Introduction

 

Transboundary conservation has been defined as a process of cooperation to achieve conservation goals across one or more international boundaries. Among its benefits, experts have mentioned that transboundary conservation areas enable greater ecological integrity, contribute to the protection of migratory species, generate socio-cultural and economic opportunities and enhances cooperation among countries (Vasilijević et al 2015). Furthermore, transboundary conservation has sometimes been designed as a powerful force to promote peace, because the efficient management of transboundary conservation areas involves dialogue, cooperation and transparency (UNEP/CBD/COP/12/INF/30).

 

To promote transboundary cooperation in protected areas globally, the Republic of Korea, as President of the 12th meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP) to the CBD, launched the Peace and Biodiversity Dialogue Initiative (PBDI). The PBDI aims to support Parties to the Convention on the implementation of Goal 1.3 of the Programme of Work on Protected Areas to “establish and strengthen regional networks, transboundary protected areas (TBPAs) and collaboration between neighboring protected areas across national boundaries”.

 

Description

 

This event will be an opportunity to share and discuss how transboundary conservation areas and regional networks of protected areas are key to support the effective implementation of Target 3, while also strengthening international relations. This will be illustrated by sharing experiences and lessons learned from transboundary cooperation projects that are being supported by the PBDI, ICIMOD the Center for Large Landscape Conservation and the Central American Commission for Sustainable Development (CCAD).

 

Transboundary conservation projects:

 

a)     Fostering transboundary cooperation through “other effective areas-based conservation measures (OECM)” in the Hindu Kush Himalaya.

b)     “Central America and Dominican Republic Regional Dialogue for management and conservation of transboundary ecosystems in compliance of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework”.

c)     “Working towards the nomination of the Kugitang Mountain Range as a transboundary UNESCO World Heritage Site

 

The objectives of the event are:

 

● Illustrate the role of transboundary conservation as an instrument to promote environmental peacebuilding and strengthening international relations.

●      Highlight the importance of transboundary conservation areas and regional networks of protected areas for the implementation of Target 3.

●      Share experiences and lessons learned from transboundary cooperation in Central Asia, the Hindu Kush Himalaya and Central America.

●      Share the work of the Peace and Biodiversity Dialogue Initiative in promoting transboundary cooperation