The IUCN WCPA Transboundary Conservation Specialist Group (TBC SG) is the premier global network of transboundary conservation specialists, consisting of around 200 members from more than 60 countries. Established in 1997 as a Transboundary Protected Areas Task Force, in 2009, WCPA decided to enlarge the scope and duration of work of the network by upgrading the Task Force to a Specialist Group. After being under the effective leadership of Trevor Sandwith and Charles Besançon for 12 years, in 2009 the Transboundary Conservation Specialist Group selected the new Chair, Maja Vasilijević, and established a new governing structure. In 2016, Kevan Zunckel became the Co-Chair, while in 2017 he undertook the role of the Chair.  In 2022 the baton has been passed to two new Co-chairs, Stefania Petrosillo and Piet Theron.

The Specialist Group’s leadership consists of 16 members organized through the Executive Committee. Among other tasks, the Executive Committee is responsible for the strategic guidance of the Specialist Group, promotion of the TBC SG’s work in their regions, and recruitment of new members.   

TBC SG’s mission is to promote and encourage transboundary conservation for the conservation of nature with associated ecosystem services and cultural values while promoting peace and co-operation among nations through enhancing knowledge and capacity for effective planning and management of transboundary conservation areas, in fulfilment of the Durban Action Plan and CBD Programme of Work on Protected Areas.

As part of IUCN WCPA, the TBC SG works towards fulfilment of IUCN and WCPA missions.

For further information on the scope of work of the TBC SG, download its Terms of Reference here.