Management of protected geoheritage in the Republic of Srpska

In the recent years, geoheritage and geodiversity have gained increased importance when it comes to nature protection. Term geoheritage defines sites both cultural important and natural heritage with emphasized geomorphological, geological, pedological, archeological (Article 15 "Official Gazette of Republic of Srpska" no.38/22), paleoarcheological and hydrological values. Therefore, geoheritage objects represent a significant geodiversity of the Republic of Srpska. Some objects of geoheritage, located within the territory of the Republic of Srpska, have been protected since the very beginning of institutional nature protection. Regarding its' importance, many geomorphological objects were protected as natural heritage by State institution for protection of cultural monuments and natural rarities in 1950s and 1960s. Some of the cave geoheritage objects that were under protection in the middle of 20th century are: Ljelješnica, Jurkovica, Rakovac, Čukovac, Provalija, Govještica, Banja Stijena, Vaganska and others. In the 21st century the trend of protecting natural heritage and geoheritage objects continues. The Republic Institute for the protection of cultural, historical and natural heritage made so far 15 Studies for the protection of cave geoheritage objects, among which 14 represents "Natural monuments" and one "Nature park". Important geoheritage that enjoys legal protection in accordance to the Law on Nature Protection are: Rastuša Cave, Ljubačevo Cave (northern RS), Ledana Cave, Vaganska Cave, Mračaj Cave (central RS), Mokranjska Miljacka Cave, Kuk Cave, Orlovača Cave, Ledenjača Cave, Girska Cave, Govještica Cave, Banja Stijena Cave (East RS), "Pod Lipom" Cave, "Velika pećina" Cave, Pavlova Cave and Đatlo Cave (South RS). In addition to the mentioned caves and pits, the Institute has also protected the canyon of the Prača River, where the caves Govjestica and Banja Stijena are located. The natural monument "Vrela Sane" was protected in 2021, thereby protecting the cave Mračaj. The geonatural heritage of the Republic of Srpska, with its geomorphological, geological, pedological, archaeological, and hydrological significance, represents potential for the development of geotourism, which is why special attention needs to be directed towards proper and functional management of protected geoheritage. The geoheritage of the Republic of Srpska, its preservation, and protection represent a significant part of the modern concept of nature conservation, which includes the protection and use of natural resources within the framework of sustainable development.