Importance of Forest Ecosystem within Important Plant Areas (IPAs) for the Development of Nature-Based Tourism—A Case Study of Fruška Gora National Park

Abstract

Botanical areas under international protection are important for preserving plant and animal ecosystems. Forest ecosystems within Important Plant Areas (IPAs) are essential for preserving biological and species diversity. In AP Vojvodina (Northern Serbia), there are 27 IPAs, totaling 328,208 ha. Fruška Gora National Park (FGNP) territory is under international protection as an IPA. A large part of this park is covered by a forest ecosystem comprising various deciduous and evergreen trees, shrubs, and grasses. The forest ecosystem in FGNP is rich with natural attractions that are important for hiking, mountaineering, trekking, scientific tourism, wildlife, bird and animal watching, and community tourism. In this article, the authors used a quantitative method of collecting and processing data obtained through survey research. For this research, 610 respondents (325 residents and 285 visitors) were surveyed. Using questionnaires, the respondents expressed their opinions about the tourism potential of FGNP, as well as the satisfaction of tourists with current tourism development. The research results indicate that the forest ecosystem within the FGNP and IPA area has an important potential for the development of nature-based tourism (NbT) and that this tourism form significantly affects not only the satisfaction of the respondents but also increased awareness of the preservation and protection of these areas.