Most high-mountain regions worldwide are susceptible to snow avalanches during the winter or all year round. In this study, a Universal Snow Avalanche Modeling Index is developed, suitable for determining avalanche hazard in mountain regions. The first step in the research is the collection of data in the field and their processing in geographic information systems and remote sensing. In the period 2023–2024, avalanches were mapped in the field, and later, avalanches as points in geographic information systems (GIS) were overlapped with the dominant natural conditions in the study area. The second step involves determining the main criteria (snow cover, terrain slope, and land use) and evaluating the values to obtain the Snow Avalanche Formation Index (SAFI). Thresholds obtained through field research and the formation of avalanche inventory were used to develop the SAFI index. The index is applied with the aim of identifying locations susceptible to avalanche formation (source areas). The values used for the calculation include Normalized Difference Snow Index (NDSI > 0.6), terrain slope (20–60°) and land use (pastures, meadows). The third step presents the analysis of SAFI locations with meteorological conditions (winter precipitation and winter air temperature). The fourth step is the modeling of the propagation (simulation) of other parts of the snow avalanche in the Flow-R software 2.0. The results show that 282.9 km² of the study area (Šar Mountains, Serbia) is susceptible to snow avalanches, with the thickness of the potentially triggered layer being 50 cm. With a 5 m thick snowpack, 299.9 km² would be susceptible. The validation using the ROC-AUC method confirms a very high predictive power (0.94). The SAFI–Flow-R approach offers snow avalanche modeling for which no avalanche inventory is available, representing an advance for all mountain areas where historical data do not exist. The results of the study can be used for land use planning, zoning vulnerable areas, and adopting adequate environmental protection measures.

During the last few years, there has been increased visitation to various geoheritage sites throughout Serbia. On the territory of Šumadija, the ascents to two peaks of volcanic origin - Ostrovica and Borački krš - are increasingly popular with visitors. Due to their geological, geomorphological, and biogeographical importance, these localities have been placed under state protection. The aim of the article is to evaluate the geotourism potential of the natural monuments Ostrovica and Borački krš using the GAM (geosite assessment model) method. The analysis of the GAM model includes a detailed evaluation of the main (natural) and additional (tourist) values, which are further divided into indicators and sub-indicators. The main values include three indicators: scientific/educational, aesthetic/ landscape, and level of protection. Additional values include the analysis of functional and tourist indicators. Each indicator contains sub-indicators whose scoring (0-1) evaluates the geotourism potential. Finally, the obtained results for both localities are entered into a chart consisting of nine fields. The research of natural monuments and the obtained results enable the presentation of a realistic picture of the potential for the development of geotourism. The results will be useful to managers of protected areas, local self-government units, tourism organizations, and the local population better to understand new opportunities and current shortcomings regarding tourism offers.

Demographic factors play a key role in the overall development of a particular region. The research territory of this work includes the Pirot and Jablanica regions, and the time frame is a two-decade period (from 2002 to 2022 population census). This work aims to identify demographic problems and to single out the territory, within the studied area, where depopulation is most pronounced. Based on the demographic depression index, a regional distribution of the most vulnerable parts of the Pirot and Jablanica regions was made. Using the same indicator, a comparative analysis of similarities and differences in the demographic characteristics of these two areas was done. In addition to the above, the task of the work is to consider the possibility of connecting local self-governments, sustainable use of natural and cultural values in the function of primarily local and then regional development of the mentioned part of Serbia, and comprehensive economic renewal. There is a special emphasis on identifying and proposing solutions to alleviate the currently unfavourable demographic trends and revitalize them through population policy measures and the cooperation of different sectors and levels of government.

The paper presents the main problems and limitations of the regional development of the border area of Serbia. The aim of this paper is the synthesis of previous research and consideration of the regional development of Serbia, with an emphasis on the degree of (under)development of peripheral areas and pointing out the key geographical aspects that lead to regional disparities. These are regions where negative demographic and economic trends are more pronounced than in the rest of the country. In the methodology research, a conceptual model has been presented, which envisages the key natural, demographic, and economic factors that hinder regional development. By applying the SWOT analysis method, the mentioned indicators were systematized. At the same time, it presents guidelines for regional development planning and revitalization of marginal and mostly economically less developed parts of Serbia.

Land resources represent a key factor for the survival of the living world, given that soil provides approximately 99% of global food reserves. However, the lack of sustainable planning in the use of agricultural land, conservative management practices, insufficient awareness, and inadequate institutional frameworks have contributed to increased soil vulnerability to erosion processes and a significant reduction in its functional capacity. Such changes in the natural environment may pose a serious constraint to spatial planning and the achievement of sustainable development goals at the local level. In this context, the assessment of vulnerability levels, the identification of spatial patterns of soil erosion, and the analysis of erosion drivers across different spatial units constitute an important basis for improving planning decisions and enhancing the effectiveness of local government actions. The main objective of this study is to quantify soil erosion within the territory of the City of Jagodina using the Erosion Potential Method (Gavrilović Method). The basic spatial unit of the analysis is the rural settlement, defined by a set of relevant geographical factors (the erosion coefficient Z, mean elevation, slope gradient, proportion of Neogene sediments, forest cover share, and changes in agricultural and arable land areas). This holistic understanding of space and the higher level of spatial detail facilitate the formulation of targeted and site-specific land management strategies.

Solar energy represents a very significant type of renewable energy source, the use of which is expanding. The construction of solar power plants has proven to be a profitable long-term investment in many economic aspects. Through their use, energy efficiency can be improved, and dependence on fossil fuels that pollute the environment can be reduced. This system of using solar energy has some deficiencies, but it can contribute to strengthening awareness of the importance of more efficient electricity generation and conservation. It has special importance for less developed local self-governments, as shown in this paper for the territory of the municipality of Lapovo. The paper aims to consider the benefits that the construction of one of the largest solar power plant in Serbia (put into operation in 2023) brings to this small municipality (2 settlements), considering that it represents a big step towards the green transition and improving the energy efficiency of the studied territory. A review was also made on the implementation of the use of this type of energy through planning and strategic development documents, as well as the correlation with Sustainable Development Goal 7 (Affordable and clean energy) of the Agenda 2030, all to highlight a more meaningful picture of the development direction of the municipality of Lapovo when it comes to renewable energy sources.