SUSTAINABLE MANAGEMENT OF FOREST-BASED RECREATION IN BULGARIA

The integration of the concept of sustainable development into different spheres of economy and public life has engaged professionals in recent decades. Recreation in the forest areas has an aesthetic, therapeutic and prophylactic function, and these characteristics make it particularly relevant given the increased demand for healthy tourism products. Green spaces have become one of the few sources of sustainability during the coronavirus crisis due to their restorative impact on the psychophysical health and well-being of the community. In this present environment, in addition to improving the health status of visitors, the sustainable management of forest-based recreation has the potential to contribute to rural development. Consideration of demand patterns and an adequate supply of forest-based recreation improves the quality of forest-based recreation planning, site design and visitor satisfaction. This paper contributes to the development of frameworks and tools to support the sustainable management of tourism in forest environment as a socio-ecological complex adaptive system with multidimensional and interdisciplinary influences.