ABSTRACT
This chapter explains three differing discourses that are contrasted in order to shed light on their different assumptions and arguments related to boundaries, identity and cooperation. These three discourses are: the publications of international organisations, the publications of local protected areas and the declarations of individual managers. The chapter argues that these three levels of discourse reflect radically different assumptions about boundaries, leading to methodological problems when applying concrete projects. It also argues that any activity taking place across the boundary –usually described as 'transboundary cooperation' but rarely problematised –will necessarily partake in the institutionalisation of the territorial unit. The multiplication of actors involved in the establishment of a natural space hints that beyond the simple establishment of an administrative structure and the delimitation of a particular territory, the real issue is the design by all groups involved of a social space.
