About borders and limits: experiences with UNESCO Biosphere Reserves for transboundary cooperation in Ukraine and neighbouring countries

In Eastern Europe, several UNESCO Biosphere Reserves (BRs) have been important promoters of transnational and transboundary nature conservation sustainable development. Nevertheless, political institutional barriers scarcity resources hindered successful cross-border cooperation. The prospects for BRs in Europe are mixed, especially relation to the challenges ecosystem degradation climate change, as well socioeconomic (geo)political crises. Based on our own experience one a half decades growing cooperation between partners Ukraine Germany, we conclude that science is particularly rewarding mutually beneficial.