Bavarian Forest and Šumava National Parks Undergo 2025 Re-Evaluation for Transboundary Certification

                                                       Following Nature’s Design

The Bavarian Forest National Park in Germany and the Šumava National Park in the Czech Republic have recently completed their official 2025 re-evaluation under the EUROPARC Transboundary Parks programme.

This process takes place every five years and assesses the quality of transboundary cooperation between Protected Areas. The re-evaluation ensures that both parks continue to meet the highest standards in joint conservation, education, tourism, and management practices.

A Strong Cross-Border Partnership Since the 1990s

Located in the scenic Bohemian Forest, the Bavarian Forest National Park was established in 1970 as Germany’s first National Park. Its Czech partner, Šumava National Park, was created in 1991, and the two began collaborating almost immediately.

Their partnership was formalised in 1999, when the Environment Ministries of both countries signed the Memorandum of Common Work and Cooperation. Since then, the cooperation has grown stronger and more structured.

In 2009, the Parks were officially certified by EUROPARC as a Transboundary Park. They have successfully passed evaluations in 2015 and 2020, and in 2025 they completed their fourth review.

The 2025 Re-Evaluation Mission

The re-evaluation process began in November 2024 with the joint submission of a progress report. EUROPARC nominated Mr Arto Ahokumpu to lead the mission. He had also been involved in the Parks’ first evaluation in 2009.

An on-site visit took place on 3–4 July 2025, including meetings, field trips, and presentations.

On the first day, the team visited the core and extended zones of Bavarian Forest National Park, reviewing management practices and nature conservation efforts. The second day focused on environmental education and plans to renew exhibitions at visitor centres.

The evaluation was well-organised and supported by both Parks’ directors and staff. Ursula Schuster and Pavel Hubený, directors of the two Parks, played leading roles, along with coordination and education specialists.

Key Achievements in Transboundary Cooperation

The re-evaluation highlighted many positive developments:

• Harmonised zoning and visitor management strategies were implemented.
• Public understanding of non-intervention forest management has grown.
• Wolves and lynx have returned and are now being regularly monitored.
• The Parks continue to share research, data, and monitoring tools.
• Collaboration with local communities supports sustainable tourism.
• Joint field patrols, funding efforts, and educational programmes are ongoing.

These actions show that cooperation is not only active but embedded in the Parks’ daily management.

Evaluation Results and Next Steps

The evaluation confirmed that all 14 EUROPARC transboundary criteria have been fulfilled. These include a shared vision, staff and stakeholder involvement, effective communication, conservation success, and education efforts.

Most of the previous recommendations have been successfully addressed. One was retained, and two new ones were added for future guidance.

The full report has been submitted to the EUROPARC Steering and Evaluation Committee (STEC) and the EUROPARC Council. A final decision on certification renewal will be made in the coming months. While we await the outcome, the Parks’ long-term commitment to cross-border cooperation remains clear.

Looking Ahead

The Bavarian Forest and Šumava National Parks continue to serve as a model for other Protected Areas in Europe and beyond. Their dedication to nature conservation, education, and sustainable tourism shows how effective transboundary cooperation can be when rooted in trust, shared goals, and long-term planning.

You can also read about their projects and other Transboundary Protected Area Projects here!

Finally, don’t forget to check out the video from the previous annual TransParcNet meeting, where this Transboundary Area shared its climate challenges and local community involvement practices here.

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