Following nature’s design - A certification system for transboundary cooperation in protected areas

PAs participating in the EUROPARC Transboundary Parks Programme receive the following direct benefits: • Acknowledged standards: identification of priorities and essential elements of effective transboundary cooperation; • Internal and external assessment: receive valuable expert advice to improve the transboundary cooperation through the independent verification process; • Awareness-raising opportunities: promotion of benefits and opportunities arising from the transboundary cooperation with politicians, communities, media and visitors at a local, regional and international level; • Network of good practice examples: sharing experiences and learning from other European Transboundary Parks through an annual meeting and informal exchanges; • Capacity building possibilities: participation in workshops and seminars on transboundary cooperation and develop the skills and knowledge of protected area staff; • Added value of certification: evidence of the quality of transboundary cooperation to highlight when applying for funding. Improved transboundary cooperation between PAs is, in turn, expected to promote species and ecosystem conservation, international peace, enhanced nature experiences for visitors, and regional development.