The two Transfrontier Biosphere Reserve coordinators started working together in 1983, with the idea of linking the French and German footpaths on either side of the border and providing suitable signposting. In 1985, a Collaboration Agreement between the Two Parks was finally signed setting as shared aims the exchange of information, the encouragement of cross-border contacts and meetings between schools, the harmonisation of measures to protect nature, the promotion of access to various architectural and cultural sites and the promotion of cross-border tourism.

UNESCO designated the Vosges du Nord Regional Park as a biosphere reserve in 1989, and the Pfälzerwald Park in 1992, creating suitable conditions for them to work together at an international level on the development of the area and on various preservation policies and projects.

It was logical that the cooperation grow stronger, and this was further encouraged by the EU's INTERREG I Program starting in 1993. From 1996 on, this collaboration was also supported by the EU's LIFE Program.

 

Finally, on 23 October 1996, the two Parks signed a ten-year "Convention with a view to creating a Pfälzerwald-Vosges du Nord Biosphere Reserve". A declaration of support was made jointly by the Alsace and Lorraine Regional Councils, the Bas-Rhin and Moselle County Councils, by the French national MAB Committee and by the Rheinland-Pfalz Ministry for the Environment and Forestry. The Convention sets out specific objectives to achieve the progressive integration of the two Parks, the key elements in an action program, and a series of propositions on the creation of a legal structure for the combined Parks. In addition it provided for the formation of various Franco-German bodies: an Orientation Committee as joint management committee, various working parties on particular subjects, and a scientific committee.

In 1997, their collaboration was further strengthened with support from the EU's INTERREG II Program, and a cooperation program led to two coordination departments being set up amongst other activities.

On 8 December 1998 Pfälzerwald and Vosges du Nord were designated by UNESCO as a transfrontier biosphere reserve, the first in the European Union.

The same year, a carefully prepared project work schedule set out a three year operating plan for the Reserve.

A joint INTERREG III program is planned for 2001.