IMPLEMENTATION OF GIS TECHNOLOGIES IN ASSESSMENT AND PROTECTION OF NATURAL VALUES OF TARA NATIONAL PARK

D. RADOVIĆ1, V. STEVANOVIĆ1, D. MARKOVIĆ2, S. JOVANOVIĆ1, G. DŽUKIĆ3, AND I. RADOVIĆ1

1 Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia and Montenegro 2 Military Geographical Institute, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia and Montenegro 3Siniša Stanković Institute for Biological Research, 11060 Belgrade, Serbia and Montenegro

Abstract - Mount Tara is among the most important centers of Balkan and European ecosystem and species biodiversity. It is characterized by diversified and well-maintained communities of old deciduous and mixed coniferous forests (beech/fir/spruce). They represent a unique example of well preserved forests in SE Europe with numerous endemic and relict species of indigenous flora and fauna. The geographical information system (GIS) that we have created has proved an excellent tool for valorization and protection of all natural values and potentials of Tara National Park.