Great War Island In Belgrade

The first records of the Big (and Small) War Island date back to the 16th century. They got their name because of their role in numerous conquests and because of their position: they were often on the very border of states, empires, and even civilizations. Great War Island is a landscape of exceptional natural features and covers an area of ​​1.5 km2, and is located at a distance of 800 m from the center of Belgrade – Knez Mihailova Street. It consists of concentric plant belts that alternate properly from the coast to the interior of the island depending on the groundwater level and the elevation of the terrain.

GWI is a habitat of a large number of rare birds as well as animals that are an unusual phenomenon for the term of metropolis (wild boar, roe deer, etc.). The GWI is divided into regime zones of I, II and III degree of protection. The zone of the regime and the degree of protection is the Zone of nature protection: allowed scientific work, performing activities that are necessary for the preservation, improvement of natural values. Measures and activities in this zone must not have a negative impact on the existing flora and fauna – biodiversity. The zone of the regime of the II degree of protection is the Recreation Zone, which includes pedestrian paths as well as gardens in which biologically correct food is grown. Zone of regime of III degree of protection is the Zone of tourism which includes the famous Zemun beach, sandy beach Lido.

Ecological classroom “Great War Island” is located in Zone of regime of II degree of protection, ie. in the zone intended for recreation and controlled stay of people. The ecological classroom consists of an open amphitheater in nature, which is placed on pillars due to frequent changes in water levels, according to the principles of sojenica. The ecological classroom is designed as a space that is most adequate to the needs of a number of lectures that have demonstration structures as their subject and whose effect would be increased by students staying in the natural environment and learning about nature, which is one of the goals of the Faculty of Applied Sciences.