Dear Colleagues,

Eighty years have passed since the publication of Turill’s landmark study “Plant life of the Balkan Peninsula”. In the following period, the numerous new information and results have been brought to light, showing an ever-accelerating rate of progress in research of fl ora and vegetation of this part of Europe. The future holds even more promise. Thus, in 2009, we will again assemble the experts on Balkan fl ora with the objective of furthering the state of our fi eld of study. Please mark your calendars now and plan to join colleagues old and new for the 5th Balkan Botanical congress which will be held in Belgrade from 7-11th September. You can look ahead to several professionally challenging days, and on behalf of the Organizing Committee we would be honored to be your hosts during this exeptional meeting. Looking forward to seeing you in Serbia,

► The aim of the meeting is to bring together all the botanists involved in research of the plant life of Balkan Peninsula with the emphasis on the conservation of the biodiversity of this extremely rich fl ora and vegetation. The purpose of the congress is also to provide an excellent opportunity to hear the latest results, to share research experience and expertise and to develop new and closer contacts with colleagues from different countries.
► The program will include four lecture days (oral and poster presentations), social events, mid-congress excursion and three days of postcongress field trip.
► The official language of the meeting will be English.
► We will inform participants about accommodation, registration fees and banking details at the beginning of January 2009.

Prof. Vladimir Stevanović President of 5th BBC. f. d