Serbia Launches Citizen Science Project to Map Flora by 2026

Botanists based in Novi Sad have initiated a nationwide endeavor, operating under the hashtag #SrbijaCveta2026. This ambitious undertaking aims to mobilize the general public to participate in charting the flowering times of various plant species across the entirety of Serbia, commencing in January 2026. The project, spearheaded by the University of Novi Sad—the second-largest state university in Serbia—is fundamentally designed to gather up-to-date, ground-level data concerning the nation's plant life.

Dr. Milica Rat, a senior researcher and the custodian of the Herbarium within the Department of Biology and Ecology at the University of Novi Sad, has confirmed the public's active role in documenting the precise onset of blooming for specific plant types throughout the year. This citizen science campaign leverages the keen observational skills of everyday citizens to log the initial signs of spring, such as the appearance of snowdrops and crocuses, right where they live. The resulting dataset will serve as a critical resource for assessing biodiversity loss, analyzing the impacts of climate change, and developing effective strategies to combat pollinosis.

Dr. Rat emphasized that #SrbijaCveta2026 successfully merges scientific inquiry, digital technology, and a general interest in the natural world. The ultimate goal is to construct the most contemporary digital map of Serbian flora by the established deadline. Participants are encouraged to document the first instance of flowering, record the exact geographical coordinates, and share their photographic evidence either via the dedicated Instagram account, @SrbijaCveta2026, or by using the designated hashtag. This campaign is being executed under the auspices of the Department of Biology and Ecology at the University of Novi Sad (BUNS) to heighten public awareness regarding the significant value of personal, localized observations.

In a related development highlighting Serbia's focus on botany, the country is also preparing to host the international event, Fascination of Plants Day (FoPD2026), scheduled for May 2026. Coordinating this global initiative within Serbia falls to Ivana Tubić, affiliated with the Siniša Stanković Institute for Biological Research—the National Institute of the Republic of Serbia. The eighth iteration of the international FoPD, organized by the European Plant Science Organisation (EPSO), is slated to run from March through November 2026, with its peak observance set for May 18, 2026. FoPD’s central mission is to illustrate to the public the indispensable role of plant science across sectors like agriculture, horticulture, forestry, and pharmaceuticals, while simultaneously underscoring the environmental conservation role of plants. In the preceding 2024 campaign, over 670 events were successfully held across more than 65 countries.

By concentrating on phenophases—the timing of recurring biological events—the #SrbijaCveta2026 project directly contributes to broader scientific objectives. In Serbia, through the dedicated efforts of scientists from Novi Sad, there is a direct pipeline for citizen data collection. This represents a prime example of integrating academic research with public engagement to tackle pressing ecological challenges. Utilizing social media platforms for participation ensures widespread dissemination of information and fosters greater involvement of younger generations in scientific processes.