CULTURAL POLICY AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT: CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES OF SHAR MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK

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 pro-pose 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 dyna-mics 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.