Serbia: Deliblatska Peščara protected status unchanged by fires

Serbia's Environment Minister, Sara Pavkov, has asserted that the Deliblatska Peščara, a significant natural area, remains a legally protected natural asset, unaffected by recent fires.

Pavkov addressed public concerns, stating that while fire crews work tirelessly to extinguish the blaze and international support arrives, some individuals are "agitating the public with fabricated stories about alleged plans for construction and land repurposing." She emphasized that "no matter what anyone's wishes or business plans are, the facts and the law do not support them." The minister affirmed the state's clear intention to "restore and preserve this area."

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While the state shows responsibility, and fire crews work day and night to extinguish the fire in Deliblatska Peščara, while support arrives in the form of helicopters and from EU countries, individuals out of ignorance or conscious political intent are agitating the public with fabricated stories about alleged plans for construction and land repurposing in this area.

Following the immediate priority of controlling the fire, Pavkov outlined plans for a "detailed plan for remediation and restoration, in accordance with the law and procedures." She urged those speaking of "urbanistic plans" to familiarize themselves with the facts and regulations, challenging them to present official documents supporting their claims.

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No matter what anyone's wishes or business plans are, the facts and the law do not support them. The state's intention is clear: we will restore and preserve this area.

Branko Ružić, an official from the Socialist Party of Serbia, described the fire as a "major ecological disaster." He stressed that the focus should be on restoring the ecosystem, not repurposing the land. "Every hectare that was protected before the fire must remain protected after it," Ružić warned, cautioning against the fire becoming a pretext for "urbanistic plans according to someone's wishes."

President Vučić, however, criticized Ružić in Leskovac, accusing him of prioritizing money and personal gain through tenders. The government maintains its commitment to responsible action in the interest of citizens and nature, with a large-scale restoration effort planned once the fire is fully extinguished.

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Every hectare that was protected before the fire must remain protected after it, and the fire must not become an urbanistic plan according to someone's wishes.