UNESCO Transboundary Biosphere Reserves as laboratories of cross-border cooperation for sustainable development of border areas. The case of the Polish–Ukrainian borderland

This paper aims to assess the current and potential role of UNESCO Transboundary Biosphere Reserves (TBRs) as a platform for cross-border-cooperation-enhancing sustainable development border areas characterised by unique natural cultural heritage but lagging in socio-economic terms. The study covered three TBRs located Polish–Ukrainian borderland: West Polesie, Roztocze East Carpathians. quantitative (regarding subject matter, partners involved, amount funding, etc.) qualitative analysis (aimed at examining objectives initiatives undertaken line with BRs’ goals) included projects implemented under CBC Programmes Poland–Belarus–Ukraine years 2004–2020. results suggest that cross-border cooperation analysed was generally oriented toward TBR-related objectives, i.e., socio-culturally ecologically development. At same time, numerous barriers have been identified limit impact cross on TBRs.