THE ROLE OF NATURE AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION LEGISLATION IN SUSTAINABLE TOURISM DEVELOPMENT IN PROTECTED MOUNTAIN AREAS IN KOSOVO
Keywords:
Sustainable tourism, Protected areas, Environmental legislation, National ParksAbstract
Tourism development in protected mountain areas offers significant opportunities for local and regional economic growth, yet it requires a careful balance between the use of natural resources and their long term conservation. This paper examines the role of the legal framework in regulating tourism activities in protected areas in Western Kosovo, with a particular focus on the Law on Nature Protection (No. 02/L 18), the Law on Environmental Protection (No. 03/L 025), and the Law on National Parks (No. 04/L 087). By analyzing key provisions regarding spatial planning, construction permits, ecosystem protection, and visitor management, as well as the Management Plan of the “Bjeshkët e Nemuna” National Park, the study identifies the main legal and institutional challenges that affect sustainable tourism governance. The findings show that, although the legislation is generally aligned with European conservation principles, its practical implementation is often limited due to overlapping institutional responsibilities, insufficient monitoring capacity, and economic development pressures. The paper proposes measures to strengthen inter institutional coordination, improve enforcement mechanisms, and promote sustainable tourism practices that ensure the preservation of natural and cultural values in protected mountain regions.
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