Comparative Analysis of the Management of the Transboundary Protected Area for the Heritage Conservation of the Triple Border of Central and Eastern Europe with the Potential Yacyretá Area in South America

Abstract

In this research a holistic interpretation is carried out of the management of different actors in two study
cases, the transboundary natural areas of the triple border between Croatia, Hungary and Serbia and of the
protected natural areas located in the Yacyretá reservoir on the border of Argentina and Paraguay. They
have the ability to foster greater coordination and cooperation among themselves, to favor of nature and
eliminating the barriers that generate jurisdictional limits borders. For this, an analytical empirical ad hoc
method based on observation has been applied that allows deepening the interpretation and description
of the general characteristics recognized in the areas of interest. Thus, it was possible to recognize the
importance of establishing connections between protected natural areas and it with neighbouring
territories, in order to avoid isolation and degradation or loss of ecosystem services and natural and cultural
heritage. In this sense, cross-border cooperation in protected natural areas becomes an important tool to
face environmental problems. The case studies have made it possible to recognize the main management
differences and similarities between the protected areas of Argentina and Paraguay, along the Paraná River;
and between Croatia, Hungary and Serbia, on the Danube River. It has allowed to identify the obstacles and
the existence of formal and informal cooperation, the potential of declaring a transboundary protected area
for the Yacyretá area; and the proposal of new cooperation initiatives that respect local communities, their
culture and the intrinsic value of nature.