Serbia's first national ecological center has been established at a cost of 450,000 euros (612,000 U.S. dollars) in the Mokra Gora National Park, approximately 200 kilometers southwest of the capital Belgrade, reported the Belgrade daily Kurir on Saturday.

Environment Minister Oliver Dulic, who along with Park Director Emir Kusturica opened the facility on Friday, said the center would promote sustainability and was built entirely of natural materials and in accordance with environmentally friendly principles. It is expected to employ 20 people.

Dulic also said that the current government had plans to double the percentage of Serbian lands designated as protected areas. Currently, six percent of Serbia's territory is protected, with the government aiming for 12 percent by the end of its mandate.

The minister announced Serbia's goal of becoming part of the European Natura 2000 network. Natura 2000 is a European Union initiative based on the directives for the protection of bird habitats and the conservation of special areas.