Erg, Boris

The present volume should be read in conjunction with State of nature conservation systems in South-Eastern Europe as it represents its integral part and foundation. Both reports follow the same logic and structure, and their content is presented through the same thematic chapters. 

This report is the first comprehensive attempt to collate all the relevant information on institutional arrangements for nature conservation in the region into one coherent report. It aims to review the health of the national nature conservation systems, their suitability for purpose, the main gaps and opportunities in delivering on the many national and international policy targets, and their coherency with respect to addressing regional commonalities and priorities.

Approximately one-third of all terrestrial high-biodiversity sites straddle national land borders, yet few man-made boundaries are fixed, and international boundaries often alter over time or disappear altogether. This publication makes the compelling case for transboundary conservation approaches and promotes an array of innovative methods based on contemporary principles.

This publication reflects on and reinforces the lessons and experience of undertaking transboundary conservation programmes and sets out some existing and new guidance for those involved. It proposes a diagnostic approach to determining what the underlying purpose is for the transboundary initiative, and to guide the practitioner to respond to this purpose and need when the programme is designed and implemented.