The BALANCE project aims to develop and to evaluate new methods and practices enhancing the availability and quality of green areas in peri-urban areas in order to provide a safe and healthy living environment. It will involve the local communities during the different project phases. Respecting the balance between nature, development and recreation is of major importance to make the 2 Seas area attractive for inhabitants and visitors. Another goal of the BALANCE project is to increase political attention for green areas with a socio-economic study and by communicating throughout the project implementation. The project supports crossborder development of sustainable tourism in ecologically vulnerable areas and creates a better living environment for the inhabitants as an important building block for the regions competitiveness and attractiveness.