National parks’ management models in Serbia and selected countries of the region: Comparative analysis and improvement possibilities

Abstract

The management of national parks (NPs) is a challenge because it is necessary to en?sure the conservation, improvement, sustainable use of natural and other values at NP area, as well as the management of NPs? visitors. This paper aims to study the NPs? management models in Serbia, as well as to compare them with selected countries of the Southeast Europe region (Slovenia, Croatia and Montenegro). In the paper were considered the possibilities of improving the NPs management model (institutional framework and organisation of NP management) in Serbia, based on best practice examples from the region and the views of NPs? managers and stakeholders in Serbia. The research used primary data, collected through interviews with representatives of NPs? managers and stakeholders, as well as secondary data, which were used for the analysis of organizational models of NPs? management in selected countries. The management of NPs, as the most important protected areas in Serbia, is entrusted to public enterprises (PE NP). In Slovenia and Croatia, NPs are managed by public institutions, as public services established by the Government. In Montenegro, all NPs are managed by the Public enterprise for national parks of Montenegro, which was established by the Government as a single business entity. Respondents agree that the existing NPs management system in Serbia can be improved by strengthening the institutional framework and establishing a model of public institutions.