Imposing Transboundary Conservation

Abstract

SUMMARY Attempts to impose regional conservation strategies from the top down without local participation are doomed to failure. Even so, this does not negate the critical importance of promoting international transboundary conservation. This paper draws on a research project which examined transboundary cooperation in the 136 complexes of protected areas that adjoin across international boundaries, examples of internationally divided ecosystems. The results of an international survey demonstrate that such transboundary cooperation is already occurring in 82% of the cases, although most of it is at relatively low levels. Analysis reveals that numerous different variables correlate with cooperation but, not surprisingly, the most important ones are distinctly human variables relating to human relationships. This strengthens the proposal that sustainability of conservation projects depends on inclusion of all stakeholders and development of a supportive constituency. While international organizations play crucial roles in educating, equipping, and facilitating transboundary conservation, they cannot impose it. International contributions are instrumental, but ultimate sustained success depends on the day-to-day involvement and efforts of those on the local level who must do the interacting.