Serbia: Fire in Deliblatska Peščara a 'major ecological disaster,' official says

A significant ecological disaster has struck Serbia's Deliblatska Peščara, a protected nature reserve, following a large fire that ravaged the area. Branko Ružić, an official from the Socialist Party of Serbia, described the blaze as a major environmental catastrophe, emphasizing that not only forest but also a decades-old ecosystem was lost.

“

The fire should not become an urban development plan according to the wishes of some.

Ružić stressed that the land, which was protected before the fire, must remain so afterward. He warned against repurposing the land, stating, "The fire should not become an urban development plan according to the wishes of some." He advocated for restoration rather than rezoning, asserting, "Restoration is needed, not land repurposing."

The official called for a thorough investigation into the fire's origins, including potential human factors and business interests, particularly in the energy sector, surrounding the reserve. He proposed that the government explore imposing certain restrictions on investments in wind and solar power plants, as well as other large energy facilities within Deliblatska Peščara. Ružić also suggested considering a moratorium on activities that could jeopardize the ecosystem's recovery if the government decides to pursue restoration efforts.

“

Restoration is needed, not land repurposing.

"It would be a shame to view Deliblatska Peščara as just an ordinary plot of land. This is a major ecological disaster," Ružić stated, expressing support for the Interior Ministry and the Emergency Situations Directorate in their efforts to determine the circumstances of the fire. He believes the public deserves the truth about what happened.

“

It would be a shame to view Deliblatska Peščara as just an ordinary plot of land. This is a major ecological disaster.