This tree grows only along the Drina River and is the pride of Serbia: Tara National Park marks three jubilees

This year National Park Tara celebrates three very important jubilees - 150 years since the discovery of Pančić's spruce, 130 years of forestry on Tara and 120 years of organized tourism.

"It is known that Josif Pančić discovered the spruce on Tara, in Zaovine, in 1875. Pančić's spruce, scientifically known as Picea omorika, is an endemic, relict species that occurs exclusively in the middle course of the Drina river. As its only natural habitat in Serbia is on Tara, we can say that this species has national importance. Pančić's spruce is under the first degree of protection and can be found in 17 localities. This endemic species is the pride of Tara National Park, and thousands of tourists and fans of nature comes every year to see this rare plant, and the management's goal is its survival in its natural habitat," they told RINA in Tara National Park.

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The year 1895 is considered the beginning of organized, institutional forestry on Tara. The first five forest administrations in Serbia were formed then, and one of them was based in Tara.

The third, but not the least important anniversary is 120 years of organized tourism. It is believed that the famous Serbian writer Milovan Glišić was among the first visitors to Tara. For treatment, he stayed in the monastery pavilions on the Kaludjerske Bare. He visited Tara for the first time in 1905, and that year is considered the beginning of organized tourism on Tara.

"We are pleased that our desire to celebrate these important jubilees in an adequate way was supported by the Tourist Organization, 'Tara - Drina' Bajina Bašta, the Tourist Organization of Užice, the Military Institution Tara, the Institution 'Culture'. Through joint cooperation, we prepared a three-day celebration of the jubilee, which we symbolically called 'Roots that endure'", say the representatives of National Park Tara.

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As part of this event, there will be a Ceremonial Academy, an expert meeting, the planting of Pančić's spruce seedlings, a photo exhibition and theatrical performances.