The system of hydroelectric power plants on the Ibar river and their influence on the space and environment of the Ibar-Kopaonik region

The spatial plan of the special purpose area of the hydroelectric power plant system on the Ibar covers the Ibar-Kopaonik region, which administratively includes parts of the territory of the city of Kraljevo and the municipality of Raška. The total area of the Spatial Plan area is approximately 446 km2, of which 405.78 km2 is in the Kraljevo area, and 40.39 km2 is in the Raška area. The spatial coverage is 13 entire cadastral municipalities, in which according to the 2022 Census, 6,196 inhabitants lived. The geographical uniqueness of the planning area along the Ibar river valley is characterized by fertile agricultural land, as well as a rich cultural and historical heritage. In addition, Kraljevo - Kosovska Mitrovica railway line and the state road of the first order M22 (Ibarska magistrala) pass through the valley of the Ibar river. The aim of the work is to examine the direct and indirect impact of the construction of 10 hydroelectric power plants and the pribran reservoir on changes in the water regime of the Ibar river, microclimatic changes, changes in traffic flows, as well as changes in the use, development, construction and protection of space. The methodological apparatus implies the use of general and special scientific methods, and the author's field research was of the greatest importance for the final editing of the paper.