Three New Viewpoints Above Uvac Canyon: Nature at Your Fingertips or Tourist Overload?
Get ready, nature lovers and adventurers! The Uvac Canyon, one of the last habitats of the endangered griffon vulture, is getting three new viewpoints that will literally offer you a million-dollar view. But is this really good news or just another step towards tourist invasion of a protected natural treasure?
Where and what is being built? Three new viewpoints are rising on the elevations above the lakes in the Uvac Canyon. The first will be on the hill above the Rastokama dam, the second at the Ravni Krš site near Donje Lopiže, and the third at Vraneši above Radoinjsko Lake, near the ethno village. All will be about 6.5 meters high and equipped with covered platforms, meaning these will be larger and more attractive than the existing ones.
Why does it matter? Uvac Canyon is a special nature reserve and home to endangered species like the griffon vulture. So far, there have been about fifteen viewpoints, and now the number is increasing. Marked hiking trails will lead to the new viewpoints, making access easier for tourists but also increasing pressure on nature.
Who is behind the project? The project is part of cross-border cooperation between Serbia and Montenegro, with the municipality of Žabljak as the lead, and partners including the Center for Protection and Study of Birds of Montenegro, the Society for Protection and Study of Birds of Serbia, and the Uvac Reserve enterprise from Nova Varoš. The investment in the viewpoint on the highest peak of Vojvodina, Vršac, is 6 million dinars, and three new resting places are also planned.
A view that takes your breath away Visitors already describe the views from the viewpoints as “million-dollar views.” Some viewpoints can only be reached by boat or on foot, which does not discourage adventurers eager for untouched nature. The most famous viewpoints are Molitva, Ravni Krš, Veliki Vrh above Uvac Lake, Stevanetići, Savina Stolica, and Debelji above Zlatarsko Lake.
But is everything so rosy? As tourism develops, the question arises: how much can nature withstand this pressure? The griffon vulture is an endangered species, and Uvac Canyon is one of its last habitats. Will the new trails and viewpoints threaten their existence? Is this another example of how tourism can destroy what it aims to promote?
Conclusion The three new viewpoints in Uvac Canyon bring spectacular views and new opportunities for tourism. But nature is not infinite. While enjoying the view, ask yourself – is this the beginning of too much pressure on one of Serbia’s most beautiful natural gems?
What about you? Would you climb to one of these viewpoints, or do you think nature is more important than tourism? Drop a comment, maybe we’ll find the answer together!