When Protected Area staff cross borders, they do more than attend meetings. They build trust, share skills, and create lasting friendships. Across EUROPARC Transboundary Areas (TBAs), staff exchange is one of the strongest drivers of successful cooperation.

From mountain patrols to youth camps, these personal connections turn shared landscapes into shared missions.

Weekly Meetings, One Shared Mountain

In the Krkonoše and Karkonosze National Parks, staff members cross the border almost every week. Rangers carry out joint field inspections, and teams work together on conservation, research, and visitor management. The verifier highlighted these regular face-to-face meetings as a key reason why cooperation remains strong and effective.

On average, staff cross the border once a week for face-to-face meetings.

This simple routine has helped the two parks deliver dozens of successful joint projects and maintain more than two decades of close cooperation.

Personal Commitment Creates Best Practice

In the Julian Alps Transboundary Ecoregion, the partnership between Triglav National Park and Parco Naturale Prealpi Giulie was described as “absolutely best practice” in Europe. Staff working in nature conservation, sustainable tourism, youth engagement, and environmental education are deeply involved in cross-border projects.

Without the strong personal engagement of the directors and members of staff, this success could not have been realised.

Their dedication led to a major achievement in 2024: international recognition of the UNESCO Transboundary Biosphere Reserve Julian Alps.

One-Day Exchanges, Long-Term Impact

Even short visits can make a big difference. In Podyjí National Park and Thayatal National Park, staff take part in exchange visits, joint ranger patrols, and language courses. In one example, three Czech staff members spent a day with their Austrian colleagues, learning directly from each other’s daily work.

These exchanges improve communication, strengthen mutual understanding, and inspire new ideas for conservation and visitor management.

Why Staff Exchange Matters

The EUROPARC Transboundary Programme shows that successful cooperation starts with people. When staff members meet in the field, solve problems together, and share experiences, they create the trust needed to protect nature across borders.

Staff exchange turns neighbours into partners and partnerships into long-term success.

Discover the EUROPARC Transboundary Programme

The EUROPARC Transboundary Parks Programme supports Protected Areas that work together across national borders. By promoting staff exchange, joint learning, and shared management, the programme helps nature thrive without boundaries.