Abstract
This working paper is part of the research project “Transboundary governance models of biodiversity protection: case studies for an enhanced protection of natural resources in Europe (TRANSNATURE)”, funded by Biodiversa+. Developed under Work Package 3 (WP3), the document addresses the role of transboundary conservation areas in relation to the prevention and enforcement of cross-border pollution and transnational wildlife crime. The working paper situates the research within the broader project framework and describes the WP3 methodological approach, based on empirical data collection. In line with the overall TRANSNATURE project design, it adopts a comparative case-study approach covering four European transboundary regions that reflect diverse ecosystems and governance arrangements: (1) the Julian Alps (Italy/Slovenia), (2) the border area from the Baltic to Barents Seas (Finland/Sweden/Norway); (3) the Scheldt Estuary (The Netherlands/Belgium) and (4) the ZASNET EGTC and the Meseta Ibérica Transboundary Biosphere Reserve (Spain/Portugal). The working paper presents preliminary insights for each case study and sets out the methodological constraints encountered. It concludes by formulating cross-case observations and identifying methodological directions for future research.