Natural Beauties: Bentbaša Proposed as Legally Protected Landscape

The Government of Sarajevo Canton today adopted the Draft Law on the Declaration of the Protected Landscape "Bentbaša". As this is a fifth category complex, the final decision on its protection will be made by the Assembly of Sarajevo Canton.

The Ministry of Spatial Planning, Construction and Environmental Protection, which prepared this law, emphasized that the entire process of placing this area under protection began six years ago. The expert elaboration determined that the Bentbaša area is characterized by a high degree of biological (floristic and faunistic), geomorphological, and hydrological diversity, as well as cultural-historical values. For example, 70 different habitat types have been recorded, and a very high rate of endemism, especially among plants, has been determined, which is why this area can also be designated as an "endemic center". Due to the high degree of endemism and relic species, the area represents one of the richest in the Bosnian-Herzegovinian Dinarides.

Furthermore, significant geomorphological diversity has been recorded, including the Miljacka river valley, Toplik cave and the cave below Šehova korija, the rocks and plateau of Jekovac with a cave, Babin zub and the steep slopes of typically karst terrain below Bijela tabija, Orlovo krilo, and parts of the estuary and valley of the Mošćanica river. In addition, the area abounds with hydrological diversity such as the Miljacka river flow, the Mošćanica river flow, the Abu Hajat spring near Šehova korija, etc. Cultural-historical values such as Kozija ćuprija and Šehova korija have also been recorded.

By obtaining all approvals and harmonizing legal frameworks, conditions have been met for Sarajevo Canton, in addition to the already declared natural monuments Vrela Bosne and Skakavac, and the two already protected landscapes of Bijambare and Trebević, to add this one on Bentbaša, thus estimating the area of protected zones in Sarajevo Canton at approximately 3000 hectares.

The protected landscape "Bentbaša" would represent a protected zone intended primarily for landscape conservation and recreation, with the main objectives: maintaining harmonious interactions between nature and culture through landscape protection and traditional land use; conservation and non-disturbance of habitats, ecosystems, and species; maintaining genetic resources in a dynamic and developing state; maintaining established ecological processes; preserving landscape structure characteristics; preserving samples of the natural environment for scientific purposes; environmental monitoring; minimizing disturbance through careful planning and conducting research and other approved activities; as well as limiting public access, removing and preventing exploitation or visits that could lead to changes and damage to nature.

The protection of Bentbaša, as emphasized, closes a green ring in terms of preserving forest resources, which have an immeasurable function in terms of air quality. All ecosystems in this area have various functions, from water purification to reducing the negative impacts of noise. In addition to all this, the entire area will certainly be a particularly valuable resource in terms of developing tourism potential, recreational areas, cultural content, and economic activities.