Participatory governance Model in the Poľana Biosphere Reserve

The systematic development of civic engagement and partnership with stakeholders within the biosphere reserve is a key to support the sustainability and resilience of the territory and development of its potential. The aim of the paper is to identify the authorities of the Poľana Biosphere Reserve and its relations with stakeholders, developed based on the concept of participatory governance and results of empirical research. The theoretical part of the paper explains the concepts of biosphere reserve and participatory governance. The practical part is focused on the analysis of the current state of the governance of the Poľana Biosphere Reserve and their legislative anchoring and functioning. The paper presents the results of surveys conducted with residents and selected stakeholders in the territory. The conclusion identifies opportunities to develop and strengthen community and stakeholder engagement within the Poľana Biosphere Reserve and propose a model of its governance.