Large protected areas, which are among the oldest and most important instruments of nature protection, also play a major developmental role due to their other (cultural, social and economic) dimensions. Protected areas are a dynamic, changeable and open spatial system whose efficient protection and development is closely linked to planned and accountable management. Management content and programmes are provided for in the management plan. The main objective of the thesis is to define a high-quality and multi-sector coordinated protected area management model. The study focuses on exploring the role and importance of the management plan and its relations to other developmental programme and sectoral documents. Legal background, international treaties, directives and conventions, as well as the existing practice in the field of management planning were analysed, and a comparison of two protected areas in the Alpine space was made. In terms of protected area content, programme documents, spatial acts and land use plans were studied. The survey conducted among experts from various fields gives an overview of acquired experience and opinions, standpoints and positions regarding future protection, development and management of protected areas. Particular attention was paid to Triglav National Park. The findings show that protected areas are not protection reserves but a potential which can promote and strengthen sustainable development of the wider region. The thesis proposes a management planning model which is based on a comprehensive and interdisciplinary approach supported with value analyses, moves beyond the sectoral approach and conditioning that involves active participation of interested parties in the preparation and implementation of the management plan, and is able to ensure appropriate and timely responses and adjustments to major changes.
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