Exploring Transboundary Biodiversity Protection in Europe: A Comparative Analysis of Four Cases

This working paper examines transboundary governance of biodiversity in Europe through a comparative study of four cases. Cases include: (1) the Julian Alps (Italy/Slovenia), (2) the border area from the Baltic to Barents Seas (Finland/Sweden/Norway); (3) the Scheldt Estuary (the Netherlands/Belgium) and (4) the ZASNET EGTC and Meseta Ibérica (Spain/Portugal). Based on a multi-method approach combining document analysis, semi-structured interviews and focus groups, the paper offers a detailed overview of cooperation and participation mechanisms of transboundary biodiversity protection in the case areas. Furthermore, the paper illustrates good practices and main challenges related to transboundary biodiversity protection cooperation in the European Union. The paper concludes by comparing the four cases highlighting commonalities and differences in terms of scope of cooperation, legal basis, cooperation and participation mechanisms, common challenges and good practices. The working paper is part of the research project “TRANSboundary governance models of biodiversity protection: case studies for an enhanced protection of NATURal resources in Europe (TRANSNATURE)”, funded by Biodiversa+, the European Biodiversity Partnership.