The strategic planning of rural development is focused on both economic growth and sustainable development. Sustainable rural development is essential for conserving and improving resources, while economic growth contributes to a better standard of living. The aim of the research is to determine, using the participatory rural appraisal (PRA) methodology on the example of the village of Zlakusa, the economic activities developed in the village, the importance of rural tourism, and the scope of sustainable development taken into account in rural development. The results of the research show that the success of the rural community depends on: diversification of economic activities, which is accompanied by cohesion of the population through association and organization; organized activities aimed at local or republican authorities; activation of human and social capital; and initiating activities involving marginalized groups. Educating the population outside formal education improves the sustainable and economic development of the village and enables rural tourism to become an important part of economic activities and a channel for the commercialization of natural and cultural contents.

This paper deals with the sustainability of tourism in Stolovi Mountain. The purpose of the research was to show that it is possible to develop sustainable tourism in unestablished localities, intending to reduce differences in regional development in the Republic of Serbia, and then refine the tourist offerings of already established tourist localities in the vicinity. Various literature sources were used in the research. GIS software (QGIS 3.12) was used in order to create geographic and other special maps. Field observations were conducted, which were used to perform an in-depth analysis. In addition, two surveys were conducted with people from Kraljevo and those coming from other places in order to determine the identity and recognizability of Stolovi Mountain. The significance of this research is in pointing out that the connection of tourist sites can enrich the offer and attract new visitors, but also in supplementing scientific knowledge about Stolovi Mountain. The main results of the research show that green forms of tourism will ensure ecological sustainability. Kraljevo, a nearby city, is home to the workforce that will care for the localities, provide material contributions for the preservation of nature, guide jobs and sell souvenirs. Stolovi Mountain could quickly be included in various tourist tours and begin to demonstrate the first positive economic effects, followed by sociodemographic ones. The affirmation of mountainous, sparsely populated areas will lead to uniform regional development.

The spatial plan of the special purpose area of the hydroelectric power plant system on the Ibar covers the Ibar-Kopaonik region, which administratively includes parts of the territory of the city of Kraljevo and the municipality of Raška. The total area of the Spatial Plan area is approximately 446 km2, of which 405.78 km2 is in the Kraljevo area, and 40.39 km2 is in the Raška area. The spatial coverage is 13 entire cadastral municipalities, in which according to the 2022 Census, 6,196 inhabitants lived. The geographical uniqueness of the planning area along the Ibar river valley is characterized by fertile agricultural land, as well as a rich cultural and historical heritage. In addition, Kraljevo - Kosovska Mitrovica railway line and the state road of the first order M22 (Ibarska magistrala) pass through the valley of the Ibar river. The aim of the work is to examine the direct and indirect impact of the construction of 10 hydroelectric power plants and the pribran reservoir on changes in the water regime of the Ibar river, microclimatic changes, changes in traffic flows, as well as changes in the use, development, construction and protection of space. The methodological apparatus implies the use of general and special scientific methods, and the author's field research was of the greatest importance for the final editing of the paper.

Lake Skadar is the largest freshwater body on the Balkan Peninsula. It is recognized as a wetland of international importance under the Ramsar Convention and holds the status of a national park in Montenegro. The results presented in this study indicate a significant downward trend in monthly water levels during the period 1948-2021, ranging from -14.9 cm in September to -24.0 cm per decade in May. Water levels show significant variation both seasonally and annually (cm per decade): from -16.8 (autumn) to -21.7 (spring), i.e., -19.3 (year). Standardized deviations suggest that the most pronounced decline began in 1981, a pattern further confirmed by the Rescaled Adjusted Partial Sums. Total precipitation in Lake Skadar's drainage basin has shown little to no change. However, there has been a significant increase in air temperature, and thus increased evaporation. According to ERA5-Land data, the annual total evaporation trend in the lake basin reaches up to 10.0 mm per decade. The substantial increase in evaporation has probably resulted in a significant reduction in runoff (Y) derived from precipitation contributing to stream flow. The trend of the mean annual runoff (Y) from 1 m2 is -45 mm per decade, and the flow of the Morača River, the main tributary of the lake, -2.5% per decade. Notably, over the past 14 years, Lake Skadar recorded both its highest water level (2010) and its lowest (2017). We appreciate that the long-term trend of falling water levels is influenced by significant warming of the atmosphere, which has led to increased water evaporation. Short-term fluctuations in lake water levels are primarily driven by variations in precipitation within the catchment area, which are likely linked to atmospheric oscillation patterns. In addition, human impact is evident near the confluence of the Morača River and Lake Skadar, particularly due to the intensive extraction of gravel and sand. To preserve the ecology and economy of Lake Skadar, its natural and cultural heritage, urgent measures are necessary by the countries (Montenegro and Albania) within whose territories this natural gem is located.

Goraždevac is a Serbian village located in the southwestern part of the Autonomous Province of Kosovo and Metohija. Administratively, it belongs to the municipality of Peć. The settlement is positioned on the right side of the river Pećka Bistrica, 7 km southeast of Peć along the western edge of the Metohija basin. It belongs to the old and larger Serbian settlements in Kosovo and Metohija. The first written data about the village, published in the Charter of Žiča from the King Stefan, 1220. years. Through the integration of cultural and geographical determinants, the paper analyzes and connects the specific geographical characteristics and cultural identity of the Serbian community in Goraždevac. By sublimating field research, interviewing local residents and analyzing available scientific sources, the work highlights the importance of cultural traditions and customs of the Serbian population in Goraždevac.