Developing a transboundary network of protected areas to improve nature experience

The project achieved the intended transboundary development of nature tourism and environmental education to provide an improved nature experience. This contributes to a more sustainable tourism and a raised awareness of natural processes and conservation among visitors. The targeted cooperation of protected area administrations persists also after the end of the project. The project also raised awareness for regional stakeholders and policymakers regarding potential benefits from transboundary cooperation and enhancing personal contacts especially in the field of nature tourism. Raising awareness enables further coordination and thus improvement of nature tourism and nature protection in the area. This improved cooperation allows for enhancement of the nature experience in an efficient way through creation of joint tourism activities. Furthermore, regional-development stakeholders in the West Pannonian region gained for the first time an insight in the characteristics of the ecosystems in the respective neighboring countries. A better bilateral understanding of the administrative structures and decision levels in the respective neighboring countries is an important added value of the project.