(AG Real estate) Land Planning Research – Stara Planina - Last Hidden Beauty of Europe

Announcement of publication of land utilization and purpose reservation plan for development of Stara Planina, for at least next 10 years, attracts full attention of the expert public and potential investors. That will primarily be a development of tourist capacities and related sports infrastructure, especially dedicated and intended for winter sports. A wish and a need that such development be finally implemented in Serbia from the beginning to the end of the process, in accordance with standard procedures and standards, also additionally underline importance and value of this flywheel for future development of south Serbia and Serbia as a whole. Untouched and still undiscovered nature will additionally stimulate and increase interest for this destination.

Development of tourism as a strategic economic branch will most certainly stimulate development of specialized real estate market in Serbia. That expected real estate development will follow economic development of a mountain such as Stara Planina.

Situated on the Balkan Peninsula and part of the West Balkan Mountain Range (a trans-boundary area shared by Serbia and Bulgaria), Stara Planina is considered to have one of the most diverse natural habitats in Europe. It is a harmonious blend of untouched nature, rich history and tradition where tree lined slopes and outstanding views offer perfect touring, sightseeing and leisure opportunities.

The landscape is dominated by rich and diverse mosaic of forests, pastures, wetlands and numerous picturesque villages with dreamy farms and vineyards. Important vegetation communities include high mountain grasslands, oak forests, conifer/evergreen forests and wetlands. The area’s species diversity, among the richest in the Balkans, results in part from a long tradition of sustainable livestock grazing which has helped to maintain alpine and sub-alpine grasslands and meadows. Stara Planina is home to 1,195 known species of plants. The flora includes wild relatives of several fruit and fodder species as well as widely used medicinal plants. More than 50 of the plant species are listed as rare, vulnerable, endangered or critically endangered across Europe. The area also has over 30 species of mammals and 203 species of birds. In addition, Stara Planina is an area historically rich in agro biodiversity, particularly autochthonous varieties of sheep, goats and cattle which are adapted to the harsh conditions of the high grasslands.

What is more, it is an extension of the Carpathian Mountains separated by the Danube River holding the highest peak of Serbia, Midzor, set at 2,168 meters.

Neighboring the pan-European Corridor 10, Nis International Airport and Bulgarian state border Stara Planina is effortlessly reachable from anywhere in Europe. Stara Planina is located 70 km from Nis, 50 km from Knjazevac and Pirot, 330 km from Belgrade and 120 km from Sofia.

Development

Slopes of Stara Planina are covered with rich snow packs for almost 5 months a year providing an exceptional potential for development of large alpine ski runs. In addition, there is a selection of suitable grounds for a variety of other tourist pursuits such as Nordic skiing, hunting, fishing, summer sports, climbing and hiking. Moreover, the mountain base is ideal for construction of various accommodation facilities. Visiting the Mountain one can experience wonders of a region with rich heritage, folk arts and crafts, picture-postcard appealing nature, organic cuisine and – above all – experience the welcoming and hospitable Serbian spirit kept alive over the centuries.

Tourism

Growth of tourism on Stara Planina is envisaged to include development of ski runs together with base area facilities through a detailed analysis in a form of two master plans. Both master plans provide complete technical assessment (terrain capacity including climate/solar conditions), mountain assessment (ski lift and slope designs) and base area facilities and land planning.

Overall, construction of ski infrastructure and accommodation facilities project foresees development of a four-season resort including ski/snowboard facilities and other year-round recreational activities, provision of ski runs, building lift and trail capacities, development of base area facilities and accommodation in a “Resort Area”.

The Resort Area Development consists of three main base areas: the Jabucko Ravniste (The “Apple Plateau”) and two other potential areas – the Zubska Reka and Leskova Ravan. In summary, the total Stara Planina Resort base area could potentially generate accommodation for a total of 22,000 skiers. The Apple Plateau base area on Stara Planina has the potential for the highest concentration of beds and parking, beginner skiing and outdoor activities easily accessed by car. In total, the proposed base area in phase 1 shall have enough parking and beds to host 5,000 guests, while the total capacity of the site runs up to 60,000 skiers per hour. Development of a ski center and runs is expected to reach a total value of investment around €57 million.

A project’s estimated overall value is €400 million, with implementation period of ten years. As to the financial structure, public infrastructure (roads, water and electricity supply systems) will be financed by the state, whereas sources for other activities are expected to come from private investors.

Use of Biological Diversity

The four-year World Bank funded project aims to assist the Government of the Republic of Serbia to establish a more efficient system for providing support to the agri-food sector to enhance its competitiveness and Serbia’s capacity to absorb EU funds for agriculture and rural development. The Global Environment Objective is to conserve ecological systems, agro-biodiversity and wild biodiversity in the production areas of the Stara Planina Nature Park.

The project supports implementation of the Government of the Republic of Serbia ambitious reform program for improving the business environment and its plan for achieving EU membership by 2013. The government prioritizes agriculture and rural development as areas where Serbia has a comparative advantage and for poverty reduction, as poverty is highest in rural areas. In addition, the government provides generous financial support for the sector.

The government is also in the process of preparing an application for the Stara Planina Nature Park to be designated as a Biosphere Reserve under the UNESCO Man and Biosphere Program.