Biosphere Reserves in Germany
The Schwäbische Alb Biosphere Reserve: location of the 2011 EUROPARC Conference © EUROPARC Nordic Baltic Section
Biosphere reserves around the world and across Europe create a powerful network of fascinating landscapes and valuable ecosystems. Read about biosphere reserves in Germany in a new publication by Nationale Naturlandschaften e.V.
New publication: Biosphere reserves in Germany
German biosphere reserves are home to a great diversity of habitats with a varied range of animal and plant species. In a new publication “Biosphere reserves in Germany“, the Nationale Naturlandschaften (formerly known as EUROPARC Germany) presents the diversity of Germany’s 16 biosphere reserves and their role for people.
Contributing to regional values through sustainable tourism, providing jobs in rural regions, offering space for leisure and recreation, are just some examples of why biosphere reserves deserve more of our attention.
Download the publication here!
Bush craft workshop organised in the Julian Prealps MAB reserve. Photo: Julian Prealps
What are biosphere reserves?
Biosphere reserves are areas of land and coastal ecosystems promoting solutions to reconcile biodiversity conservation with its sustainable use. They are internationally recognized and nominated by national governments. Simply put, biosphere reserves are “living laboratories that boost nature-based solutions for sustainable development“.
They are sites for testing interdisciplinary approaches to understanding and managing changes and interactions between social and ecological systems, including conflict prevention and management of biodiversity.
Biosphere Reserves are designated under the intergovernmental Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme, a scientific programme created by UNESCO, that aims to establish a scientific basis for enhancing the relationship between people and their environments.
MAB Programme celebrates 50 years!
UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere Programme was created in 1971 with a vision to promote sustainable connection between people and nature. As it evolved, the idea materialised in the designation of biosphere reserves.
Currently, the World Network of Biosphere Reserves counts 714 sites in 129 countries all over the world, including 21 transboundary sites. We are proud to represent a number of MAB Reserves in Europe, who are also members of the EUROPARC Federation.
Check the opportunities to get involved in the celebrations of 50 years of MAB, and to pay tribute to the common thread among humanity and nature!