Carska Bara
Zrenjanin, Vojvodina province, Serbia
Restoring Serbia’s largest wetland
Nestled in northeastern Serbia, Carska Bara is a stunning mosaic of ponds, reedbeds, rivers, canals, and grasslands. It shelters a wealth of plant and animal life, from the rare Marsh Orchid to an array of fish, birds and amphibians. Local communities depend on the wetland’s ecosystem services for their livelihoods, living in small villages that dot the landscape.
But Carska Bara’s very existence is threatened by unsustainable fishing practices, the unchecked spread of reedbeds, and the construction of channels and dykes around the Begej River. The Bird Protection and Study Society of Serbia (BPSSS), BirdLife’s Partner in Serbia, is pleased to collaborate with the local waterways management company and communities to restore Carska Bara.
Our Future Vision
Carska Bara is a flourishing natural and semi-natural landscape, home to expansive grasslands, open-water marshes, lush reed beds, fishponds, and gently flowing rivers. Its riverbanks are lined with luscious woodland and waterbirds, alongside a diversity of fish, amphibians, and reptiles, will thrive once again. Residents of nearby villages have sustainable livelihoods, while visitors from nearby cities reconnect with nature in this revitalised space. At long last, Carska Bara has become a truly protected Protected Area, offering vital ecosystem services to all.
CARSKA BARA AT A GLANCE
280+
Species
4+
Habitat types
11,547
Hectares
Habitat types
wetlands, reed beds, grasslands, freshwater systems
Key Species
Eurasia Otter (Lutra lutra), Common Spoonbill (Platalea leucorodia), Storks (Ciconia sp.), European Bee-Eater (Merops apiaster), Whiskered Tern (Chlidonias hybrida), Fire Salamander (Salamandra salamandra), Grass Snake (Natrix natrix), Saltmarsh Thistle (Cirsium brachycephalum), Pedunculate Oak (Quercus robur)
Designations
Special Nature Reserve, Ramsar site, Important Bird Area (IBA), National Protected Area
Main causes of degradation
poor water management, drought, invasive species
Our plan: Restoring Carska Bara for birds, people and the planet
To breathe new life into this threatened wetland, we will:
- Revitalise the hydrological system of Carska Bara by creating new water passages to restore the natural flow and prevent further sediment build-up.
- Restore 900 hectares of ancient alkaline grasslands by removing drainage channels and reseeding native grass species.
- Improve reed harvesting practices through the development of standards and trainings for local communities.
- Combat invasive species by clearing 8,5km of riverbanks and riverbeds across 350 hectares of land, removing invasive trees and allow native trees to recover.
- Empower local communities. The 5,000 residents of villages nearby Carska Bara will benefit from extended grazing seasons, improved water availability, and greater resilience against drought.
- Inspire the next generation by leveraging school visits to Carska Bara to teach future generations about the importance of nature and climate resilience.
In 2050
Carska Bara is a flourishing natural and semi-natural landscape, home to expansive grasslands, open-water marshes, lush reed beds, fishponds, and gently flowing rivers. Its riverbanks are lined with luscious woodland and waterbirds, alongside a diversity of fish, amphibians, and reptiles, will thrive once again. Residents of nearby villages have sustainable livelihoods, while visitors from nearby cities reconnect with nature in this revitalised space. At long last, Carska Bara has become a truly protected Protected Area, offering vital ecosystem services to all.
“This project is about securing the future of Carska Bara as a sanctuary for both people and nature. By restoring a mosaic of habitats, we are stimulating rich biodiversity, water purification, and sustainable livelihoods. It’s deeply rewarding to know our work will benefit both the environment and local communities.”Kristina Milosevic – Project coordinator at BPSSS
