The study should further discussion concerning the problems of military areas, as a type of periphery with strong natural potential. The primary goal is to analyze the impacts of recently presented concepts for utilising the Boletice Military Area, with regard to the Natura 2000 network and sites. The study defines the region’s degree of marginality by using statistical methods and an aggregate index. A central part of the study contains an analysis of a field survey of the behaviour and expectations of local and regional stakeholders, as well as the results of observations from a higher hierarchical level. All findings are then used to develop a broad-based conception of sustainable tourism and regional development for such a unique area.

Abstract. The aim of the paper is to provide the overview of the spatial development confl icts linked with the existence of Military training areas (MTA) in the regional system. Only several places in the Central European space can be called new wilderness. Above all these are the MTA. The environmental history of these spaces went through a deep reversion. Changes in their cultural, political as well as social-economic profi le can be compared with the specifi c belt of the former Iron Curtain zones only. Last two decades were essential for the physical existence of the MTAs. Because of the weak local political power, social capital and wide public support, are most of the decommitted MTAs in a deep conceptual crisis. The presented study fi nds solutions based on a long lasting research.

serious problems are becoming evident after 20 years of liberalization concerning the development of czech military training areas (mtAs) and, in particular in their neighbouring zones . An important task is to devise procedures that emphasize essential conditions for the successful spatial and social integration of these marginal areas in the czech regional system . the contemporary research presented is based on primary research of an area of special interest in the context of a situation analysis and specification of the role of local inhabitants of the military training area regarding issues of its functional use . the presented article analyzes the regional development intentions of the different hierarchical levels of board/administration (municipal, micro-regional, regional and departmental/governmental), concerning the role of an mtA in the regional system -in the case of mtA Boletice, this study's area of interest . the qualitative research presented is based on the analysis, interpretation and evaluation of primary data, procured through structured interviews and questionnaires carried out with representatives of local administration at various hierarchical levels . the attitudes of the primary stakeholders interested in the decommitment/conversion of mtAs are mainly concerned with investment benefits and project development locations rather than environmental protection legislation .