The TEC! project was prompted by the observation that very few people feel concerned by involved in biodiversity, and that its management too often stops at the borders. The various project operators therefore joined forces along the Franco-Belgian border to develop cross-border action plans for 10 species or target habitats, and to ensure that the inhabitants of this cross-border area become fully-fledged eco-citizens, concerned about the maintenance of local biodiversity. By working at this regional level and involving the residents, entrepreneurs and locally elected representatives in biodiversity, it can be treated as a cross-border resource and protected in the longer term. The integration of small-scale local actions in an overall border strategy will enable the mobilisation of resources more efficiently and effectively.