International Day of Forests Marked

The ceremony marking the International Day of Forests, titled "150 Years Since the Discovery of the Pančić Spruce", was held on 21 March 2025 at the Faculty of Forestry, University of Banja Luka.

The event gathered numerous experts, professors, students, and representatives of the industry and institutions.  Among those present were the Rector of the University of Banja Luka, Prof. Radoslav Gajanin, PhD, the Chair of the University Steering Board, Prof. Biljana Antunović, PhD, as well as Vice-Rectors Prof. Milica Balaban, PhD, and Prof. Aleksandar Ostojić, PhD.

Following the opening remarks, Prof. Milan Mataruga, PhD, delivered a presentation under the same title, "150 Years Since the Discovery of the Pančić Spruce", focusing on the history, significance, and conservation of this rare conifer species. The event concluded with a symbolic planting of Pančić spruce seedlings within the University campus.

The observance of the International Day of Forests began a day earlier, on 20 March, with a lecture titled "The Use of Forest Dendroflora", delivered by Prof. Jugoslav Brujić, PhD, at the Academy of Sciences and Arts of the Republic of Srpska, which attracted a large audience.  

The two events were organised by the Faculty of Forestry of the University of Banja Luka, in cooperation with the Academy of Sciences and Arts of the Republic of Srpska, Public Enterprise “Forests of the Republic of Srpska” a.d. Sokolac, and the RS Institute for the Protection of Cultural, Historical and Natural Heritage.  

The Pančić spruce (Picea omorika), discovered in 1875 by Serbian botanist Josif Pančić in western Serbia, is today one of the most significant symbols of the forest ecosystems in this region. This year's observance of the International Day of Forests was dedicated to its conservation and importance, aiming to raise awareness of the need to protect natural resources.

Photo: D. Desnica