The Republic of Srpska has no sea-coast, but it has unbelievable places and amazing nature that make domestic tourism very popular. Only a few natural resources of Srpska are on the list of protected areas, but more and more work has been done on that in the last decade. By the end of this year, Srpska will have two more protected areas – Mokranjska Miljacka cave near Pale and Gostilj habitat on Ozren mountain.

By the end of this year, the Mokranjska Miljacka cave near Pale and Gostilj habitat on Ozren mountain will join the Kozara and Sutjeska national parks, the beauties of the Una and the Drina and many others on the list of protected areas in Srpska.

Both locations are of great importance for the preservation of natural wealth and tradition. Gostilj near Ozren has been long known for its healing grass Iva. Every year, the feast of the Beheading of St. John the Baptist gathers several hundred nature lovers at Gostilj to attend the traditional Picking of Iva Grass on Ozren.

The protection of Gostilj is strategically unavoidable precisely for the reason of protecting the habitat of this healing grass, which is not endangered for the time being, but could become through irresponsible picking.

The Mokranjska Miljacka Cave is one of the longest caves explored in BiH so far. Unlike other speleological features developed for tourism, it requires much more attention. The protection of this natural wealth will enable uninterrupted unfolding of its natural processes.

The significance of the Mokranjska Miljacka cave is evident in many aspects. It is interesting to nature lovers, researchers, speleologists, and that makes it even more attractive and representative in tourism.

Nature conservation is no longer only struggle to preserve areas, species, habitats or geodiversity but also an effort for survival of humans as a species. Good condition of nature and ecosystems is fundamental for ensuring the services provided by the ecosystem which are necessary for a better quality of life for people.

Every protected natural site, cultural site or monument is an exceptionally great wealth for the society and future generations, as well as for tourism in Srpska.

There are currently 29 protected areas in Srpska, including two nature reserves, three national parks, 15 natural monuments, two protected habitats, four nature parks and three areas with sustainable use of natural resources.

Source and photo: RTRS