A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF INSTITUTIONAL FRAMEWORKS FOR NATIONAL PARKS IN THE COUNTRIES OF THE FORMER YUGOSLAVIA

National parks have a special significance among numerous forms of protected natural and social heritage. This is not only the result of their number and size, but also of multiple significance for science, culture, education, recreation, tourism and the protection of natural ecosystems. Compared to developed countries, nature protection in the former Yugoslavia started quite late, which is no wonder considering the events in the world at the moment and the current circumstances, although the importance of the regulation of nature protection is recognized early. The first national parks in the former joint state were declared in 1948 (Macedonia) and 1949 (Croatia). In the former Yugoslavia there were 22 national parks, and the successor states in its territory in the next two decades declared three more national parks. National parks are protected by a special regime provided for by special legislation. Managing National Parks is a complex process that includes biological, social, legal, economic and many other components. The development of national parks is not possible without management plans. The aim of this paper is to analyze the institutional frameworks and management capacities, as well as the potentials of national parks in the countries of the former Yugoslavia. The basic conclusion is that, with evident differences between individual countries, in most countries nature protection is well organized, but due to the lack of harmonization of legislation, the situation in the functioning of national parks is far from satisfactory. There is a need for upgrading management plans. National parks are faced with a lack of funds to undertake protection and other activities, so it is not possible to adequately use their abundant potentials and values.