1st National Workshop - Institute of Lowland Forestry and Environment

The First National Workshop within the framework of the

Interreg Danube Programme project SCAN-DANUBE (Strategies for Conservation of Fraxinus

angustifolia in the Danube Basin) was successfully held on April 2, 2026, at the Institute of

Lowland Forestry and Environment, University of Novi Sad.

The workshop gathered a diverse group of key stakeholders, including representatives from the

Provincial Secretariat for Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management, public enterprises

Srbijašume and Vojvodinašume, National Park Fruška Gora, Institute for Nature Conservation

of Serbia, the Faculty of Agriculture, the Provincial Institute for Nature Conservation, Gradsko

Zelenilo Novi Sad, the Faculty of Sciences in Novi Sad, as well as non-governmental

organizations such as the Agroforestry Association of Serbia.

The workshop featured a series of expert presentations delivered by researchers from the

Institute:

• Prof. Dr Saša Orlović opened the workshop with a presentation on the SCAN-DANUBE

project, outlining its objectives, structure, and expected outcomes.

• Dr Vladimir Višacki presented on the distribution dynamics of narrow-leaved ash

(Fraxinus angustifolia) in the Danube Basin.

• Dr Bratislav Matović discussed the current state and structure of narrow-leaved ash

forests in AP Vojvodina.

• Dr Dejan B. Stojanović addressed the impacts of climate change on mixed floodplain

forests of pedunculate oak and narrow-leaved ash.

• Dr Verica Vasić presented on invasive plant species in narrow-leaved ash stands.

• Dr Leopold Poljaković-Pajnik discussed quarantine insect pests posing a threat to these

ecosystems.

• Dr Milan Drekić presented on Stereonychus fraxini as the most significant defoliator of

narrow-leaved ash.

• Dr Milica Zlatković delivered the final presentation titled “From satellites to genomes:

an integrated approach to ash conservation within the SCAN-DANUBE project-

towards solutions”, followed by a concluding discussion.

The workshop proved to be highly successful, both in terms of participation and the quality of

discussion. Stakeholders expressed very positive feedback regarding the first project

deliverable and provided valuable insights that will significantly support the preparation of the

second deliverable. Their input will facilitate a more efficient continuation of project activities,

and stakeholders expressed strong willingness to remain actively involved in future steps.

Participants highlighted that this was one of the most interesting and useful workshops they had

attended, emphasizing the relevance of the topics and the practical value of the discussions.

The workshop strengthened collaboration between scientific institutions, public authorities, and

practitioners, confirming strong stakeholder engagement and support for the SCAN-DANUBE

project. Continued cooperation with these stakeholders will play a crucial role in the successful

implementation of future project activities and deliverables.