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Henkel Serbia, the Bird Protection and Study Society of Serbia (BPSSS), and the Tourist Organization of the Municipality of Surdulica, as the managing body of the “Vlasina” Landscape of Outstanding Features, have joined forces to build and install a unique floating platform for the nesting of common terns on Lake Vlasina. Starting next spring, this platform will serve as a breeding site for the common tern — a strictly protected and endangered bird species.
Five species of terns nest in Serbia — birds that resemble gulls at first glance. The newly installed platform on Lake Vlasina is intended specifically for the common tern (Sterna hirundo), a graceful, pale bird with a forked tail, red legs, and a red beak. Common terns are most often seen flying above open water surfaces, feeding on small fish and aquatic insects.
“Installing the tern nesting platform was extremely demanding, but thanks to the support of Henkel, the local community, and the rangers of the ‘Vlasina’ Landscape, we managed to place it near the Blato site under challenging conditions. The platform is now fully functional and represents a key step toward preserving this species. We hope that next year, when the terns return from their wintering grounds in southeastern Africa, we’ll have the opportunity to see the first chicks here,” said ornithologist Slobodan Marković from BPSSS.
Across Europe, artificial platforms like this one on Vlasina have become vital nesting grounds for terns, helping maintain stable populations. The Vlasina platform measures 6 by 4 meters, is covered with a layer of gravel to mimic natural nesting conditions, and fenced to prevent potential predator attacks. It’s designed to withstand flooding, minimize predator access, and prevent vegetation overgrowth — all of which increase the chances of successful breeding.
“At Henkel, we believe that real change comes through concrete actions. Within our Sustainability Strategy and focus area Regenerative Planet, we are dedicated to climate action, circular economy, and nature regeneration. That’s why, in cooperation with the Bird Protection and Study Society of Serbia, we supported the installation of the first tern nesting platform in Serbia. Terns are a symbol of clean and healthy nature — where they live, the water is clean, and the ecosystem is in balance. Through this project, we aim to contribute to biodiversity preservation and raise awareness of how vital clean water and nature are for all of us,” said Aleksandra Radovanović, Head of Category Management at Henkel Serbia.
This initiative marks one of the first projects of its kind in Serbia and aims to inspire the installation of more similar platforms across the country — contributing to the long-term preservation and growth of the common tern population in Serbia and the region.
