Integrated spatial planing in the function of sustainable use of natural resources

Abstract

Sustainable use of natural resources is one of the basic goals of sustainable spatial development, which could be achieved with the use of integrated planning. It includes comprehensive analyzes of all aspects of space in a unique planning methodology, involvement of participatory process, and institutional, financial and legislative support to the system of integrated planning. Integrated planning, due to its complexity and, to a largely extent, dependence on the system of socio-economic and administrative-political organization of the territory, is difficult to achieve in practice, even in developed countries. In the former socialist countries, such as the Republic of Srpska, there are numerous problems that need to be solved, in order to improve planning practices and create systemic preconditions for the implementation of integrated planning. Within this process, this paper also looks at the issue of sustainable use of natural resources in the territory of Republic of Srpska, which significantly participate in the potential of the Republic for sustainable future development. The paper deals in the first part with the theoretical assumptions and principles of sustainable development, through the prism of using natural resources, and then focuses on the methodology of integrated planning, with reference to legislation and planning practice in Republic of Srpska, with recommendations for their improvement.