International Waters learning Exchange & Resource Network

IUCN Report Emphasizes Transboundary Conservation as Critical

30 Jul 2011 | by governance-iwlearn.org
20 July 2011: The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has published “Crossing Borders for Nature: European examples of transboundary conservation” as part of a project led by IUCN and the German Federal Agency for Nature Conservation (BfN) aiming to improve transboundary conservation in the mountainous border zone between Albania, Macedonia and the UN [...]

 20 July 2011: The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has published “Crossing Borders for Nature: European examples of transboundary conservation” as part of a project led by IUCN and the German Federal Agency for Nature Conservation (BfN) aiming to improve transboundary conservation in the mountainous border zone between Albania, Macedonia and the UN Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK).
According to the report, transboundary conservation can have large-scale ecological benefits by protecting extensive natural areas, supporting species migrations and reducing the risk of biodiversity loss. Transboundary conservation also can generate additional income opportunities, and help resolve political conflicts. The report emphasizes, however, that integrating conservation of two or more protected areas across an international boundary implies gaining the necessary political support and/or support of protected area managers, and that political indifference and lack of commitment can impede the establishment of a transboundary initiative. Finally, it highlights that transboundary conservation areas cannot depend on external funding for a long time because, when this funding ends, the situation often reverts to how it was before the receipt of the donor money. [IUCN News <http://www.iucn.org/?7902/Conservation-without-borders--nature-helps-Europe-overcome-political-divides>] [Publication: Crossing Borders for Nature: European Examples of Transboundary Conservation <http://www.iucn.org/dbtw-wpd/edocs/2011-025.pdf>]