MANAGEMET PLANS OF THE NATIONAL PARKS IN MACEDONIA

National parks have a great importance for protection of the nature, ecosystems and overall environmental protection. In the Republic of Macedonia there are three national parks, (Pelister, Mavrovo and Galicica) that have a long history. Macedonian national parks are protected by special regime which is stipulated in the special legislation. The total protected area in Macedonia is 205.235 ha, or 8.07%, of the total area of the country. In future is possible to increase this area, because there have been taken certain activities aimed on declaring the fourth national park at the Shara Mountain. Development of the national parks is not possible without management plans. The well designed plans of national parks, can lead to the favorable environmental benefits, and at the same time will bring many economic and social benefits. The aim of this paper is to analyze the management capacities and potentials of the national parks in Macedonia and to research the possibilities for sustainable economic development of these parks, especially for greater development of eco tourism. Also the research gives some recommendations for the activities in the direction of higher economic development.