In October 1996, a Protocol was signed by the Chairmen of the Vosges du Nord Regional Park and the Pfälzerwald Park for the creation of the Vosges du Nord-Pfälzerwald Transfrontier Biosphere Reserve. They were supported in this action by the Chairmen of the Alsace and Lorraine Regional Councils, the Chairmen of the Bas-Rhin and Moselle County Councils, the French MAB Committee, and the Rheinland-Pfalz Ministry for the Environment and Forestry.

The Protocol defined the aims of the Transfrontier Biosphere Reserve, the actions it would undertake, its technical and financial resources, and the legal structure that the parties undertook to create. The signatories to the Protocol undertook to progressively integrate their policies at the Transfrontier Biosphere Reserve level. It set up a Coordinating Committee that meets twice a year, made up of managers and coordinators from both national parks. If this Committee so decides, working parties can be created to deal with particular matters or subjects. Finally the Protocol provides for the establishment of a Scientific Council.