Ana Ostojic
Project activities will be conducted in the Central Serbia in Sumadija region. Project is focused on Sumadija’s steppe phytocenosis with long-term conservation of existing fragments of steppe vegetation in selected sites. The Idea of this project is to review and note literature described steppe plant communities on the selected sites in Sumadija region. Our conservation approaches will valorize this type of vegetation and to record localities with species of special interest, such as Centaurium erythraea. Our project will contribute to the conservation of existing steppe fragments through the research, education and promotion. Practical conservation outputs are regarding to scientific contribution in terms of creation of relevant dataset about the vegetation structure, steppe species and presents of Centaurium erythraea. These data could be used for future investigation, studies, protection process by scientists or local authorities or other interested parties.
Centaurium erythraea detail. ©Ana Ostojic.
Research activities include review of, up to date, botanical research of the area and existing literature such as published articles, books, reports, official documentation connected to flora and vegetation with mapping of steppe vegetation as one of the most important type of habitats. Also, mapping Centaurium erythraea and its abundance in selected vegetation releves; using the old vegetation releves at the selected area, we will compare floristic composition and frequency of certain species according to literature data. During the project will be conducted interviews with local people (old generations and youngsters) to identify the knowledge gap in using Centaurium erythraea among generations and raise awareness about the importance of conservation of indigenous species, traditional knowledge and their role in biodiversity conservation.
Education and promotion will contribute to long lasting conservation of steppe habitat with this flora and vegetation. It will be organizing lectures for members of mountain climbing society and for local community members (local authorities, local societies, school children, and women). The aim of these lectures will be raise of the knowledge about steppe vegetation, with accent on endangered, endemic or rare species and promotion of its conservation.
Promotional activities include setting up small botanical garden such as an example of ‘’ex-situ’’ conservation method, within existing botanical garden in the city of Kragujevac. Promo activities will be followed by photo exhibition, brochures and leaflets, and wooden informational boards for wider public.