The Role of Multilevel Governance for Multifunctional Land Use Activities

Abstract

"Rural areas are becoming increasingly differentiated and gradually losing their agricultural specificity. They now need to support the coexistence of two logical approaches to occupation of their space: one based on the supply of agricultural and forestry products, the other on the various demands from local residents and seasonal tourists. Under these conditions the role of agriculture, forestry and tourism industry is evolving; the focus is no longer simply on supplying market goods while limiting the impacts of his supply on negative external factors but now also on participating in land development and meeting the multiple expectations of the society. Rural areas and their communities make a vital contribution to the prosperity of the European Union. The rural areas play a vital role, with the majority of small and medium-enterprises located within rural areas. One of the key issues for sustainable development of rural areas is multifunctional land use activities. They are animated by different external and internal forces that are influenced in themselves by certain factors. Implementation and absorption of EU funds requires certain capacity and skills both in demand and supply side. Despite existence of pre-accession period in new member states still are observed discrepancies in administrative and institutional capacity in supply side as well as lack of skills in the supply side. Municipalities and stakeholders differ significantly within the planning regions: there are sites where stakeholders have experience with pre-accession funds, while in rural areas (especially in remote and small ones) - knowledge and experienceare limited. The paper aims to present the role of authorities on different level for the efficient multifunctional land use activities. The study presents the major factors that have impact on driving forces of the multifunctional land use activities. The problems in institutional, administrative and policy-decision aspect, both in supply and demand side, are subject of analysis too."