Green development and participation-implications for countries in transition: Case study of Stara Planina, Republic of Serbia

The following research looks at opportunities and obstacles for applying public participation and sustainable environmental management in countries in transition. The case study analyses how the plans to develop a ski resort on the Stara Planina in the Republic of Serbia were created. The results show that factors which influence unsustainable developments are a lack of enforceable laws and the rule of law; lack of public awareness and information on relevant issues; weak civil society and lack of community involvement in decision making; high level of corruption in government and the public sector; highly politicized society with much influence from informal sources of power and their interests. The research concludes that with effective public participation the developments would be more environmentally sustainable. For participation to be effective there is a need to raise environmental awareness in the region as a consequence of the communist past and marginalisation of rural areas.