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Sustainable Tourism in Protected Areas: Comparative Governance and Lessons from Tara and Triglav National Parks

Author

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  • Stefana Matović

    (Geographical Institute, “Jovan Cvijić” of the Serbian Academy of Sciences and Arts, Đure Jakšića 9, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia)

  • Suzana Lović Obradović

    (Geographical Institute, “Jovan Cvijić” of the Serbian Academy of Sciences and Arts, Đure Jakšića 9, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia)

  • Tamara Gajić

    (Geographical Institute, “Jovan Cvijić” of the Serbian Academy of Sciences and Arts, Đure Jakšića 9, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia)

Abstract

This paper investigates how governance frameworks shape sustainable tourism outcomes in protected areas by comparing Tara National Park (Serbia) and Triglav National Park (Slovenia). Both parks, established in 1981 and classified under IUCN Category II, exhibit rich biodiversity and mountainous terrain but differ markedly in governance structures, institutional integration, and local community engagement. Using a qualitative, indicator-based methodology, this research evaluates ecological, economic, and social dimensions of sustainability. The findings reveal that Triglav NP demonstrates higher levels of participatory governance, tourism integration, and educational outreach, while Tara NP maintains stricter ecological protection with less inclusive management. Triglav’s zoning model, community council, and economic alignment with regional development policies contribute to stronger sustainability outcomes. Conversely, Tara NP’s centralized governance and infrastructural gaps constrain its potential despite its significant conservation value. This study highlights the importance of adaptive, inclusive governance in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) within protected areas. It concludes that hybrid approaches, combining legal rigor with participatory flexibility, can foster resilience and sustainability in ecologically sensitive regions.

Suggested Citation

  • Stefana Matović & Suzana Lović Obradović & Tamara Gajić, 2025. "Sustainable Tourism in Protected Areas: Comparative Governance and Lessons from Tara and Triglav National Parks," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(15), pages 1-23, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:15:p:7048-:d:1716677
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Stefana Matović & Dunja Demirović Bajrami & Tamara Gajić & Milica Lakić & Darko Martinov & Srđan Šuput & Adriana Radosavac & Ružica Đervida, 2024. "Beyond Numbers: Challenges in Measuring SDG4 Targets—Serbia’s Perspective," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(22), pages 1-24, November.
    2. Nicoleta Mateoc-Sîrb & Simona Albu & Ciprian Rujescu & Ramona Ciolac & Eugenia Țigan & Oana Brînzan & Camelia Mănescu & Teodor Mateoc & Ioana Anda Milin, 2022. "Sustainable Tourism Development in the Protected Areas of Maramureș, Romania: Destinations with High Authenticity," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(3), pages 1-24, February.
    3. Piotr Oleśniewicz & Sławomir Pytel & Julita Markiewicz-Patkowska & Adam R. Szromek & Soňa Jandová, 2020. "A Model of the Sustainable Management of the Natural Environment in National Parks—A Case Study of National Parks in Poland," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(7), pages 1-28, March.
    4. Hasita Bhammar & Wendy Li & Christel Maria Moller Molina & Valerie Hickey & Jo Pendry & Urvashi Narain, 2021. "Framework for Sustainable Recovery of Tourism in Protected Areas," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(5), pages 1-10, March.
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    6. D’Arco, Mario & Lo Presti, Letizia & Marino, Vittoria & Maggiore, Giulio, 2021. "Is sustainable tourism a goal that came true? The Italian experience of the Cilento and Vallo di Diano National Park," Land Use Policy, Elsevier, vol. 101(C).
    7. Valentina Burksiene & Jaroslav Dvorak, 2020. "Performance Management In Protected Areas: Localizing Governance Of The Curonian Spit National Park, Lithuania," Public administration issues, Higher School of Economics, issue 5, pages 105-124.
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