Problems - Objectives Problems and objectives Main problems in the reference area as defined by local actors: Water Quality: nutrition input into watercourses due to erosion and from non-point sources in agriculture; connected problem: need for sustainable agriculture Conservation: need for common and balanced management of unique natural areas Touristic Attractiveness of the area is not optimally utilized Open Space is over-used mainly on German side of the border subordinate problem: protection of unfragmented areas not sufficient. The use of open space is currently not considered a problem on the Czech side, however the pressure might increase as a result of the enlargement of the EU. The existence of so called Iron Curtain and military areas on Czech side in the past as well as forced changes in demographical structure led on the other hand to a positive effect on nature in area of Sumava. The development on German side followed more "regular" way with a growth of industrial, agricultural, engineering and touristical activities in the area. Currently, a pressure on environment increases in connection with emerging and developing economical activities in Sumava region. The main goal is to find a balanced way of management of the region, preserving valuable ecosystems and giving the inhabitants and visitors an opportunity for quality life in the region at the same time. The conservation issues should be handled on a common institutional basis (joint administration and management local groups). There is a need for improvements in touristic infrastructure including accommodation facilities, leisure time facilities and informational services on the Czech side. Common advertisement of the region can also bring more tourists in Sumava/Bayerischer Wald. The touristic potential of the area should be utilized while respecting the natural treasures. Objectives: The main objectives of the work in the area are to help to establish a common platform of local and regional representatives and provide it a set of tools for optimal decision-making in management of the transboundary area (results of Iron Curtain project). Another objective of the research is to perform an analysis of different development scenarios for the whole region using systemic modelling. The focus goals of the work are based on topics defined by local actors (see above). The needs and wishes of the local people must be reflected in scientific research performed by the IRON CURTAIN consortium. Common visions and solutions must be agreed on international basis to ensure the sustainable development of the region. That calls for establishment of a cross-border communication and cooperation structures that are to be designed within the project. The IRON CURTAIN project will also produce a lot of data stored in a joint GIS-based database for the entire area and available for the local cooperators. The project partners would like to contribute to enhancement of cross-border cooperation and understanding, which is a crucial factor involved in all particular problems of any transboundary region. Expected results: The provided tools for better management of the region will help to develop the both sides of the border in an optimum way, preserving the biodiversity and valuable ecosystems and giving the local inhabitants a good opportunity for social and economical development. The suggested structures and tools can be used to prevent undesirable effects of planned activities on environment or can help to find the optimal parameters of such intervention (e.g. placement of a new touristic installation, optimal intensity of tourism in different areas...). New quality of communication and cooperation will help to develop the region commonly as a one European area with joint administration and management.