COME TO A RAMSAR SITE, A BIRDER’S DELIGHT

On this day in 1971, the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands was adopted, which is why this day, February 2, is celebrated as World Wetlands Day. This international act provides a basis for the conservation and wise use of aquatic habitats and their resources, through local, regional and national activities and international cooperation. This is of great importance for AP Vojvodina, taking into account the fact that in these areas there are 8 Ramsar sites out of a total of 11, as many as there are in the whole of Serbia. These are the following Ramsar sites: Lake Ludaš (Ludaško jezero), Upper Danube Basin (Gornje Podunavlje), Slano Kopovo, the Old Begej / Imperial Pond (Stari Begej/Carska bara), Kovilj-Petrovaradin Marsh (Koviljsko-petrovaradinski rit), Obedska Pond (Obedska bara), Swan’s Shaft (Labudovo okno) and Zasavica. Each of these areas represents a quaint romantic destination where water essentially shapes the landscape. The very status of the Ramsar site confirms their ecological and tourism values. The lake-marsh habitats overgrown with reeds are extremely important as nesting grounds for protected bird species. All of the above leads to the inevitable conclusion that the Ramsar sites of Vojvodina represent ideal destinations for ecotourism programs and tours. In addition to natural values, these areas also have localities where a lot can be learned along with recreation. Also, these areas are known for hunting and fishing. Well-maintained hiking and ecological trails open up space for discovering new dimensions of nature, but also for learning about our past through preserved local cultures, architecture, costumes and customs found in the very surroundings of the Vojvodina Ramsar sites.