Considering recent weather events in Serbia (especially the floods in 2014), a need has arisen for research that would help in identifying extreme weather phenomena. Therefore, the aim of this paper is to determine the thresholds above which intense precipitation can be considered as extreme precipitation events in Serbia. In this study, we determined the frequency of precipitation occurring at an intensity above the threshold of an extreme phenomenon (1961–2015), as well as the frequency of precipitation occurring at or above the absolute daily maximum in the reference period (1961–1990). The study sample included daily rainfall observations from 28 stations from the national meteorological network in Serbia. Applying a decile method, all the stations recording precipitation above the threshold of dangerous phenomena on the same day are classified into the corresponding decile. The threshold value was determined as the average value of the extreme annual precipitation in the analyzed period. The cases that are due to the high prevalence listed in the last decile are considered extreme. The results showed that the critical number of observation points above which an event is considered extreme precipitation event is 6.21, and a warning of the danger could be ensured only in the case of neighboring stations in the network. The threshold of extreme precipitation events for the individual stations ranges up to 130 mm. The obtained results might be used to mitigate the effects of extreme precipitation events in Serbia in the future.

Economic polarization is a process that is present at global, national and regional level. Economic activity is extremely spatially concentrated. Cities and developed regions use the agglomeration effect to attract labor and capital, thus achieving more favorable economic conditions than the agrarian region. Scientific research and European experiences over the past decades have contributed to the discrepancy among theorists about the causes and consequences of regional inequalities. Regional development is a complex process that involves a multidisciplinary approach. Without a detailed analysis of successful regional development cases, the implementation of their development systems directly to other regions can lead to the loss of time, capital, and human resources. Regional development is a process that needs to be adapted to specific conditions. Each region has its own identity and unique characteristics. Key factors of development include: natural and human resources, level of technological development, capital, knowledge, institutional and legislative framework, values, ethics and commitment. Regarding the pace and nature of regional development, institutional structures can play a key role. The prevailing opinion today is that regional development is closely linked to the use of endogenous capacities. The region can achieve long-term progress only if it uses its specific properties and endogenous / internal capacities. The challenge for each region is to use its endogenous resources that will make it competitive and attractive to the market. The progress of one region depends to a large extent on the circumstances and networking of different sectors at the local level. The modern concept of neo-endogenous development implies integral and sustainable development of the region, which includes the harmonization of economic, social and ecological goals. It combines the spatial, temporal and multisectoral dimension and emphasizes 'the reciprocal of local and external forces in the control of development processes.' Undeveloped, mainly rural regions are no longer just territories that provide food and are not identified exclusively with the agrarian environment. Regional or cohesion policy is an important mechanism for sustainable economic development. Regional policy aims to reduce underdevelopment. The main motive for countries to adopt regional policies is to help poor and backward regions, for whose development and recovery the state itself does not have enough strength. Regional development in a comprehensive way defines regional development priorities and ways of their realization.

Tourism is a significant segment of development policy at the national level, and it is important in terms of contributing to the Gross domestic product (GDP) diversifying of economy, reducing disparities between regions, fostering development capital, and promoting regional development. Tourism greatly contributes to the sustainable development of a region and a unit of local self-government, in an environment where sometimes there are no other alternatives for achieving that goal. Theories of regional development and tourism have evolved over a similar period after the Second World War. The concept of regional development has undergone a significant transformation through various theories. The paper analyzes the main principles of the theory of endogenous regional development and the possibility of its application for tourism research as a development factor. Tourism development policy is often created by the views of these theories. The purpose of this paper is to indicate, based on the analysis of modern ideas and approaches to regional development, whether they are suitable for the study of tourism and which factors are decisive in achieving its development function. The paper points out certain elements of theories that can individually or together represent the theoretical basis for tourism development planning in regions and local government units.

The article deals with the complex dynamics of depopulation in rural areas in Serbia. Although the topic has been very topical in recent decades and research has long identified the causes and consequences of depopulation in numerous regions in Europe, there seems to be no systematic approach to the implementation of policies for the management of abandoned areas. We started from already known factors contributing to depopulation, including economic, social and environmental dimensions. Based on previous research, historical trends and a statistical database, we attempted to represent depopulation as a spatial process that has its own size, structure and consequences, using a new, quantitative methodology for grouping abandoned areas into clusters as basic units of dispersal of depopulated areas. The aim of the work was to quantitatively determine the size and structure of the depopulated area in Serbia after the 2022 census. The study opened up new fields of research for the future use of depopulated space, but also offered certain solutions for policy makers, researchers and municipalities struggling with the challenges of depopulation. The results of the work show the existence of 47 abandoned clusters in 10 administrative regions of Serbia, which is 17 more than in the 2011 census. Further homogenization and consolidation of clusters was found in the statistical regions: Toplička, Zaječarska, Jablanička, Pirotska and Raška region, i.e. an increase in the total depopulated area as well as its spatial expansion towards the north of the country.

This paper presents the results of empirical research on quality of life of rural residents in the border region of Srem. Purpose of this work was to establish attitudes to social factors which determine everyday life of local population, and to establish the general perception of their standard of living. The results presented here are based on statistical analysis in which four types of analysis were applied: descriptive statistical analysis, application of chi-square test, t-test for independent samples and factor analysis of variance ANOVA. In order to determine the significance of differences between groups, post-hoc Scheffe's test was used. The research has come to the conclusion that the population of the border region of Srem is not satisfied with their living standards, and the main issues are unemployment and low income.

Adventure tourism is a specific type of tourism that has been increasingly popular in Serbia in recent years. In this regard, the paper identifies the basic characteristics of adventure tourism, its development in Serbia, with a great emphasis placed on high mountain areas that, owing to their physical and geographic characteristics, possess huge potential. The paper aims, among other things, to identify factors encouraging or limiting development of adventure tourism in Serbia, analysing the practice, defining potential destinations and suggesting appropriate measures in order to promote it