Transboundary co-governance in marine protected areas: The case of the Bocche di Bonifacio

This study examines the establishment of the Bocche di Bonifacio Marine Protected Area (MPA) as a case of cross-border co-management between Italy and France. The objective is to analyze the impact of participatory governance on cross-border cooperation, shared marine resource management, and sustainable tourism development. Additionally, the study explores how co- governance can contribute to reducing territorial tensions and enhancing socio-ecological resilience. The research is based on a qualitative analysis of the management policies adopted in the MPA, reviewing official documents, bilateral agreements, and technical reports. Additionally, semi-structured interviews are conducted with representatives of Italian management authorities. The theoretical framework is anchored in Resource-Based Theory (Barney, 1991) and the relational view (Dyer e Singh, 1998) of co-governance, particularly in the context of MPAs. It is expected that the participatory governance of the MPA has contributed to a significant reduction in territorial tensions between Italy and France, improved marine ecosystem conservation, and strengthened socio-ecological resilience by integrating local communities. The study provides insights into how participatory governance can serve as a replicable model for other cross-border MPAs facing similar challenges. It highlights the potential of joint environmental resource management in fostering peace and sustainable development while promoting biodiversity conservation through sustainable tourism. This esearch contributes to the literature on MPA governance by presenting a case study of cross- border co-management and integrating Resource-Based Theory with the relational view of governance.