Manja Jakopič, Julian Alps Transboundary Area
Who can participate?
European Protected Areas engaged in transfrontier cooperation are invited to apply, provided they are members of the EUROPARC Federation. Organisations, ministries, and partners supporting this initiative are also eligible to initiate an application. To ensure a cohesive effort, all submissions must have the full agreement of the protected areas involved. This is a unique opportunity to collaborate across borders and enhance conservation efforts, so join us in this exciting endeavour!
Joining the only Transboundary certification scheme in Europe
Step 0. Register for the Transboundary Programme!
Are you a Protected Area insterested in excelling cooperation with your cross-border partners? If so, we would love to hear from you! Send us your filled Registration Form to europarc@europarc.org, with a copy sent to nella.sergejeva@europarc.org.
Step 1. Familiarise Yourself with the Manual and Application Forms
Upon registering as a candidate for the Transboundary Parks Programme, you will receive Guidelines and accompanying Application form. Carefully review these documents to understand the process and requirements fully. Should you have any questions or need clarification, please contact the EUROPARC team for support.
Step 2. Ensure Fulfilment of the “Basic Standards”
To achieve certification as a EUROPARC Transboundary Protected Area, applicants must meet at least 10 out of the 14 Basic Standards, which are divided as follows:
- All five Primary Criteria must be fulfilled
- At least 2 of the 4 Secondary Criteria must be fulfilled
- The Primary Field of Work must be fulfilled
- At least 2 of the 4 Secondary Fields of Work must be fulfilled
Begin working with the “Basic Standards” as early as possible to ensure a high level of transboundary cooperation before submitting your formal application.
Step 3. Complete the Application Form
The next step involves filling out the detailed Application form. The form consists of three main sections:
- Details of the Partner Organisations
- Details of the Cooperation
- Self-Assessment
Applicants can choose to complete these sections individually or collaboratively. However, completing the form in partnership is highly recommended, as it strengthens collaboration and provides a unified perspective.
Step 4. Prepare Supporting Documents
Prepare the necessary documentation to accompany your application. These documents may include:
- A list of staff members involved in transboundary cooperation
- An official agreement on transboundary cooperation
- Relevant international agreements
- A list of joint documents, publications, or reports related to the cooperation
- Working documents from joint commissions or working groups, including meeting reports or minutes
- Management plans or joint strategies outlining cooperative activities
You are encouraged to submit any additional documents that demonstrate the depth and quality of your transboundary cooperation.
Step 5. Submit Your Application Package
Once your application package is complete, it should include:
- The three sections of the Application form
- All relevant supporting documents
Submit the entire application package electronically by either signigning them digitally or signing physicaly and sharing the scanned copy via email to the EUROPARC Headquarters at europarc@europarc.org, with a copy sent to nella.sergejeva@europarc.org
Step 6. Pay Verification Fee
After submitting your Application forms, you will receive an invoice detailing the verification fee. For specifics on the fee amount, refer to the Costs & Conditions document. Payment should be completed promptly to proceed with the evaluation process.
Step 7. Desk Evaluation, On-Site Mission, and Assessment Report
The evaluation process consists of two stages:
Desk Evaluation
- A verifier will conduct a thorough review of the submitted application materials
- Applicants will be notified of the results and informed if any additional documents are required to complete the assessment
On-Site Evaluation Mission
- If the desk evaluation is successful, an on-site evaluation mission is scheduled, typically between April and June, lasting 2–3 days.
- This visit includes discussions and interviews with Protected Area staff and relevant stakeholders involved in transboundary cooperation.
Step 8. Receive the Decision of the EUROPARC Council
The STEC reviews the verifier’s report and recommends to the EUROPARC Council whether to award the Certificate. The Council makes the final decision, and applicants are notified, receiving the verifier’s report.
- Positive Decision: The Certificate, valid for five years, is awarded at the annual EUROPARC Conference. Re-evaluation is required to renew certification.
- Negative Decision:Applicants receive feedback on areas for improvement and may reapply after addressing the issues
Step 9. Receive an Award
Protected Areas that pass the verification or re-evaluation process are awarded the EUROPARC Transboundary Certificate, valid for five years. The certificate is presented at the annual EUROPARC Conference, a key Federation event. Ceremony details are shared with recipients and published on the EUROPARC website. This event celebrates achievements and promotes networking within the EUROPARC community.
Step 10. Stay Connected
Certification as a EUROPARC Transboundary Area provides access to TransParcNet, a dynamic network of certified Transboundary Areas. Members benefit from invitations to exclusive activities and events organised by TransParcNet and EUROPARC, offering opportunities to engage with peers, share best practices, and exchange ideas. A highlight of the network is the annual TransParcNet Meeting, hosted by different members each year, which serves as a platform for collaboration and innovation, bringing together representatives of certified areas and those interested in cross-border cooperation. Information about upcoming meetings, including dates and locations, along with the latest transboundary news, is regularly updated on the EUROPARC website. Active participation is encouraged to fully utilise membership benefits and contribute to the network’s success.
We await your questions!
For any questions, please do send us an email to the EUROPARC Headquarters at europarc@europarc.org, with a copy sent to nella.sergejeva@europarc.org.