From September 2001, West Stara Planina was one of the three cross-border regions targeted in the REC project Transboundary Cooperation through the Management of Shared Natural Resources. The main project objectives in West Stara Planina were: 1) to support and implement activities leading to effective cross-border management of natural resources; and 2) to enable local participants to improve living standards through the support and promotion of environment-friendly tourism, agriculture and traditional crafts. This publication explores the challenges and concrete problems facing the region and outlines potential solutions and development strategies.