STUDY ON CROSS-BORDER PROTECTED AREAS

Border and cross border regions are the core of the European Union, where the process of integration happens daily and where it shows both its obstacles and most visible outcomes. Cross border cooperation is still hindered in some borders, mainly as a result of diverging legal and administrative frameworks applicable at national level. Disparities and border obstacles also exist in the designation and management of natural protected areas geographically close to a border. Details on the current situation of protected natural areas will be depicted in an ongoing study carried out by the Joint Research Centre of the European Commission (JRC), which will be available in 2026. This research aims to provide a comprehensive mapping of existing CBPAs in the across EU borders, as well as potential CBPA between existing protected areas. In recent years, several projects were founded by Interreg to test innovative initiatives of shared or coordinated management of cross-border or potential cross-border natural areas. Over the years, these and other initiatives have created a body of case studies in the field, with innovative experiences being developed and tested.

In order to map such experiences and test their influence on the relevant territories, the European Commission launches a call for tenders to conduct a study on cross-border natural areas, their governance models and best practices in the field.

GENERAL OBJECTIVE The general objective is to conduct a detailed and comprehensive study on protected areas across internal borders of the European Union as well as with the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) countries, those covered by the Instrument Pre-Accession Assistance (IPA) and micro-states enclaved within the EU. The study aims to identify natural areas that expand across national borders that have the potential to become new CBPAs, to analyse existing legal and administrative obstacles, as well as effective solutions for the joint management and conservation of these transboundary natural areas.

SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES:

1. Mapping potential cross-border protected areas

2. Analysis of governance structures

3. Evaluation of previous experiences in Interreg and beyond

4. Identification of legal and administrative obstacles

5. Developing Solutions and suggestions for improvement

Main Deliverables:

Comprehensive Mapping Database of Cross Boder Protected Areas and potential CBPAs

Comprehensive inventory of legal and administrative obstacles to cross-border management and conservation efforts

Case Study Compendium: a collection of 10 documented good practices and successful (Interreg or other) projects

Final Study Report

At least Master's Degree in scientific, or public policy, or environmental law, related to natural resources, natural ecosystems and/or environment management issues

Proven longstanding experience (> 10 years) on these topics can be considered as well.

Over 5 years of experience in protected areas management; preferably with experience on management of transborder protected area.

Specific expertise in at least one of the following areas:

• legal, policy and/or governance aspect of protected areas; sound knowledge of European policies related to protected areas an asset

• stakeholder engagement, dialogue facilitation