed through collective action resisting mining activities.

Mining areas in Serbia face numerous challenges in the fi eld of environmental protection and management. In addition to ecological challenges, such as harmful gas emissions, pollution of surface and ground waters, etc., there are also legal and regulatory challenges, including aligning with the EU legislation and ecological principles, ineff ective enforcement of legal acts, and, fi nally, social challenges of the local population participation in formal and informal activities within the community. A survey was conducted on a random sample (N=300) in the period August to September 2024 in the rural and urban settlements of the city of Bor and the municipality of Majdanpek. Based on the above, this paper will present the level of local population participation, both in the creation of planning documents and in activities signifi cant to the local community.

Communities located in the vicinity of mining operations may benefit economically from mining activities; however, they are also exposed to significant environmental and social impacts. Consequently, protests against the exploitation of mineral resources have become increasingly frequent in recent decades. One of the key reasons is the insufficient involvement of local communities in planning the development of their territories. To explore this issue in greater depth, several activities were conducted during the first two years of the MINIPART project “Enhancing Participation in Spatial Planning for Mining Regions” (grant #7598, Science Fund of the Republic of Serbia). Following an analysis of international and national experiences, a survey was conducted among 300 residents of the Bor–Majdanpek mining region to assessing citizens’ attitudes and their level of interest in participating in spatial planning processes. In addition, interviews were carried out with key stakeholders—including representatives of ministries, local governments, public institutions, the mining sector, and civil society—in order to identify criteria influencing the selection of participation methods, assess their applicability, and evaluate the readiness for introducing innovative approaches. Furthermore, a focus group workshop was organized in Bor, where representatives of vulnerable groups—youth, elderly people, women, persons with disabilities, rural residents, and ethnic minorities—discussed and tested various participation methods, ranging from traditional approaches (written comments) to more contemporary tools (online surveys and e-platforms). The research highlights two key aspects essential for improving public participation. First, administrative and financial support should be provided to institutions to enable them to go beyond the legally required minimum and implement additional, modern participation methods better adapted to local conditions. Second, further efforts are needed to encourage citizens to actively engage in decision-making processes, rebuild trust in institutions, and to provide additional support throughout the entire participation process, particularly for vulnerable groups

Public participation plays a key role in spatial and urban planning, as it enables citizens to engage in decision-making, enhances transparency, and contributes to the development of policies that resonate with community needs. This paper provides a concise overview of the perspectives of aligned and opposing sectors-including public authorities, planners, and civil-regarding citizen involvement in planning processes and motivations for their participation. The findings are based on a qualitative analysis of interviews with representatives from these sectors, including planners, national and local authorities, mining companies, and civil society organisations, offering insights into institutional attitudes toward public participation, perceived barriers, and the implementation of participatory procedures. The study was conducted in Serbia within the MINIPART project funded by the PRISMA Program of the Science Fund of the Republic of Serbia (#7598), with particular focus on the Bor-Majdanpek mining region. Results indicate a low level of citizen awareness and limited trust in formal participation mechanisms, which act as demotivating factors for engagement in planning processes. The study also concludes that participation can be improved through better access to information, clearer procedures, and the adaptation of participatory methods to local contexts.