Possibilities for The Development of Sustainable Urban Ecotourism in Protected Area "Veliko ratno ostrvo"

The principles of sustainable tourism can be best perceived on the example of the ecotourism, i.e. a form of tourism that promotes the protection of natural areas through environmentally responsible behavior of tourists and the tourism industry along with the active participation of the local community which contributes to the economic development of eco-destination. Ecotourism is often associated with the stay of tourists in protected natural areas, located in remote, rural areas. Nowadays, the role of protected areas located close to major urban centers gains in importance in the development of urban ecotourism. The Landscape of Outstanding Features (LOF) «Veliko ratno ostrvo» is one of the protected areas in the capital of Serbia, Belgrade. It stands out for its specific position at the confluence of the Sava and the Danube, preserved wetlands and forest ecosystems, great species diversity, especially in ornithofauna, history and exceptional potential for ecotourism development. The aim of this paper is to present a detailed analysis of the ecotourism potential of the protected area located in the center of the metropolis, and to indicate the types of ecotourism activities that can be successfully implemented without compromising the natural values of the «Veliko ratno ostrvo».