Research project focuses on case studies of transboundary governance models of biodiversity protection in Europe.

Where biodiversity is endangered in vulnerable
ecosystems, international borders can become obstacles to effective biodiversity
protection. Transboundary governance is necessary for developing and enhancing
better practices, relationship and cooperation on topics such as promoting
environment policies, where perception of landscapes can
diverge. 

The northernmost part of Europe has a long
history of transboundary cooperation, in particular along the borders between
Finland and its neighbors Sweden and Norway. These border areas, from the Bay of
Bothnia almost all the way to the Arctic Ocean, is one of the research areas in the
international project TRANSNATURE, funded under the Biodiversa+ scheme.

This interdisciplinary research scrutinizes different European cross-border
cooperation working on biodiversity protection and provide understandable tools in
order to develop efficient transboundary cooperation in Europe to protect natural
resources. The aim is to enhance protection of natural resources in Europe and
beyond. Together with colleagues from Italy, Spain, and Belgium, Arctic Centre
researchers investigate the transboundary protection of biodiversty in a holistic
and interdisciplinary matter.

– This governance cooperation
comparative analysis will give more tools to understand alternative models for
ecosystems conservation and giving efficient strategies and recommendations for
safeguarding biodiversity, says research professor Stefan Kirchner.

Through the cooperation between experts from international law,
anthropology and regional studies, the new project TRANSNATURE will generate a
comprehensive understanding of the interactions between neighboring countries in
managing together natural resources protection. 

Arctic governance research group consists of around three dozen staff members and
visiting researchers from different disciplines who focus on issues such as
international law and its role in polar regions, Arctic governance and cooperation
in the Arctic, protection of the natural environment, ocean governance, climate
change and climate justice, human rights, securities, and the future of the Arctic
region. The research group aims to provide knowledge keys about Arctic governance
and inform communities and organizations to act and take decisions to protect their
ecosystems.

At the Arctic Centre, the following experts
contribute to TRANSNATURE:  

Researcher Paula
Tulppo, Arctic Centre, University of Lapland
Researcher Katharina
Heinrich, Arctic Centre, University of Lapland
Senior Researcher Nuccio
Mazzullo, Arctic Centre, University of Lapland
Head of Research Group
and Professor Stefan Kirchner, Arctic Centre, University of Lapland

More information:

Stefan Kirchner
stefan.kirchner(at)ulapland.fi 
Arctic Centre, University of
Lapland

Link to the project presentation