🏜️ Exploring Europe's Largest Sandy Terrain: Deliblato Sands 🌍 🔹 They call it the Sahara of Europe, and rightly so! Deliblato Sands sprawls across a massive 38,940 hectares and boasts some of the tallest dunes in the Carpathian basin, reaching up to 30 meters in relative height. 🔹 Once part of a vast prehistoric desert, today it's not just a spectacular natural wonder; it's also a sanctuary for many endemic plant and animal species, some of which are rare or endangered in Europe and around the world. Unfortunately, it is in danger due to climate change and human activity. 🔹 Deliblato Sands lies in close proximity to Belgrade, frequently featured as the most polluted city in the world. Strong winds are believed to carry pollutants from nearby thermal plant Kostolac and surrounding housing. 🔹 It is also cited as the most fire-prone area in the Republic of Serbia. With sandy soils, high water permeability, a dry surface, a warm and arid climate, and easily flammable coniferous vegetation, the risk of wildfires looms large. To combat these challenges and ensure sustainable management, continuous monitoring is essential. That's where CiROCCO can help. Its network and observations will play a pivotal role in efficient land, forest, habitat, and tourism management. Data gathered will be used to: 🌱 Assist in choosing the right plant species for reforestation. 📊 Plan measures more effectively. 🌡️ Monitor the microclimate and air pollution levels in Deliblato Sands. 📈 Keep an eye on parameters that were previously unavailable, such as temperature. Deliblato Sands is more than just a sandy expanse; it's a treasure trove of ecological wonders and a testament to the importance of responsible stewardship. We hope to ensure that this unique ecosystem thrives for generations to come. 🌿 Learn more about CiROCCO's Pilot in Serbia here: https://lnkd.in/dFBSVh9z #DelibatoSands #Sustainability #CiROCCO #Conservation #Environment #EuropeDesert National Observatory of Athens eBOS Netcompany-Intrasoft InoSens doo Centre for Environment & Development for the Arab Region and Europe (CEDARE) University of Cyprus, Idalion Municipality, Ministry of Labour and Social Insurance (CY), JAVNO Preduzace Vojvodinasume, Pretrovaradin, Agencia Estatal Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Cientificas, Astrocast
