ATTITUDES TOWARD IMPLEMENTATION OF MODEL FOREST CONCEPT – CASE STUDY OF TEŠANJ MUNICIPALITY

For the last 20 years, economic development of Bosnia and Herzegovina has been based on utilization of natural resources. Such trend resulted with increased pressure on natural resources. On the other hand, changing demands of the society toward natural resources call for a more active and resolute efforts in terms of nature protection, increasing consumption of renewable energy etc., thus demanding for implementation of new, participatory and adaptive approach to natural resource management. Concept that implies active participation of all stakeholders, establishes rules for responsibility-sharing and strives to create procedures for addressing various interests over forest resources is known as forest governance. Model Forest concept represents one of the modes of forest governance. It is an inclusive, participative and a transparent concept that promotes collaboration among stakeholders with diverse interests over specific landscape. Taking into consideration abovementioned changing demands over natural resources in Bosnia and Herzegovina, implementation of this concept could lead to a more sustainable and socially responsible management of natural resources. Therefore, purpose of this paper is to point out various aspects of implementation of this concept. Consequently, main achievement of this paper is to identify existing support and willingness for implementation of this concept by diverse stakeholders in Tešanj Municipality, as a pilot case study in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Implementation of Model Forest in Bosnia and Herzegovina, as innovative concept of natural resource management, could lead to membership in Mediterranean Model Forest Network as well as International Model Forest Network. Involvement in such international initiatives assures continuous improvement of natural resource management directed toward fulfilment of various economical, ecological and societal needs.