The research was focused to the relation between study circle participants andrural environment, forest and sustainable development. Diverse methods wereused - quantitative analysis of study circle yearly reports, results of survey performed in June 2003, literature analysis and personal involvement/engagement in 2001-2005 period. It has been found that study circle pariticpants - particularly in the countryside - are tightly linked together with horizontal social capital, are particularly careful for and committed to their living places including forests, what has - up to now - never been activated in developmental initiatives because of lack of vertical social capital. These characteristics are key elements of sustainable rural development. We identified the key inquiry questions of sustainable personal behaviour (explaining 60 % of its variability) and confirmed possibility and usefulness of interviewees stratification. The hypothesis of different lifestyles of study circle participants in the rural and urban environments was therefore confirmed and at the same time the target groups for education, public relations and further research were formed. By using an interdisciplinary approach in research we avoided limitation on measurable entities and model solutions. We have found answers on complex questions with triangulation of sources and methods, inclusion of local, traditional and daily life. Consequently conclusions are immediately and directly applicable.
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