Welcome to our newest Transboundary park member: Internationaler Naturpark Bourtanger Moor – Veenland
International Nature Park Bourtanger Moor – Bargerveen, copyright BvdH
This year, Internationaler Naturpark Bourtanger Moor – Veenland got approved as the newest member of the EUROPARC Transboundary Parks network. Get to know them!
In 2020 there were five candidatures for the Transboundary Parks Programme, sadly because of Covid-19 many of the evaluation visits could not take place, and they have been postponed to 2021. However, apart from awarding Internationaler Naturpark Bourtanger Moor – Veenland for the first time, we were happy to renew Julian Alps, composed of Preapli Giulie Nature Park (Italy) and Triglav National Park (Slovenia) and Bavarian Forest National Park & Šumava National Park (respectively Germany and Czech Republic) as transboundary areas.
During the last TransParcNet meeting, which was hosted online in December, park ranger Hauke Zirfas already had the chance to introduce the area to the other Transboundary Parks. A little later, the request for International Nature Park Bourtanger Moor- Bargerveen to become a member of the Transboundary Parks Network officially got approved.
The Park
Internationaler Naturpark Bourtanger Moor – Veenland is a unique bog ecosystem. The largest contiguous raised bog in Europe once reached from northwest Germany all the way into the Netherlands. After extensive destruction of the moor towards the end of the last millennium, the cross-border nature park has set itself the task of protecting and developing the remains of this fascinating habitat. But not only the moor areas with their magnificent bird life are waiting to be discovered. Likewise picturesque river landscapes, purple blooming heather areas and old pastoral forests belong to the very special protected areas of the int. Naturpark Bourtanger Moor – Veenland.
In addition to species and biotope protection, the focus of the area’s management is also on sustainable development of the cross-border region. Networking is achieved through environmental education, funding projects and a nature-friendly touristic offering, which also ensures the preservation of their homeland for future generations.
You can find all information about the park here.
Transboundary Parks Programme
Nature knows no borders, yet borders create artificial barriers to the management of valuable natural resources. That is why EUROPARC Federation draws special attention to transboundary cooperation through The EUROPARC Transboundary Parks Programme “Following Natures Design” and Certificate to support a process of mutual understanding. The Transboundary Parks Network or TransParcNet that has emerged from this transboundary work, is a living library of professional experience and best practice.
You can find more info on Transboundary Cooperation in our knowledge hub when clicking here:
