Cultural Policy and Sustainable Development: Challenges and Opportunities of Shar Mountains National Park

Sažetak

This study investigates the potential for sustainable development and cultural cooperation within the Sar-planina National Park, emp­hasizing the challenges of managing natural and cultural resources. The primary objective is to identify key structural barriers and pro­pose strategic guidelines to enhance sustainability and foster cultu­ral collaboration. Utilizing a mixed-methods approach that includes a systematic literature review, ethnographic field studies, and parti­cipatory observation, the research seeks to clarify the social dyna­mics of local communities and their interactions with the environ­ment. The findings indicate significant opportunities for developing sustainable tourism, biodiversity conservation, and promoting cul­tural heritage through revitalizing local assets, including traditional crafts and festivals. Additionally, the integration of winter sports is recognized as a crucial factor for economic development. However, ongoing challenges such as ecosystem degradation, socio-economic inequalities, and geopolitical tensions hinder progress. The study advocates for establishing partnerships between local communities and international stakeholders, emphasizing the necessity of inte­grating local knowledge with global cooperation frameworks to optimize resource management and ensure active community enga­gement in sustainable development initiatives.