Protected areas in the Western Balkans face their own challenges, which have changed over time in line with the political and socio-cultural development of the region. The protection efforts began in the 19th century, aiming to protect small areas representing landscapes with significant aesthetic or cultural values. During the 20th century, with the increase in scientific knowledge about nature, the purpose of protection transformed into a more ecological approach. Nowadays, maintaining sustainability is the most often claimed aim in relation to protected areas in the Dinaric Mountain range. The number and size of protected areas have been relatively modest, but during recent decades they have increased progressively. In the past, the main challenges faced by authorities were creating institutions responsible for the management of protected areas, developing a legal framework for their functioning and establishing protected areas themselves. Today, the increase in the number of protected areas poses new challenges to be met by the Western Balkans countries and their administrations. The role of protected areas is being transformed and reinterpreted through development in national policies as well as in local economic activities that impact the sustainable management and functioning of local communities. Addressing these challenges requires a more holistic approach crossing cultural and political borders among nations and communities in the region. Combining the already established top-down management strategy with a bottom-up approach should help in addressing these challenges.