Serbia declares two new natural monuments – Government protects Samar cave system near Svrljig and Tupiznicka Ledenica near Knjazevac

In late December, 2018, the Government of Serbia adopted two decrees on the designation of two new natural monuments in southeast Serbia, the Samar cave system, a northeast part of the Kalafat mountain in the Municipality of Svrljig, and the Tupiznicka Ledenica karst cave in the southern part of the eponymous mountain near Knjazevac.

These natural monuments have been designated 1st category protected areas of national importance for the preservation of geological, geomorphological, hydrographic, hydrogeographic and biological values of the tunnel cave system and the karst cave.

The decrees, which came into effect in early January, establish 2nd degree protection regime in both locations, forbidding access for the purpose of scientific research without written consent and accompaniment, as well as breaking and damaging the morphology of these location, carrying out development works, littering, plant picking and catching, disturbing and killing the entomofauna (insect fauna) in these locations.

The supervision and management has been put in scharge of the PE Srbijasume, and the funds will be provided from the state budget, the protected area usage fee and Srbijasume’s revenues.

Tupiznicka Ledenica is owned by the state, whereas a larger part of Samar belongs to the state, while the rest is privately owned.

Vlada Republike Srbije

JP Srbijašume Beograd

Tupiznicka Ledenica Knjazevac

Samar cave system Svrljig

natural monuments

protected areas in Serbia

karst caves in Serbia