Rural Areas Management and Strategic Development Challenges With Emphasis on Sustainable Island Development

Abstract

The main constraint of strategic development and management of rural areas is rooted in resource management and insufficient holistic approach to all available resources and its interdependence. Management of such areas involves thorough planning on all levels and management of changes to achieve the best competitive advantage possible. In this paper, the focus is on the strategic management of the destination (Croatian islands), the concept of sustainable development of rural areas on Croatian islands, level of permanent education of local population on the concept of sustainable development and existence of even distribution of opportunities that can enable local community to achieve socio-economic benefit. The primary survey is conducted in the observed area in 2019. The total sample of respondents is 243.