criteria for designation and evaluation of unesco …...biosphere reserves that cross länder...

Criteria for Designation and Evaluation ofUnesco Biosphere Reserves in Germany

Contents

1. Introduction

2. Designation procedure

3. Catalogue Of Criteria

Structural criteria (1) – (20)Representativeness (1)Size (area) and delimitation (2)Zonation (3) – (7)Legal protection (8) – (11)Administration and organisation (12) – (16)Planning (17) – (20)Functional criteria (21) – (40)Sustainable management (21) – (25)Ecosystem energetics and landscape management (26) – (28)Biodiversity (29)Research (30)Monitoring (31) – (33)Education for sustainable development (34) – (36)Public relations and communications (37) – (39)Integration in the World Network (40)

4. Explanatory Notes

Structural criteria (1) – (20)Representativeness (1)Size (area) and delimitation (2)Zonation (3) – (7)Legal protection (8) – (11)Administration and organisation (12) – (16)Planning (17) – (20)Functional criteria (21) – (40)Sustainable management (21) – (25)Ecosystem energetics and landscape management (26) – (28)Biodiversity (29)Research (30)Monitoring (31) – (33)Education for sustainable development (34) – (36)Public relations and communications (37) – (39)Integration in the World Network (40)

5. References

6. Annex

6.1 Abbreviations and acronyms6.2 Biosphere Reserve Nomination Form6.3 Periodic Review For

Biosphere Reserves

Page 4

5

6 – 9

10 – 31

2

3334 – 5556 – 65

| �

1. Introduction

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Orga-nization (UNESCO) was one of the first international orga-nisations to recognise the global challenges posed by the many different current environmental problems worldwide. In 1970, at the 16th General Conference of UNESCO, the governments of the UNESCO member states established the interdisciplinary, international ‘Man and the Biosphere’ (MAB) programme by adopting Resolution 2.313. The task of the MAB programme is, on the national level, but through international co-ordination, to develop principles for sustainable use and for effective conser-vation of the biosphere‘s natural resources, and to put these into practice in exemplary fashion.

The programme’s aim was initially to establish a global network of areas containing examples of all of the world‘s landscape types, in ‘biosphere reserves’. Biosphere reserves, therefore, are selected on the basis of status as representative landscape areas – and not on the basis of worthiness for protection or uniqueness. Following the 1992 UN Conference on Environment and De-velopment (UNCED 1992), held in Rio de Janeiro, the Seville Strategy for Biosphere Reserves was passed and publicised in 1996. Since that time, these reserves recognised by UNESCO are considered an important instrument for developing, testing and implementing models for sustainable use – i.e. uses that can be continued indefinitely without degrading the environment – within a global network.

Due to anthropogenically induced changes to global ecosystem energetics, the loss of functional capacity and biotic richness in many ecosystems, current demographic trends and the increasing depletion of important natural resources, a growing significance attaches to the global and the national network of biosphere reserves in respect of the future security of human society.

The countries participating in the MAB programme appoint national committees to implement the international agree-ments made within the UNESCO framework. In Germany the National Committee consists of representatives of various scientific fields and of various specialised departments and institutions of the Federal Government and of the Länder. It is tasked with specifying and further developing the MAB programme at national level, and with supporting the German Federal Government and the Länder with its implementation.

A further task of the national committee is to co-operate in the international programme design and execution. Since the overall objectives of biosphere reserves call for interdepartmental action, it is important for all relevant specialised departments of the Federal Government and the Länder to be involved in the MAB programme.

To fulfil its international obligations in this regard, in 1996 the German MAB National Committee adopted ‘Criteria for Designation and Evaluation of UNESCO Biosphere Reserves in Germany’. These criteria are to be used in conjunction with the Statutory Framework of the World Network of Biosphere Reserves to review applications for designation of new biosphere reserves and to evaluate the development of existing biosphere reserves. They fulfil the international mandate to develop national criteria, in the aim of establishing a network of exem-plary protected areas in Germany. At the same time they will contribute to assuring and further enhancing the quality of the biosphere reserves. In applying to UNESCO for the designation of biosphere reserves, the Länder declare their willingness to implement the programme in the biosphere reserves and to put in place the necessary prerequisites for doing so.

Ten years after the adoption of these criteria, the German National Committee in co-operation with the Standing Wor-king Group of the Biosphere Reserves in Germany (AGBR) decided to update them. The Länder Working Group on Nature Conservation, Landscape Management and Recreation (LANA) engaged in the discussion process and drafted a statement (of 27.09.2006). As before, the criteria are founded on scientific knowledge and conservation standards, but are also based on experience gained to date from periodic reviews of biosphere reserves in Germany.

Gertrud Sahler Hans-Joachim SchreiberVorsitzende MAB-Nationalkomitee Sprecher der AGBR

| �

2. Designation procedure

Before initiating the process of designating an area as a UNESCO biosphere reserve, the relevant parties are well advised to consult with the German National Committee for the UNESCO ‘Man and the Biosphere’ programme to assess whether the area under discussion is suitable for designation as a biosphere reserve. In particular, the area‘s significance and its contribution to comple-ting the national network of biosphere reserves should be clari-fied. The German MAB National Committee provides assistance for preparing the application.

The application for designation comprises

• a description of the area nominated for designation as a biosphere reserve,

• the UNESCO ‘Biosphere Reserve Nomination Form’, completed in English or French,

• explanations, materials, maps and tables, submitted as annexes to the application.

The application for designation of a landscape as a biosphere reserve must be submitted by the Land Ministry responsible for nature conservation. To ensure that all protection, main-tenance and development aims for the nominated UNESCO biosphere reserve will be developed and implemented through consensus between the relevant Land‘s ministries, all affected Land ministries/departments should be consulted regarding the application, which should be approved by cabinet resolution or by a comparable process. A total of 30 copies of the application should be sent to the Chairman of the German MAB National Committee at the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety.

The Secretariat of the German MAB National Committee (German Federal Agency for Nature Conservation (BfN)) checks the application for correctness and completeness. If these requirements are met, the application is reviewed from a technical standpoint by the German MAB National Committee, using the criteria for designation and evaluation of biosphere reserves in Germany. As a rule, this process includes a site visit by the National Committee to inspect the nominated area. The German MAB National Committee decides on the success of the appli-cation (providing reasons for its decision) and whether it should be forwarded to the Director-General of UNESCO. (Then, in accordance with UNESCO rules, three copies of the ‘Biosphere

Reserve Nomination Form’ are forwarded to UNESCO in Paris). UNESCO can request additional information from the German MAB National Committee or the nominating Land.

The highest UNESCO decision-making body responsible for the MAB programme, the International Co-ordinating Council (ICC) or, in between the usual two-yearly meetings of the ICC, its ‘bureau’, decides on the application based on a ballot of the International Advisory Committee and, if the application is approved, proposes designation to the Director-General. If the vote goes against the application, it is returned to the responsi-ble Land ministry, stating the reason for its rejection. Once the Director-General designates the nominated area, it is included, with immediate effect, within the international network of bios-phere reserves; on the national level, the biosphere reserve is also made a member, with immediate effect, of the Standing Working Group of the Biosphere Reserves in Germany (AGBR). The Director-General sends the relevant certificate to the Chairman of the National Committee. The Chairman presents the certifi-cate to the relevant ministry of the Land that nominated the new biosphere reserve.

The catalogue of criteria consists of application criteria (A), which must already be fulfilled at the time of the application, and evaluation criteria (B), which describe the terms of reference to be fulfilled. The separation into A and B criteria does not represent a weighting of the individual criteria in relation to the terms of reference for UNESCO biosphere reserves in Germany. In the following, application criteria are printed in boldface (A), and evaluation criteria are marked with a (B). Explanatory notes are provided on the contents of the criteria.

The application criteria (A) are used as an aid in determining whether the prerequisites for designation of a biosphere reserve are fulfilled at the time the application is submitted. Only ap-plications that fulfil all application criteria (A) are forwarded to UNESCO by the National Committee.

The evaluation criteria (B) function as a framework for review-ing a biosphere reserve‘s structural and functional aspects. They necessitate differentiated expert evaluation by the National Committee within the context of the ten-year review cycle for biosphere reserves prescribed in the Statutory Framework of the World Network of Biosphere Reserves.

| �


StRuCtuRAl CRItERIA

Representativeness(1) The biosphere reserve must contain landscapes and habitats which, to date, are not sufficiently well-represented in

biosphere reserves in Germany and which, by virtue of their natural, cultural and social features, are especially suitable for the exemplary implementation within Germany of the uNESCO MAB programme and for representation of the pro-gramme internationally. (A)

Size (area) and delimitation(2) to fulfil its functions the biosphere reserve should, as a rule, comprise at least 30,000 ha and should not be larger than

150,000 ha. Biosphere reserves that cross länder boundaries may have a total area larger than this, if adequately staffed. (A)

Zonation(3) The biosphere reserve must be divided into core areas, buffer zones and transition areas. (A)

(4) The core area must comprise at least 3% of the total area. (A)

(5) The buffer zone should comprise at least 10% of the total area. (B)

(6) The core area and buffer zone, together, must account for at least 20% of the total area. The core area should be surrounded by the buffer zone. (A)

(7) The transition area must comprise at least 50% of the total area; in marine areas, this requirement applies to the area on land. (A)

legal protection(8) The biosphere reserve‘s protective purpose and maintenance and development aims, both for the area as a whole and within

the individual zones, must be under legal protection and supported by land and regional plans and programmes and through local development planning (Bauleitplanung) and landscape planning. On the whole, the majority of the area must be under legal protection. The protection status of existing reserves must not be downgraded. (A)

(9) The core area must be legally protected as a national park or nature reserve, or given other equivalent legal protection, with the objective of allowing natural processes. (A)

(10) The buffer zone also serves the purpose of conserving biodiversity, particularly genetic, biological and structural diversity and diversity of use. According to its worthiness of protection and protection needs, it should be legally protected as a national park or nature reserve or given other equivalent legal protection. (B)

(11) Areas within the transition area that are worthy of protection should be legally protected. (B)

| �

Administration and organisation (12) A capable administration for the biosphere reserve must be established within three years of its designation by uNESCO.

It must be interdisciplinary in composition, with adequate technical and administrative staff and equipment to fulfil its tasks in respect of the three functions of the biosphere reserve. The application must contain a commitment to provide the necessary funding. (A)

(13) The biosphere reserve‘s administration must be organised as part of the intermediate, higher, or highest nature conservation authority at Land level. The responsibilities of the biosphere reserve‘s administration, and its co-operation with other administra-tions, must be regulated at Land level. (B)

(14) The reserve must be staffed full-time. (B)

(15) The population, decision-makers and stakeholder representatives from the region must be enabled to share in designing the biosphere reserve as their area for living, working and engaging in recreation. (B)

(16) To support the administration, suitable non-state structures and forms of organisation must be recruited or created, and involved as partners. (B)

Planning(17) A co-ordinated framework concept must be prepared and submitted within three years after the biosphere reserve has been

designated by uNESCO. The application must contain a commitment to provide the necessary funding. (A)

(18) On the basis of the framework concept for the biosphere reserve, maintenance and development plans should be prepared – at least for areas within the buffer zone and transition area that require particular protection or care – within five years of the biosphere’s designation. Within the same time-frame, specific plans should be prepared for sustainable tourism, transport and settlement development in the transition area. (B)

(19) The biosphere reserve‘s aims and the framework concept should be integrated, at the earliest possible time, within Land and regional planning and within landscape planning and local development planning (Bauleitplanung). (B)

(20) Aims for the biosphere reserve‘s protection, maintenance and development should be taken into account in updates of other sectoral planning. (B)

| �


FuNCtIONAl CRItERIA

Sustainable management(21) Sustainable use and development of the biosphere reserve, and of the surrounding region, should be promoted, in all economic

sectors and spheres of life, in keeping with regional and inter-regional possibilities and resources. Relevant administrative, plan-ning and financial measures should be identified and listed. (B)

(22) Within the primary economic sector (agriculture, forestry, fisheries, mining), environmentally sustainable forms of land use must be developed. In particular, land use has to take the biosphere reserve‘s zonation into account. (B)

(23) In the secondary economic sector (crafts, industry), energy consumption, use of raw materials and waste management in particular must be aligned with the guiding vision of sustainable development. (B)

(24) The tertiary economic sector (services inter alia in retail, transport and tourism) should conform to the guiding vision of sustainable development. Biosphere reserves must demonstrate particular commitment to this standard in view of their major significance as tourist destinations. (B)

(25) The public sector is called upon to set an example by acting in accordance with the principles of sustainable development. (B)

Ecosystem energetics and landscape management (26) The aims, concepts and measures for protection, maintenance and development of landscapes and habitats, and for regeneration

of impaired areas, must be described and implemented. (B)

(27) Animal and plant communities and the sites where they occur must be documented, paying special attention to species and biotopes listed in Red Data Books. Special care must be taken of species and biotic communities that are typical of relevant ecological regions. (B)

(28) When interventions are made in ecosystem energetics and in a landscape‘s appearance, and when mitigation and environmental compensation measures are carried out, regional development models and environmental quality targets and standards must be properly taken into account. (B)

Biodiversity(29) Important sites for floral and faunal genetic resources must be named and described; suitable measures must be designed

and implemented for conserving these resources at the places where they are found. (A)

Research(30) Applied, implementation-oriented research must be carried out within the biosphere reserve. This does not preclude basic

research. The emphases of the research must be documented within the application for designation and in the framework concept. Research of relevance to the biosphere reserve should be co-ordinated, harmonised and documented by the biosphere reserve‘s administration in collaboration with the researchers. The application must contain a commitment to provide the neces-sary funding or proof of how the research will be financed. (B)

| �

Monitoring(31) The necessary staffing, technical equipment and financial resources to carry out monitoring in the biosphere reserve must

be in place. (A)

(32) Integrated monitoring in the biosphere reserve must be co-ordinated with the overall approach to environmental monitoring in Germany‘s biosphere reserves, as well as the environmental monitoring programmes and concepts of the EU, of the Federal Go-vernment and of the Länder, and the existing routine monitoring programmes of the Federal Government and of the Länder. (B)

(33) Data relative to the establishment and operation of national and international monitoring systems, and whose generation is required by the MAB programme, must be made available by the biosphere reserve‘s administration, free of charge, to institu-tions named for this purpose by the Federal Government and the Länder. (B)

Education for sustainable development(34) As a central administrative task, topics and structures for education for sustainable development must be set out within the

framework concept, taking account of the biosphere reserve‘s specific features. A permanent programme of measures derived from this plan must be implemented in the biosphere reserve. (B)

(35) Each biosphere reserve must have at least one information centre with a full-time staff present throughout the year. The information centre should be supplemented by non-central information offices. (B)

(36) Close co-operation must be sought with existing educational organisations. (B)

Public relations and communications(37) Germany’s biosphere reserves are collectively presented under the umbrella brand ‘Nationale Naturlandschaften’ (National

Natural landscapes). (A)

(38) The biosphere reserve must engage in public relations, carried out on the basis of a defined strategy. As part of public relations for a biosphere reserve, partners from all sectors of society should be encouraged to support the implementation of the MAB pro-gramme. (B)

(39) Regional networks should be established to promote communications and to facilitate the reconciliation of interests. The services of consultants or facilitators can be used to support this process. (B)

Integration in the World Network(40) In accordance with the Seville Strategy and the Statutory Framework, biosphere reserves have to make their contribution to the

World Network. The technical and budgetary resources must be provided to enable the biosphere reserve administration to undertake the necessary activities. (B)

| 1 0


Representativeness(1) The biosphere reserve must contain landscapes and habitats which, to date, are not sufficiently well-represented in biosphere

reserves in Germany and which, by virtue of their natural, cultural and social features, are especially suitable for the ex-emplary implementation within Germany of the uNESCO MAB programme and for representation of the programme internationally. (A)

Size (area) and delimitation(2) to fulfil its functions the biosphere reserve should, as a rule, comprise at least 30,000 ha and should not be larger

than 150,000 ha. Biosphere reserves that cross länder boundaries may have a total area larger than this, if adequately staffed. (A)

In 1974, UNESCO defined ‘Criteria and Guidelines for the Choice and Establishment of Biosphere Reserves’ (UNESCO 1974); this was a description of significant characteristics, tasks and selection criteria relative to biosphere reserves. The selection criteria were revised, and further specified, within the framework

of the ‘Action Plan for Biosphere Reserves’ (UNESCO 1984). With its ‘Seville Strategy’, UNESCO (1995b) extended and updated the ‘Action Plan for Biosphere Reserves’. These three UNESCO documents provide the framework for the following criteria.

Structural criteria are used to assess whether an area nominated by a Land for designation as a biosphere reserve complies with the Statutory Framework. The criteria explained in the following describe the standards for protection, maintenance and develop-

ment of biosphere reserves in Germany, and a nominated area must fulfil them when its application is submitted (A) or must be able to fulfil them within the short or medium term (B).

Structural criteria

Re. (1) The concept of biosphere reserves deals with what the Seville Strategy deems to be one of the most important questions the world faces today: how can we reconcile the goals of conserving biological diversity, striving for economic and social development and maintaining cultural values? The answer to this question will need to worked out and implemented in the biosphere reserves in co-operation with the people who live and work in them, in the form of exemplary concepts for protection, maintenance and development.

Selection of biosphere reserves, as components of a global net-work, is of particular importance; the degree to which they are representative must be determined with reference to all sub-regi-ons of a MAB programme member state, or of a continent.To ensure that factors inherent to landscapes are taken into consideration in the development of sustainable ways of life and economic models, characteristic, representative landscapes should be selected.

Landscapes are composed of a mosaic of habitats and biotic communities, which are characterised by the interaction of abiotic and biotic environmental factors and processes as well as the influences of current and historical human uses. A gradient can be seen to run through this mosaic, from near-natural biotic communities with a high degree of autonomy and self-regulati-on capability to more specialised biotic communities which are extensively controlled by anthropogenic use.

Hence – in keeping with the interdisciplinary approach of the MAB programme and the concept of sustainability – natural, economic and socio-cultural considerations must be incorpora-ted into the procedure for selecting representative areas, and the findings must be evaluated pragmatically.

| 1 1

“Each biosphere reserve should be large enough to be an effective conservation unit and have value as a benchmark for

measurements of long-term changes in the biosphere.” (UNESCO 1984) “Individual species differ considerably with regard to

habitat-size requirements and to the population sizes they require to be viable from a genetic perspective and to maintain their

total genetic potential. Similarly, a biosphere reserve must be of adequate size, if it is to serve as a model of sustainable deve-

lopment. Both of these considerations play an important role in selection of biosphere reserves (with regard to size, form and

heterogeneity within the areas).” (UNESCO 1984)

UNESCO Statutory Framework; Article 4 – Criteria

“4. It should have an appropriate size to serve the three functions of biosphere reserves, as set out in Article 3;”

UNESCO Statutory Framework; Article 3 – Functions

“In combining the three functions below, biosphere reserves should strive to be sites of excellence to explore and demonstrate

approaches to conservation and sustainable development on a regional scale:

(i) Conservation: contribute to the conservation of landscapes, ecosystems, species and genetic variation;

(ii) Development: foster economic and human development which is socio-culturally and ecologically sustainable;

(iii) Logistic support: support for demonstration projects, environmental education and training, research and monitoring

related to local, regional, national and global issues of conservation and sustainable development. (Statutory Framework

of the World Network of Biosphere Reserves, UNESCO, 1996

Re. (2) The functions specified in Article 3 of the Statutory Framework give rise to a great variety of criteria governing bios-phere size, which must be individually weighted and taken into consideration:

Protective function:Here the definitive criteria are the existing features of the natural landscape and the present or expected development potential, because the protective function is not meant solely in a conser-ving sense but also includes a mandate to rehabilitate degraded landscapes. In this connection, the UNESCO recommendation that peri-urban areas and degraded rural areas should be inclu-ded in future (Seville Strategy, Objective II.1 no. 3) should be borne in mind.

Development function:Economic development must be differentiated according to economic sector:• Primary economic sector (see criterion no. 22):

The reference level is the individual enterprise (agriculture, forestry, extraction of raw materials, etc.). Since the protective function and the primary economic sector interact very closely, the drawing of boundaries should take in the entire area of an adequate number of enterprises.

• Secondary economic sector (see criterion no. 23):Here it is necessary to examine which catchment areas manuf-acturing enterprises require from the viewpoint of economic viability, e. g. forested areas and timber selections for a sawmill, cereal-growing land for a milling operation.

• tertiary economic sector (see criterion no. 24):This concerns catchment areas for the supply industry, marke-ting, tourism, etc. At this point it becomes impossible to draw definite boundaries; complete inclusion within the biosphere reserve would not be useful, for this would result in areas with no realistic chance of being designated as biosphere reserve. An area of 150,000 ha would regularly be exceeded.

The delimitation of a biosphere reserve must also take account of

| 1 2


socio-cultural sustainability. Contributory factors include aspects of local heritage and identity, administrative borders (parishes, districts, regional and national borders), and perhaps also lingu-istic boundaries (languages, dialects). In certain cases it may also be necessary to take holiday regions into consideration. People’s identity and their sense of attachment and affiliation to their home region are of great significance.

logistic support function:For this function the size of the area is barely relevant.• Education for sustainable development, public relations

(see criteria 34 to 39):This is solely concerned with qualitative aspects, i.e. the communication of information and skills which are in any case intended to have their effect beyond the actual area (the model region). The only requirement for land area relates to the func-tion of the landscape, in its diversity and zonation, as a medium for experience and knowledge and for creating environmental awareness and an understanding of the issues surrounding sustainable development. Direct experience of the environment may act as a starting point for this.

• Research, monitoring (see criteria 30 to 32):Here again, the relevant aspects are qualitative rather than quantitative, concerned not with the size but rather with the quality of particular areas of natural landscape, settlement and human use. Many socio-cultural aspects must be viewed supra-regionally or indeed in the context of sub-areas of the biosphere reserve. As far as participation in supraregional, national or international programmes is concerned, the size of the indivi-dual biosphere reserve is less important in any case.

From these stipulations it follows that:Biosphere reserves must have at least a certain minimum size, if they are to be able to contain the relevant diversity of naturally and regionally typical ecosystems and of the animal and plant species living within them. A certain minimum size is also re-quired to enable the biosphere reserve to be developed as an area in which people can live, work and engage in recreation. Limits are imposed on the size of the transition area by the core and buffer zones, because together they must constitute a minimum of 20% (criterion no. 6). A larger development zone therefore entails lar-ger core and buffer zones. A dependency is thus created between the protective function, on the one hand, and the development

and logistic function on the other, which set limits on the size of the individual zones and of the biosphere reserve as a whole.Experience in Germany has shown that a biosphere reserve should, as a rule, have an area of at least 30,000 ha. Such expe-rience has also revealed that a biosphere reserve, due to the great diversity of the central European cultural landscape, and to the resulting effort and expense of administering and staffing a reser-ve, normally should not be larger than 150,000 ha.Biosphere reserves that cut across Länder boundaries can exceed this upper limit if the involved Länder maintain their own admi-nistrations, which staff the biosphere reserve jointly. The size data given refers to terrestrial land areas, including their limnic areas. For marine areas (e.g. the Wadden Sea) the upper limit does not apply.

A biosphere reserve must be an area which is meaningfully distinguishable from neighbouring regions, e.g. as a historically and geographically defined unit. For the purposes of delimitation, natural areas, species ranges or watershed areas and unfragmen-ted landscape areas must be given just as much consideration as socio-culturally, economically and of course politically definable areas and administrative units. If at all possible, a biosphere reserve‘s size and shape should ensure that all typical habitats of the natural and cultural landscape are represented several times over. In the light of this, settlements are to be included in the biosphere reserve as integral elements of the cultural landscape (cf. criterion 1).

Biosphere reserves should be staffed throughout their entire area, since they are places where – in co-operation with the people who live and work in them – exemplary concepts for sustainable development are to be developed and implemented. This require-ment can entail considerable staffing effort and expense – for instance, on education, economic and social model projects, and Integrated Monitoring.

Thus the delimitation of a biosphere reserve derives primarily from its protective function, giving strong consideration to the primary economic sector along with processing industries, and is aligned to historical and geographical, cultural and political borders. To fulfil the development function, particularly in the secondary and tertiary economic sector, the area surrounding the biosphere reserve, to whatever extent serves a useful purpose,

| 1 3

should be involved in partnerships (economic links, catchment areas).

become part of the core area and turned over to undisturbed natural development. This would alter the percentage areas of the different zones relative to one another. It would then be necessary to adjust a biosphere reserve‘s zonation to reflect the changed conditions.

Re. (4) Every biosphere reserve has a core area (German: Kern-zone), in which nature is left to take its course – free of human influence, to the greatest possible extent. The aim is to exclude all human use from the core area. The core area must be large enough to permit dynamic ecosystem processes to function properly. This applies even when the core area consists of several sub-areas. Experience has shown that the core area must take up at least 3% of a biosphere reserve‘s total area. Protection of

Zonation(3) The biosphere reserve must be divided into core areas, buffer zones and transition areas. (A)

(4) The core area must comprise at least 3% of the total area. (A)

(5) The buffer zone should comprise at least 10% of the total area. (B)

(6) The core area and buffer zone, together, must account for at least 20% of the total area. The core area should be surrounded by the buffer zone. (A)

(7) The transition area must comprise at least 50% of the total area; in marine areas, this requirement applies to the area on land. (A)

UNESCO Statutory Framework, Article 4 – Criteria

4. It should have an appropriate size to serve the three functions of biosphere reserves, as set out in Article 3

5. It should include these functions, through appropriate zonation, recognizing:

(a) a legally constituted core area or areas devoted to long-term protection, according to the conservation objectives of the

biosphere reserve, and of sufficient size to meet these objectives;

(b) a buffer zone [known in Germany as the ‘Pflegezone’] or zones clearly identified and surrounding or contiguous to the core

area or areas, where only activities compatible with the conservation objectives can take place;

(c) an outer transition area [called the ‘Entwicklungszone’ in Germany] where sustainable resource management practices are

promoted and developed.” (Statutory Framework of the World Network of Biosphere Reserves, UNESCO 1996)

Re. (3) A biosphere reserve has a variety of tasks; consequently, its total area must be divided into different zones. Biosphere reserves are divided into zones which reflect different degrees of human influence: a core area, a buffer zone and a transition area, the last of which may also contain a regeneration zone. The zonation does not represent any order of value; each zone has its own tasks to fulfil. The area percentages accorded to the diffe-rent zones can differ widely from biosphere reserve to biosphere reserve, due to the great variety of central European cultural landscapes; nonetheless, the individual zones must be of certain minimum sizes, established through experience with biosphere reserves in Germany.

Areas no longer used for agriculture, fishery or forestry can

| 1 �


natural and near-natural ecosystems has the highest priority. The core areas are especially valuable for research purposes. Research activities and surveys for the purposes of Integrated Monitoring must avoid any disturbances in the core area.

Re. (5) The purpose of the buffer zone (German: Pflegezone) is the conservation and maintenance of habitats and biotic com-munities created through human use. The buffer zone should support the functions of the core area by means of appropriate use. The aim above all is to conserve cultural landscapes com-prising a broad spectrum of different habitats, for the benefit of numerous animal and plant species – including threatened ones – that are typical of the natural areas in question. This aim is to be achieved primarily through adapted use. The buffer zone is an object of research, where the functioning of ecosystem energetics and interactions between humans and nature can be studied in a spatial and temporal context. Integrated Monitoring and socio-economic and socio-cultural environmental monitoring are also carried out in this area. Since biosphere reserves tend to contain large areas with different use-dependent ecosystems, the buffer zone should make up at least 10% of a biosphere reserve‘s total area – regardless of political boundaries.

Re. (6) In central European cultural landscapes, a proportion of land area should be taken out of intensive use. This will vary from region to region but will be about 10% on average. Since biosphere reserves are particularly dedicated to the protection and maintenance of natural and cultural landscapes, the core area and buffer zone, together, should account for at least 20% of a biosphere reserve‘s area – regardless of political boundaries. The transformation in the development of the landscape may alter the relative sizes of the two zones. The focus of protection and maintenance, apart from the requirement that at least 3% of the land be reserved for the core area and 10 % for the buffer zone (cf. criteria 4 and 5), should be chosen in accordance with the biosphere reserve‘s circumstances and basic parameters.

Re. (7) The transition area (German: Entwicklungszone), as a living, working and recreation area for the population, expressly includes settled areas. In it, the landscape‘s typical natural appea-rance is shaped predominantly by sustainable uses. As a result of needs for protection, maintenance and development of the cultural landscape, the transition area must comprise more than 50% of the biosphere reserve‘s total area – regardless of political

boundaries. In marine reserves, this figure applies to the land area.For applications to extend existing large-scale biosphere reserves which are also designated national parks, this criterion is not to be treated as a application criterion if the extension relates to a legally or physiographically discrete area (e.g. a valley, an island), the inclusion of which in the biosphere reserve is desirable but would result in the new transition area falling short of the required percentage due to the size of the area designated as a national park.

The transition area provides the greatest possibilities for produc-tion and marketing of environmentally friendly products from the biosphere reserve, and for development of environmentally and socially compatible recreational uses; such uses contribute to sustainable development. The aim is to develop forms of use that meet the needs of both people and nature equally well. These activities benefiting the regional economy should also involve the biosphere reserve’s surrounding areas.

To protect the regional identity of the landscape and the links between the residents and their landscape, the design of the transition area must take appropriate account of settlement and land-use patterns that are typical for the landscape. Stu-dies in the transition area focus primarily on man-environment relationships; they range from wide-area studies (for example, interregional interactions) to more localised studies (for example, within communities). Depleted areas, e.g. extraction sites, can be included within the transition area.

| 1 �

legal protection(8) The biosphere reserve‘s protective purpose and maintenance and development aims, both for the area as a whole and within

the individual zones, must be under legal protection and supported by land and regional plans and programmes and through local development planning (Bauleitplanung) and landscape planning. On the whole, the majority of the area must be under legal protection. The protection status of existing reserves must not be downgraded. (A)

(9) The core area must be legally protected as a national park or nature reserve, or given other equivalent legal protection, with the objective of allowing natural processes (A)

(10) The buffer zone also serves the purpose of conserving biodiversity, particularly genetic, biological and structural diversity and diversity of use. According to its worthiness of protection and protection needs, it should be legally protected as a national park or nature reserve or given other equivalent legal protection. (B)

(11) Areas within the transition area that are worthy of protection should be legally protected. (B)

“The long-term security of biosphere reserves should be assured through legal instruments, regulations or a management fra-

mework directly applicable to the biosphere reserve or to its separate management units and land ownerships. In many coun-

tries, the legal and administrative protection normally afforded to national parks, ecological research areas and other protected

areas is adequate for the protection of biosphere reserves. Where such legal protection does not exist, it should be developed

especially for the area concerned before it is nominated as a biosphere reserve.” (UNESCO 1984)

German Federal Nature Conservation Act, last amended 25 March 2002

Article 25 Biosphärenreservate (‘biosphere reserves’)

(1) Biosphärenreservate (‘biosphere reserves’) are areas designated on a legally binding basis as areas to be protected and

developed on a uniform basis, that meet the following criteria: 1. [...] 2. the criteria defined for Naturschutzgebiete (‘nature

conservation areas’) are met in essential parts of the area concerned, and the greater part of the remaining area meets the

criteria defined for Landschaftsschutzgebiete (‘landscape protection areas’), 3. [...]

(2) The Federal Länder shall ensure that biosphere reserves are developed progressively via core zones, management zones and

development zones (Kernzonen, Pflegezonen, Entwicklungszonen), while allowing for the exemptions required in view of the

size of the area and existing human settlements in the area, and that biosphere reserves receive the same level of protection

as that afforded to Naturschutzgebiete (‘nature conservation areas’) or Landschaftsschutzgebiete (‘landscape protection areas’).”

Various legal instruments should be applied to ensure that bios-phere reserves can fulfil their allotted tasks. Relevant protection categories from the Federal Nature Conservation Act should be applied – in keeping with the protection, maintenance and development aims of the relevant biosphere reserve‘s individual components – to protect the reserve‘s ecosystem energetics, its various ecological functions and its boundaries as a whole. The available options include, in particular, Articles 23-26 and 28-30 of the German Federal Nature Conservation Act (BNatSchG), designated Natura 2000 sites (pursuant to the EC Habitats Di-

rective) where these have legally protected status in keeping with the objectives of the biosphere reserve, long-term contracts under public law, and safeguarding via the land register.

Re. (8) The establishment and development of a biosphere reserve presupposes legal protection of the area as a whole and differentiated according to its zonation. By analogy to UNESCO (1984), it is necessary to place most of a biosphere reserve‘s area under legal protection. The protection status of existing reserves must not be downgraded.

| 1 �


Regardless of individual nature-conservation and planning-law provisions, a biosphere reserve‘s protective purpose and its main-tenance and development aims – both with regard to the reserve as a whole and differentiated in accordance with its various zones – must be clearly defined and legally protected. Such protec-tion should be provided in a specific ordinance for the biosphere reserve and should be incorporated into and supported by Land and regional planning and programmes and by local develop-ment planning and landscape planning. Nevertheless, a biosphere reserve‘s protection, maintenance and development cannot be assured solely through legal and planning safeguards. These must therefore be supplemented with other instruments (for example, support programmes, education for sustainable development, wa-ter law, design regulations). The competencies of biosphere reserve administrations for these instruments of sustainable development must be strengthened or established. It is of crucial importance for the practical realisation of the protective purpose that biosphere reserve administrations be granted sovereign competencies as well as cross-departmental political support from Land authorities.

Re. (9) The aim is to exclude any form of economically motiva-ted use of natural resources from the core area. Here the highest priority is the protection of natural and near-natural ecosystems to allow their natural evolution. Consequently, the core area must be established as a nature reserve without economic use or as a natio-nal park. Alternatively or as a complement, legal instruments may be used which fulfil the same purpose. If possible, the core area should be publicly owned or administered; otherwise it should be safeguarded through entry in the land register in accordance with its protective purpose.

Re. (10) The buffer zone should be legally protected as a national park or nature reserve with the aim of conserving the biodiversity of culturally modified ecosystems. Alternatively or as a comple-ment, legal instruments may be used which fulfil the same purpose. The primary aim within the buffer zone is to conserve, and cau-tiously develop, typical cultural landscapes of the given area with their individual habitats and biotic communities. This aim is to be

achieved primarily through naturally compatible forms of use. Re-creation and measures for education for sustainable development must be oriented to this requirement. Contractual arrangements should be concluded with the owners regarding the use and main-tenance of these areas. Where the buffer zone of an existing bios-phere reserve is part of a national park, the conservation objective of the national park does not normally include the conservation of culturally modified ecosystems. According to Article 24 of the Federal Nature Conservation Act (BNatSchG), the majority of the area of national parks must permit natural processes to take place undisturbed in their natural dynamics. Where the buffer zone of an existing biosphere reserve is legally protected as a national park, Article 4, no. 5b of the Statutory Framework is invoked. According to this provision, only activities compatible with the conservation objectives can take place in the buffer zone.

Re. (11) Areas within the transition area that are worthy of protection should be legally protected, using the categories of the Federal Nature Conservation Act (cf. criterion 8). Development of a biosphere reserve, particularly in its transition area, should be supported by means of Land and regional planning instruments (regional planning programme, regional policy plans or regio-nal plans), and using local development planning and landscape planning instruments (preparatory land-use plan (Flächennutzungs-plan), landscape plan, binding land-use plan (Bebauungsplan)). In the transition area, there are fewer legal constraints on the biosphere reserve‘s use than in the core and buffer zones. For this reason, other instruments should also be applied, for instance other relevant laws, support programmes and local by-laws, in order to preserve and develop sustainable uses in co-operation with the people who live and work there (cf. criteria 21-25). The transition area is a living, working and recreation area for the population. The aim within it is sustainable development that meets the human needs of this and future generations while also conserving nature and the environment. Here again, areas requiring special protection and maintenance are to be conserved by means of environmentally compatible forms of use. Private land ownership is the basis for land use; private initiatives informed by these criteria are to be supported.

Administration and organisation(12) A capable administration for the biosphere reserve must be established within three years of its designation by uNESCO.

It must be interdisciplinary in composition, with adequate technical and administrative staff and equipment to fulfil its tasks in respect of the three functions of the biosphere reserve. The application must contain a commitment to obtain the necessary funding. (A)

| 1 �

(13) The biosphere reserve‘s administration must be organised as part of the intermediate, higher, or highest nature conservation authority at Land level The responsibilities of the biosphere reserve‘s administration, and its co-operation with other administra-tions, must be regulated at Land level. (B)

(14) The reserve must be staffed full-time. (B)

(15) The population, decision-makers and stakeholder representatives from the region must be enabled to share in designing the biosphere reserve as their area for living, working and engaging in recreation. (B)

(16) To support the administration, suitable non-state structures and forms of organisation must be recruited or created, and involved as partners. (B)

“In biosphere reserves, concepts for protection, maintenance and development should be developed and implemented in co-

operation with the people who live and work in them. The establishment of a capable administration for carrying out the tasks

allocated to the biosphere reserve is an open, refinable process. These tasks include especially the following:

- Monitoring the success of completed protection, maintenance and development measures

- Integrating, within current and future management, the traditional skills of people living in the biosphere reserve

- Promoting acceptance and participation by the local population.” (UNESCO 1984)

An interdepartmental, interdisciplinary approach is required to implement the ‘Guidelines for Protection, Maintenance and Develop-ment’ and to design biosphere reserves as areas in which people can live, work and engage in recreation. For this reason, the tasks of biosphere reserves go far beyond the standard spectrum of tasks in nature conservation and landscape management, and comprise the following tasks in particular:

Protective function:- Landscape planning and impact mitigation, nature conservation

and landscape management, species and biotope protection, resource conservation

- Monitoring of compliance with regulations for protection- Conservation management agreements- Projects on nature conservation and environmental protection- Maintaining the area’s unique sociocultural character

Development functions:- Initiating, implementing and supporting projects on sustainable

regional development in all economic sectors, including beyond the boundaries of the biosphere reserve (cf. criteria 21-24)

- Advising and supporting land users support relative to the implementation of sustainable forms of use.

- Initiating, implementing and supporting economic development measures (e.g. product development, process optimisation, marketing, environmental management, awarding regional

seals of quality, applying for legally protected trademarks and certificates)

- Initiating, implementing and supporting projects to maintaining the unique sociocultural character of the area

- Initiating and supporting networks

Function of logistic support:- Education for sustainable development, documentation and

public relations,- Visitor and information centres- Visitor management and support- Informing and involving local residents- Integrated Monitoring, socio-economic monitoring- Initiating and co-ordinating applied research.

| 1 �


Re. (12) To implement a biosphere reserve‘s tasks (see above), full-time technical and administrative personnel are required with the requisite formal training and professional experience to perform the complete range of tasks (see above). The for-mal allocation of the administration to a particular specialised department must not prevent the interdisciplinary staffing of the positions. Such a capable administration for the biosphere reserve must be established by the Land, or by the third party to which responsibility is assigned, within three years from designation of the biosphere reserve by UNESCO. The amount of personnel and equipment required depends upon:• Features of the natural and cultural environment, and size

(area), • Population density and visitor numbers,• Type and emphases of economic use, and • Research and monitoring tasks.

Re. (13) The organisational structure and competencies of the biosphere reserve‘s administration depend especially on the administrative structure of the Land in question. Regardless of its organisational form and legal status, the biosphere reserve‘s administration must be organised as part of the intermediate, higher, or highest nature conservation authority at Land level. The biosphere reserve‘s tasks are specialised, on the one hand, yet interdisciplinary and interdepartmental on the other, and affect the tasks of other technical administrations. Therefore the biosphere reserve’s administration must contribute on equal terms to regional planning. Furthermore it should be assigned its own competencies (particularly as a body responsible for public affairs and a funding agency) so that it can help to shape regional development. To this end, various departmental tasks should be consolidated, and competing competencies should be avoided. Where the tasks of the biosphere reserve fall under the compe-tency of other administrations, constructive division of labour and co-operation on equal terms must be regulated at Land level.

Re. (14) Features of the natural environment, size and tasks of biosphere reserves, particularly in the areas of reserve patrolling, visitor management, education for sustainable development, public relations and monitoring necessitate a permanent, know-ledgeable staff. The size of the staff must be geared particularly towards the size of the area to be managed, its population density and its use for tourism. The relevant staff should have the requisi-

te qualifications to accomplish their tasks (for nature wardens, for example, a ‚certified nature and landscape manager‘ qualification). The full-time management role can also be taken on by knowled-geable and appropriately qualified third parties on a permanent basis and according to the directions of the biosphere reserve administration.

Re. (15) In biosphere reserves, protection, maintenance and deve-lopment projects are developed and implemented in co-operation with the people who live and work in the area. The population should therefore share in designing the biosphere reserve as their area for living, working and engaging in recreation. In particular, the citizens’ own initiative and creativity should be promoted through codetermination and consultation. Of particular impor-tance in this regard is co-operation with communities, towns, districts and associations of local government bodies.

The biosphere reserve‘s administration can be supported in carrying out its tasks by an advisory board or board of trustees, in addition to seeking the involvement of suitable individuals, groups and non-governmental organisations. The advisory board or board of trustees, which is composed of decision-makers and stakeholder representatives from the region, as well as – possibly – independent consultants, is charged with advising and suppor-ting the biosphere reserve‘s administration in making important decisions.

Re. (16) Sustainable development must be initiated, supported and promoted by the biosphere reserve administration. It must also ensure that the Land consistently fulfils its own responsibili-ty for implementation of the biosphere reserve’s aims.Practical implementation of the development function, in parti-cular, also depends on the commitment of the private sector and other non-state structures. In order to extend and enhance the state administration’s limited scope to act, the biosphere reserve administration should seek co-operation with suitable partners. As far as possible, such co-operation should be established on a secure long-term footing. For instance, public-private partner-ships can be developed and deployed in exemplary fashion in biosphere reserves.

| 1 �

Planning(17) A co-ordinated framework concept must be prepared and presented within three years after the biosphere reserve has been

designated by uNESCO. The application must contain a commitment to obtain the necessary funding. (A)

(18) On the basis of the framework concept for the biosphere reserve, maintenance and development plans should be prepared – at least for areas within the buffer zone and transition area that require particular protection or care – within five years of the biosphere’s designation. Within the same time-frame, specific plans should be prepared for sustainable tourism, transport and settlement development in the transition area. (B)

(19) The biosphere reserve‘s aims and the framework concept should be integrated, at the earliest possible time, within Land and regional planning and within landscape planning and local development planning (Bauleitplanung). (B)

(20) Aims for the biosphere reserve‘s protection, maintenance and development should be taken into account in updates of other sectoral planning. (B)

“To demonstrate the value of biosphere reserves in integrated regional planning, governments should develop existing bios-

phere reserves as models of balanced and sustainable development. These models should be used to demonstrate the econo-

mic and social benefits of conservation. Where biosphere reserves have not yet been established, governments should set up

such areas, and also consider nominating for biosphere reserve designation successful projects which integrate conservation

(involving a protected area) and rural development, or projects which have such potential.” (UNESCO 1984)

“In addition, UNESCO calls on the governments to emphasise biosphere reserves‘ role in region-oriented planning and deve-

lopment more strongly in future. It recommends preparation of a ‘management plan’ in which the steps required to fulfil all of a

biosphere reserve‘s tasks are explained in detail.” (UNESCO 1984)

Planning, on various scale levels, provides an indispensable basis for implementing the ‘Guidelines for Protection, Maintenance and Development’. Another important task of the Länder and communities and of biosphere reserves‘ administrations – in addition to providing legal protection – is to integrate aims and measures for biosphere reserves within legally binding regional and local planning, some of which is measures-oriented (cf. figure).

Re. (17) A comprehensive framework concept must be prepared for all biosphere reserves; this concept supports specific spati-al implementation of the development model for protection, maintenance and development. Within this framework concept, relevant measures must be differentiated within the individual zones and prioritised in accordance with requirements for action. The framework concept must be prepared by the administration, and then approved by the affected communities, technical de-partments, bodies responsible for public affairs, associations and other social groups, within three years from UNESCO’s designa-

tion of the biosphere reserve. The formulation of regional deve-lopment models is of special methodological significance. These development models take into account regional requirements resulting from ecosystem energetics and land use, and integrate these requirements with the MAB programme‘s requirements. Specific environmental quality targets are to be formulated on the basis of a development model; these must also be reflected in the biosphere reserve‘s zonation. Important indicators in this context are the sensitivity of resources to usage stress and the suitability of ecosystems for use.

Re. (18) Detailed maintenance and development plans are suita-ble planning instruments for implementation of the framework concept. The framework concept should identify those areas of the reserve for which such plans should be prepared. For the transition area in particular, the principles of the framework con-cept should specify the focal areas of sustainable industry, tou-rism, transport and settlement development. These plans must be developed within five years, and must therefore be presented two

| 2 0


Guidelines for protection, maintenance and development

Sectoral planning for protection, maintenance and development of biosphere reserves

Framework concept

- for the biosphere reserve as a whole- defines the development model, aims and standards for the

biosphere reserve as a whole and in its zones

Maintenance and development plans

Primarily for the buffer zone and transition area,- if necessary, also for individual protected areas of the biosphere

reserve- Standard scale 1:5,000 to 1:25,000

Planning contributions for sustainable industry, tourism, transport and settlement development

- Primarily in the transition area

Planning for integration and implementation of aims of biosphere reserves

land and regional planning

Regional planning – for example,- landscape programme for a Land‘s territory- landscape framework plans for parts of a Land – for example,

for regions, as parts of regional plans

landscape planning and local development planning (Bauleitplanung)

Local planning – for example,- landscape plans for communities, as parts of preparatory land-

use plans (Flächennutzungspläne)- Green open space structure plans (Grünordnungspläne) as parts

of binding land-use plans (Bebauungspläne)

(as yet, no binding planning contributions on these aspects exist in the Länder

Figure: Planning in biosphere reserves in Germany (AGBR 2006)

years after the framework concept has been completed.

Re. (19) The contents of the framework concept should be co-ordinated even at the detailed drafting stage with the objectives of Land and regional planning and with other sectoral plans. In the transition area, aims for protection, maintenance and deve-lopment should be implemented primarily through landscape planning and local development planning. Within the planning process, local aims and the guiding vision of sustainable deve-lopment should be communicated and discussed. The biosphere reserve‘s authority must ensure that the reserve‘s aims are integra-ted within regional planning and implemented by local planning.

Re. (20) When third parties are involved, the biosphere reserve‘s

authority must seek to ensure that the biosphere reserve‘s protection, maintenance and development aims are taken into account in updates of other sectoral plans. As the framework concept is co-ordinated with other sectoral planning (for exam-ple, infrastructure planning, forest-function planning) and with Land and regional planning, it must be ensured that such other planning truly incorporates the co-ordinated content.

| 2 1

FuNCtIONAl CRItERIA

During the 12th session of the International Co-ordinating Council for the MAB programme (ICC) in Paris in 1993, towards implementation of the outcomes of the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED), five priority topics for further development of the MAB programme were approved, which are to be treated primarily in biosphere reserves:- Protection of biodiversity and of the efficiency and productivity

of ecosystem energetics,,- Development and implementation of strategies for sustainable

use,- Promotion of information dissemination and environmental

education- Establishment of educational structures,- Establishment of a global environmental monitoring system

(cf. UNESCO 1993).

The Statutory Framework defines biosphere reserves as sites of excellence for sustainable development, in which – in co-ope-ration with the people who live and work in them – exemplary concepts for protection, maintenance and development of these areas are developed and implemented. In order to implement sustainable development, the tasks of biosphere reserves in Ger-many include the following:

- Conservation and sustainable development of habitats and biotic communities,

- Initiation and support of sustainable regional development

- Research and Integrated Monitoring, and - Education for sustainable development and public relations

work.

An ongoing scientific and societal debate is called for with regard to the definition of sustainable development at regional level and the stipulation of suitable indicators for measuring changes so as to permit evaluation of the progress made, at any given time, in relation to the criteria presented here. Biosphere reserves are model landscapes intended not only for testing but also for implementation of the prerequisites and necessary concepts for sustainable development. Selection of functional criteria for re-viewing the tasks accomplished by biosphere reserves is based on national and international requirements and on experience with existing biosphere reserves in Germany.

Functional criteria document the extent to which a biosphere reserve is fulfilling its comprehensive tasks, and whether it is specifically contributing to tasks of biosphere reserves in Germa-ny and throughout the world – as a useful addition, emphasis or intensification. A Land submitting an application must give proof that relevant measures have been initiated and implemented. This applies especially to measures in support of sustainable develop-ment.

Sustainable management(21) Sustainable use and development of the biosphere reserve, and of the surrounding region, should be promoted, in all economic

sectors and spheres of life, in keeping with regional and inter-regional possibilities and resources. Relevant administrative, plan-ning and financial measures should be identified and listed. (B)

(22) Within the primary economic sector (agriculture, forestry, fisheries, mining), environmentally sustainable forms of land use must be developed. In particular, land use has to take the biosphere reserve‘s zonation into account. (B)

(23) In the secondary economic sector (crafts, industry), energy consumption, use of raw materials and waste management in particular must be aligned with the guiding vision of sustainable development. (B)

| 2 2


(24) The tertiary economic sector (services inter alia in retail, transport and tourism) should conform to the guiding vision of sustainable development. Biosphere reserves must demonstrate particular commitment to this standard in view of their major significance as tourist destinations. (B)

(25) The public sector is called upon to set an example by acting in accordance with the principles of sustainable development. (B)

“Biosphere reserves function as catalysts for development of suitable mechanisms for using technical capacities of government

authorities, and of scientific institutions, to develop a perspective for ecosystem use and for handling management problems

of specific regions. Biosphere reserves are also test areas for development, evaluation and practical demonstration of measures

aimed at sustainable development.” (UNESCO 1984)

As a result of the spatial differentiation of demographic change in society, in the medium and long term, changes in the reserves are amplified and/or steered in different directions. By designing sustainable forms of use, it is possible to safeguard the long-term basis for life, work and recreation in the biosphere reserve, even under shifting socio-economic parameters, and create options for future development.

Characteristics of sustainable development include, for example:

- Conservation or restoration of the efficiency and productivity of ecosystem energetics as a prerequisite for sustainable and environmentally compatible use,

- Conservation of the unique character, diversity and beauty of the landscape,

- Conservation of unfragmented landscape areas,- Reduction of environmental pollution and of impairments of

ecosystem energetics,- Economic productivity with due regard for environmentally and

socially compatible standards,- Maximum closure of (company) substance cycles, and linkage

of such cycles to natural cycles,- Reduction of energy consumption (fossil fuels) and use of raw

materials,- Use of regenerating raw materials and renewable sources of

energy,- Reduction of land consumption for construction (settlements

and infrastructure),- Efficiency in passenger and freight transportation,

- Management of the consequences of demographic change.

The sustainable development of a biosphere reserve operates in constant interaction with social and cultural factors and deve-lopments which, together with the unique character, diversity and beauty of a landscape and the definitive influences of its human uses, characterise the identity of a region. All initiatives and activities for sustainable development in a biosphere reserve must therefore take account of social changes and tensions (e.g. migration of young people from the region, an ageing populati-on, integration of marginal groups and newcomers) and cultural potential (e.g. local building culture, language, music, customs and traditions), and consciously incorporate them wherever reasonably possible.

Re. (21) In biosphere reserves, new approaches should be tested and established for integrating protection of ecosystem energetics with development of the landscape as an area for living, wor-king and recreation. Unsustainable developments in a biosphere reserve should be identified at an early stage, and counteracting strategies developed. The tasks of a biosphere reserve include unlocking regional development potential and initiating sustaina-ble projects for the future. To this end, all the instruments made available by the EU, the Federal Government and the Länder to promote economic development should be reviewed for their specific applicability in the region and deployed strategically.

Re. (22) In the primary economic sector, it is particularly impor-tant to develop sustainable land-use practices. For sustainable uses by the farming, forestry and fishery industries, independent

| 2 3

certification (e.g. FSC, Bioland, etc.) should be sought. Innovative approaches are needed to conserve old varieties and breeds of crops and livestock (cf. criterion 28).

As to silviculture, the principles of near-natural forest manage-ment should be applied, and adapted appropriately for various cultural landscapes. Wildlife management and hunting must be aligned to the aims of near-natural forest management. Coastal and inland fisheries must equally be aligned to the aims of the biosphere reserve and its zonation. The foremost objective must be the extensive and exemplary implementation of statutory re-gulations on the protection of natural resources, including genetic resources, from harmful impacts originating from land manage-ment. Questions remain concerning the sustainable management of mineral raw materials, due to the lack of model approaches for solving the problems, at either regional or supraregional level. Bi-osphere reserves containing sizeable raw materials extraction sites bear a particular responsibility for seeking new ways forward.Biosphere reserves should press for sustainable and innovative solutions for the initiation of regional economic cycles.

Re. (23) Sustainable uses should be promoted by means of future-oriented, innovative approaches and measures. Environ-mental impact assessment and technology-impact assessment

instruments should be applied in exemplary fashion. Energy consumption and use of raw materials should be reduced, and the introduction of accredited environmental management systems (e.g. EMAS and ISO 14001) in companies should be promoted, adapted as necessary to sector-specific requirements. Typical re-gional crafts and industries should be strengthened by initiating regional economic cycles.

Re. (24) Environmentally sound products in the services sector should be supported by means of suitable measures (for example, regional seal of quality, legally protected trademark). The deve-lopment of appropriate market distribution structures should be promoted.Tourism is a highly significant economic factor in biosphere re-serves. The conservation of tourism assets (nature, landscape and culture) requires a suitable strategic plan for tourism, a visitor management system and the development of sustainable tourism products.

Re. (25) In biosphere reserves, public sector planning, investment and construction projects require especially careful weighing of benefits, and special efforts to develop innovative solutions. Local Agenda 21 processes can be a possible instrument for developing such solutions.

Ecosystem energetics and landscape management

(26) The aims, concepts and measures for protection, maintenance and development of landscapes and habitats, and for regeneration of impaired areas, must be described and implemented. (B)

(27) Animal and plant communities and the sites where they occur must be documented, paying special attention to species and biotopes listed in Red Data Books. Special care must be taken of species and biotic communities that are typical of relevant ecological regions. (B)

(28) When interventions are made in ecosystem energetics and in a landscape‘s appearance, and when mitigation and environmental compensation measures are carried out, regional development models and environmental quality targets and standards must be properly taken into account. (B)

The aims for protection, maintenance and development of bios-phere reserves in Germany are in keeping with the legal mandate presented by the definition, in Articles 1 and 2 of the Federal Na-

ture Conservation Act, of the aims and principles of nature con-servation and of landscape management. The basis for protecting ecosystem energetics within a cultural landscape is sustainable

| 2 �


use or landscape management. In this context, biosphere reserves in Germany should serve the following purposes:

- Conservation of natural and near-natural habitats that have been subjected to little human influence, and their natural dynamics,

- Conservation of extensively-used habitats and highly varied cultural landscapes, including the land uses that produced them,

- Protection and enhancement of the efficiency and productivity of ecosystem energetics (especially climate change mitigation, protection of species and biotopes, protection of groundwater, surface waters and drinking water; and soil protection).

Re. (26) The biosphere reserve‘s environmental situation should be catalogued, by area, and described at the time of the applica-tion. Its habitats should be described and evaluated on the basis of their ecological functions within landscapes. Resources-related and ecosystem-related environmental quality targets should be defined in the framework concept. These should guide the direc-tion of continuing development in the biosphere reserve.

Urgently required measures should be carried out in anticipation of the framework concept. Landscape-management responsibi-lities include both conservation and maintenance of all species diversity and allowance of natural development. Measures for landscape management and design must be described and justi-fied in the application. In addition, proof should be provided that implementation and financing of the measures are assured.

The environmental quality targets defined within the frame-work concept for the areas of climate, soil, water (surface waters, groundwater and drinking water) land use, waste avoidance and recycling must be reviewed to permit conservation and enhan-cement of the efficiency and productivity of ecosystem energe-tics. The purpose of Integrated Monitoring and other forms of

monitoring is to review the success of the initiated measures for protection, maintenance and development. If necessary, the defined aims should be corrected.

Re. (27) In biosphere reserves, the diversity of communities of plants and animals should be conserved, and biological diversity should be safeguarded. In particular, protection must apply to autochthonic, endemic and endangered animal and plant species that are typical of the natural area in question, as well as species for which Germany bears significant responsibility for long-term conservation. Suitable measures must be specified, such as the implementation of species-assistance, species-protection and biotope-protection programmes as well as conservation manage-ment agreements. Proof must be provided that financing and implementation of such measures is assured.

Local differences between landscapes, in combination with land use adapted to such differences, make the central European cultural landscape extremely diverse. Numerous animal and plant species within the cultural landscape, which are often endange-red, depend on particular forms of use. To this end, appropriate forms of land use must be developed and applied.

Re. (28) Interventions in ecosystem energetics and in landscape appearance must be closely tied to the biosphere reserve‘s aims and tasks and those of its zones. In particular, the following must be reviewed: the extent to which all demands on nature and the landscape have been weighed in light of nature conservation and landscape management requirements, and the extent to which in-terventions can be reduced and compensated for. Since biosphere reserves are model regions for the establishment of sustainable uses, exemplary use should be made of the instruments of impact mitigation regulation (Eingriffsregelung), including site pools under mitigation banking schemes (Ökokonten).

| 2 �

Biodiversity (29) Important sites for floral and faunal genetic resources must be named and described; suitable measures must be designed

and implemented for conserving these resources at the places where they are found. (A)

“Biosphere reserves contain significant, ecologically typical cross-sections of flora and fauna; therefore, they are important

reservoirs of genetic resources. Such resources are increasingly being used in the development of new medications, industrial

chemicals, construction materials, food sources, tools for combating pests, and other products that help enhance human well-

being.” (UNESCO 1984)

“Global conservation of biodiversity is a central purpose of biosphere reserves. The specific biological diversity of individual

biosphere reserves must be protected as they are developed. o assure in-situ conservation of important species, their populati-

ons and key ecosystems, governments should be urged to act quickly to take specific measures with regard to certain species,

populations and ecosystems that are particularly important or that are highly endangered.” (UNESCO 1984)

“In particular, a basis must be created for

- Protection of autochthonic and endemic animal and plant species and of representative populations of such species,

- Protection of related wild species of crops and farm animals,

- Protection of old species and varieties of crops and endangered domesticated animal species.” (UNESCO 1984)

Re. (29) In the Convention on Biological Diversity, biodiversity is defined as the variability among living organisms from all sources. This encompasses diversity within and between species and the diversity of ecosystems. The conservation of biodiversity is one of the great global challenges of the present day. The basis in inter-national law for international co-operation to protect biodiversity was created with the approval of the ‘Convention on Biodiver-sity’ at the 1992 United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED) in Rio de Janeiro. Internationally, biosphere reserves contribute to the implementation of this Con-vention. Decision VII/28 of the 7th Conference of the Parties to the CBD (COP7), held in Kuala Lumpur in 2004, proposes to significantly reduce the current rate of biodiversity loss by the year 2010 with the help of a global network of protected areas. Biosphere reserves are part of this network of protected areas and are thus obligated to make an appropriate contribution towards achieving the 2010 target.

Plant and animal genetic resources play a major role in the great diversity of the central European cultural landscape. In additi-on to endemic species and those which are known to be highly endangered nationwide, in biosphere reserve special attention should be devoted to species for which Germany bears a parti-cular global responsibility. Certain ecosystems, such as Alpine pastures, montane grassland, steppe and nutrient-poor grassland, damp grassland or heath landscapes, can often be conserved only with the help of adapted domesticated animal species. In addition, sustainable agriculture and silviculture depends on local genetic resources (cf. criterion 22). Biosphere reserves can serve as gene pools for supporting recovery of native species in areas in which they are endangered or already extinct. Such gene pools include old crop varieties as well as old livestock breeds. Bios-phere reserves thus contribute to the diversity of typical natural ecosystems and of ecosystem energetics.

| 2 �


Research(30) Applied, implementation-oriented research must be carried out within the biosphere reserve. This does not preclude basic research.

The emphases of the research must be documented within the application for designation and in the framework concept. Research of relevance to the biosphere reserve should be co-ordinated, harmonised and documented by the biosphere reserve‘s administration in collaboration with the researchers. The application must contain a commitment to provide the necessary funding or proof of how the research will be financed. (B)

“The task of research in biosphere reserves is to develop and test new approaches for partnerlike co-existence of man and

nature, and to implement these approaches in an exemplary manner. Therefore, interdisciplinary research involving scientists

in both the natural sciences and humanities disciplines should be carried out in biosphere reserves in order to develop models

for sustainable land use. UNESCO recommends that five-year research programme plans be prepared that describe the planned

research activities within the relevant biosphere reserve. Such activities should include strategies for conservation of endan-

gered animal and plant species, and for protection, maintenance and development of their habitats. Important tasks in this

connection include

• Inventories and documentation of the biosphere reserve‘s natural resources and of its current and historical use, as a basis for

research and environmental monitoring,

• Study of the impact of historical and modern forms of land use, and of environmental pollution, on the structure and function

of ecosystems and of ecosystem energetics,

• Development of sustainable productions and clean-up procedures for impaired areas,

• Identification of requirements for the conservation of biodiversity.” (UNESCO 1984)

Re. (30) Biosphere reserves should support the implementati-on of international conventions and resolutions such as those of the 1992 United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED) in Rio de Janeiro (UNESCO 1993). A high priority must be given to the biosphere reserves‘ research functions.

Important focal points of research are the development of sustai-nable management strategies, economic themes, linkages between ecological and economic issues, and education for sustainable development.

In Germany‘s biosphere reserves, research must answer the que-stion of how to design sustainable and economically viable use. Interactions between ecosystem energetics, land use and cultural and economic parameters are thus a central focus of study. They are reflected in research content and methods. As a result, the following area-specific questions arise with regard to protection, maintenance and development for each individual biosphere reserve:- Where are ecosystems that play a significant role in protecting

ecosystem energetics and genetic resources particularly endan-

gered by changes in use? - What economic parameters in the region are causing such

changes in use, and how can they be counteracted?- How can the objectives of environmentally sustainable land use

be achieved and assured in representative habitats?- What regional economic parameters are necessary to optimise

use with a view to protecting ecosystem energetics and genetic resources, and how can these parameters be created?

- How can influence be exerted over the given economic parameters with a view to optimising the development models?

As a consequence, the application for designation, and the frame-work concept, should contain proof that man-environment rela-tionships play a key role in of research. A description should be provided of what application-oriented ecological, economic and sociocultural topics are to be studied. The core areas, as reference areas for natural processes, are a special research field. Likewise, former raw materials extraction sites and areas used for military purposes have, due to their origins and past occupation, only become accessible to conservation researchers in the last few years and thus offer the prospect of many new insights. The research approaches must be specified within the framework concept (cf.

| 2 �

criterion 17). The application must contain a commitment to provide the necessary funding.A standardised database for data collection and evaluation is required, if the findings obtained through such study are to be useful across different disciplines, projects and reserves. Research projects, development projects and Integrated Monitoring must be carried out on the basis of the ecosystem-type key at 1:10,000 scale (AG CIR 1995) or comparable systems. The different tech-nical administrations should endeavour to use complementary systems and methods.

In additional to ecological data, demographic, economic-structure and socio-cultural data should be collected, to provide a planning basis for biosphere reserves and inter-regional comparisons. Such surveys should be updated and analysed at appropriate intervals. Thus, biosphere reserves are also model regions for interdiscipli-nary research projects.

The research projects in individual biosphere reserves, and of German biosphere reserves collectively, should be combined, and co-ordinated with regard to their focus areas, time frames and content. To this end, biosphere reserves should compile and update a framework research plan. Research projects in the

biosphere reserve should, where possible, be co-ordinated by the reserve‘s administration. Since one of the administration‘s important tasks is to collect and evaluate information about the biosphere reserve, the administration is obligated to document and archive research findings, including those from third parties.

Biosphere reserves, as part of the international MAB network, serve to support the international exchange of information and methods, training and exchanges of scientists and dissemination of the MAB programme‘s aims. Co-operation with, and support of, guest scientists, doctoral candidates and practical trainees, the-refore, is an important task of biosphere reserves. The biosphere reserve‘s access to the most recent research developments should be ensured by means of co-operation contracts with universities, Fachhochschulen and other research institutions.

Monitoring(31) The necessary staffing, technical equipment and financial resources to carry out monitoring in the biosphere reserve must

be in place. (A)

(32) Integrated monitoring in the biosphere reserve must be co-ordinated with the overall approach to environmental monitoring in Germany‘s biosphere reserves, as well as the environmental monitoring programmes and concepts of the EU, of the Federal Go-vernment and of the Länder, and the existing routine monitoring programmes of the Federal Government and of the Länder. (B)

(33) Data relative to the establishment and operation of national and international monitoring systems, and whose generation is required by the MAB programme, must be made available by the biosphere reserve‘s administration, free of charge, to institu-tions named for this purpose by the Federal Government and the Länder. (B)

“Data collected within biosphere reserves, within the framework of such long-term programmes, are particularly useful for the

preparation of models for predicting environmental changes and trends and their potential impact on human society.”

(UNESCO 1984)

| 2 �


Re. (31) A prerequisite for designation of a biosphere reserve is that the Land government has given a commitment to provide the necessary personnel, finances and technical equipment to faci-litate the long-term comprehensive monitoring programme. This means that the Land authorities carrying out monitoring should evaluate and make available the data collected in the biosphere reserve. Areas must be selected for monitoring with a view to permitting the findings from biosphere reserve monitoring to be applied to other areas of Germany with comparable natural conditions and similar uses.

The biosphere reserve‘s administration must be equipped with the necessary hardware and software. Such equipment must include a Geographic Information System, an indispensable tool. The application must contain a commitment to provide the necessary funding.

Re. (32) The Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety (BMU), in co-operation with its technical agencies, the Federal Environmental Agency (UBA) and the Federal Agency for Nature Conservation (BfN), has submitted proposals for a German environmental monitoring programme. The proposals are aimed at improving co-ordination of existing Federal Government monitoring programmes. Inte-grated Monitoring is governed by the ‘Guidelines for Protection,

Maintenance and Development of the Biosphere Reserves in Germany’. (AGBR 1995) A comprehensive programme of envi-ronmental monitoring also includes the monitoring of individual and societal behaviour (social monitoring), for which suitable methods must be developed and introduced.

Biosphere reserves will contribute significantly to environmental monitoring through harmonisation of databases, and through the development of the GIS. Harmonised environmental monitoring also requires co-ordinated concepts for data sharing and databa-ses. The basis for selection of ecosystem types for monitoring is the ecosystem-type key of the AG CIR (1995).

Re. (33) Validated data from the biosphere reserves should be provided to national and international programmes such as the Federal Government‘s environmental monitoring concept, LANIS (Landscape Information System), GENRES (Central Documentation and Information System for Genetic Resources of the Federation), CORINE (Co-ordination of Information on the European Environment) or GRID (Global Resource In-formation Database). The biosphere reserves must take account of the provisions in force regarding copyright as well as Länder ordinances on administrative expenses.

Education for sustainable development(34) As a central administrative task, topics and structures for education for sustainable development must be set out within the

framework concept, taking account of the biosphere reserve‘s specific features. A permanent programme of measures derived from this plan must be implemented in the biosphere reserve. (B)

(35) Each biosphere reserve must have at least one information centre with a full-time staff present throughout the year. The information centre should be supplemented by non-central information offices. (B)

(36) Close co-operation must be sought with existing educational organisations. (B)

One of the key questions of the MAB Programme is how we can reconcile the conservation and the sustainable use of biodiversity and biological resources. In the process, it should stimulate a broad public awareness of the possibilities for using natural resour-ces, and the limits to such use, and translate this into appropriate, environmentally responsible and, in the wider sense, sustainable behaviour. The aim is to overcome the discrepancy between theoretical knowledge and practical action. The aim is to awaken each person‘s sense of individual responsibility for the concerns of nature and the environment, including the culturally defined and shaped environment, and to bring about permanent changes in actions with regard to the environment and nature. Such steps toward better

| 2 �

social backing for environmentally sound, far-sighted and thus sustainable actions will be possible only if pedagogical approaches can more effectively enable people to connect with their immediate environment on an emotional and cognitive level.

Re. (34) Education for sustainable development should impart a sense of human responsibility for current and future generations – responsibility arising through use of and stress on ecosystems – as well as a sense of human dependency on natural systems‘ efficiency and productivity. The topics and tools of education should be designed in keeping with the target groups in each case. The aims of education for sustainable development in biosphere reserves are:

- Imparting action competence,- Improving environmental and sustainability-related know-how

and developing well-founded knowledge on the interactions between ecological, economic and socio-cultural processes,

- Providing an opportunity for direct encounter with the naturally and anthropogenically shaped environment, and for recognising and evaluating factors that influence it,

- Providing an opportunity for study of, and reflection about, the current environmental situation and its history, and the rela-tionships between human beings, their social institutions and their naturally and anthropogenically shaped environment,

- Developing and teaching alternatives to behaviour and attitudes that have been recognised as unsustainable.

A biosphere reserve‘s success depends quite strongly on the extent to which the local population identifies with its strategic vision and can be motivated to contribute to shape it. For this reason, even before a landscape is designated as a biosphere reser-ve, the local population should participate, by means of suitable measures, in the relevant planning.

Re. (35) Information centres of biosphere reserves should reflect the latest pedagogic and didactic findings. For example, an infor-mation centre should be supplemented, in heavily visited areas, with non-central facilities (for example, info-points, instructional walks) that deal with particular topics. General information about the biosphere reserve, and on sustainable development and opportunities for participation, can also be provided. Relevant in-formation material should be available at such points. Education for sustainable development in a biosphere reserve‘s information centre should comprise at least the following five topic areas:

- The aims and tasks of biosphere reserves (World Network of Biosphere Reserves, MAB programme),

- A presentation of the biosphere reserve (features of the natural environment, cultural and landscape history, inhabitants, uses, use conflicts, special aspects and tasks of the national and inter-national network),

- Potential for using resources, and limits to stress on resources (impact of land use and of urban-industrial environmental pollution on the local, regional, national and global scales),

- Possible solutions (the guiding vision of sustainable develop-ment, promoting environmental awareness, and fostering an understanding of the relationships between sustainable deve-lopment and behaviour in keeping with that aim) and

- Examples of sustainable economic practices and lifestyles.

Re. (36) Close co-operation should be sought with schools, adult education centres, institutes of higher education, nature conser-vation academies, political education centres, museums, professi-onal organisations and associations, both within and outside the biosphere reserve‘s boundaries. A desirable aim is the establish-ment of a regional network of museums and exhibitions in which open-air museums and native-region museums (Heimatmuseen) share tasks of presenting cultural and landscape history, holding exhibitions and providing information about the biosphere reserve. The local population should be encouraged to identify with ‘its’ biosphere reserve. Guided tours to and around exem-plary agricultural and silvicultural operations, and to exemplary retail and industrial facilities, should be included in the education programme.

| 3 0

Public relations and communications(37) Germany’s biosphere reserves are collectively presented under the umbrella brand ‘Nationale Naturlandschaften’ (National

Natural landscapes). (A)(38) The biosphere reserve must engage in public relations, carried out on the basis of a defined strategy. As part of public relations for

a biosphere reserve, partners from all sectors of society should be encouraged to support the implementation of the MAB pro-gramme. (B)

(39) Regional networks should be established to promote communications and to facilitate the reconciliation of interests. The services of consultants or facilitators can be used to support this process. (B)

“A key factor in a biosphere reserve‘s success is the degree to which it is accepted by the local population. Conflicts can re-

sult from opposing requirements of short-term economic aims and of conservation, and from diverging local evaluations of

different forms of land use. In addition, local, national and international interests can differ. Careful advising and planning are

required, as well as ongoing dialogue – and such dialogue must be carried out with great sensitivity, understanding and imagi-

nation.” (UNESCO 1984)

Society is composed of different groups, and these groups‘ interests in biosphere reserves are based on different, sometimes conflicting, motives and expectations. Definition of target groups is an indispensable part of developing public relations concepts for biosphere reserves. A range of different, complementary forms of public relations, involving different approaches and methods for different target groups, should be employed in Germany‘s biosphere reserves.

Re. (37) Each biosphere reserve should have an easily recognised and remembered signet or logo under the ‘Nationale Naturland-schaften’ (National Natural Landscapes) umbrella brand of the German large-scale reserves (biosphere reserves, national parks and country parks). This signet or logo should be used on all publications, flyers and information materials (‘corporate identi-ty/design’).

Re. (38) To ensure public acceptance of a biosphere reserve, it is necessary to keep local people regularly and comprehensively informed and to involve them in planning and decision-making (cf. criterion 39).

Re. (39) Among other functions, the building of networks promotes regional communication. Biosphere reserve admini-strations should initiate and support regional network structures. At informational events (citizens‘ forums, meetings with experts etc.), the biosphere reserve‘s aims and tasks should be discussed, and possible solutions should be developed and specified. Inten-

sive co-operation should be sought with the media, especially with the local press. Co-operation with stakeholders, especially associations, user groups, citizens‘ initiatives, decision-makers and opinion-formers is especially significant.

Research findings, projects and measures for sustainable deve-lopment, as well as other topics, should be published and made available to a wider audience in a generally comprehensible form.

To facilitate the reconciliation of interests, the biosphere reserve‘s administration can appoint mediators to arbitrate between the conflicting parties, place the discussion on a more objective footing, provide innovative impetus and thus help to resolve con-flicts over aims. The consensus reached must be robust enough to permit implementation of negotiation results in the form of practical action so that implementation yields tangible outcomes.


| 3 1

Integration in the World Network(40) In accordance with the Seville Strategy and the Statutory Framework, biosphere reserves have to make their contribution to the

World Network. The technical and budgetary resources must be provided to enable the biosphere reserve administration to undertake the necessary activities. (B)

Re. (40) Due to anthropogenically induced changes to global ecosystem energetics, the loss of functional capacity and biotic richness in many ecosystems, and current demographic trends including the increasing depletion of important natural resources, a growing significance attaches to the global and the national network of biosphere reserves as a means of answering crucial

questions regarding the future security of human society.

International co-operation should explicitly seek the involvement of actors in the region.

| 3 2

5. References

AGBR [Ständige Arbeitsgruppe der Biosphärenreservate in Deutschland] (Hrsg.), 1995: Biosphärenreservate in Deutsch-land. Leitlinien für Schutz, Pflege und Entwicklung. – Berlin, Heidelberg u. a.

AGBR (Hrsg.), 2006 Planungen in Biosphärenreservaten in Deutschland

AG CIR (Arbeitsgemeinschaft Naturschutz der Landesämter, Landesanstalten und Landesumweltämter, Arbeitskreis CIR-Bildflug), 1995: Systematik der Biotoptypen- und Nut-zungskartierung (Kartieranleitung). Standard-Biotoptypen und Nutzungstypen für die CIR-luftbildgestützte Biotoptypen- und Nutzungstypenkartierung für die Bundesrepublik Deutschland. – Schriftenreihe für Landschaftspflege und Naturschutz 45

UNESCO (Ed.), 1972: International Co-ordinating Council of the Programme on Man and the Biosphere (MAB). First Session. – MAB Report Series 15

UNESCO (Ed.), 1974: Task Force on: Criteria and Guidelines for the Choice and Establishment of Biosphere Reserves. Final Report. – MAB Report Series 22

UNESCO (Ed.), 1984: Action plan for biosphere reserves. In: Nature Resources 20/4, S. 11-22

UNESCO (Ed.) 1993: International Co-ordinating Council of the Programme on Man and the Biosphere (MAB). Twelfth Session. – MAB Report Series 63

UNESCO (Ed.) 1995: Seville-Strategy. - Paris

UNESCO (Ed.) 1996: Statutory Framework of the World Network of Biosphere Reserves

| 3 3

AGBR: Ständige Arbeitsgruppe der Biosphärenreservate in Deutschland Standing Working Group of Biosphere Reserves in Germany

AG CIR: Arbeitsgemeinschaft Naturschutz der Landesämter, Landesanstalten und Landesumweltämter, Arbeitskreis CIR-Bildflug Working party carrying out a colour-infrared aerial survey; part of a Nature conservation working group of Land agencies, institutes and environmental authorities;

BMU: Bundesministerium für Umwelt, Naturschutz und Reaktorsicherheit Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety

BNatSchG: Bundesnaturschutzgesetz Federal Nature Conservation Act

CIR: Color-Infrarot

CORINE: Cooriented Information on the European Environment

GENRES: Zentrales Dokumentations- und Informationssystem für Genetische Ressourcen des Bundes Central Documentation and Information System of Genetic Resources of the Federation

GIS: Geographisches Informationssystem Geographical Information System

GRID: Global Resource Information Database

ICC: International Co-ordinating Council

LANA: Länderarbeitsgemeinschaft für Naturschutz, Landschaftspflege und Erholung Working Group on Nature Conservation, Landscape Management and Recreation

LANIS: Landschaftsinformationssystem Landscape Information System

MAB: Man and Biosphere („Der Mensch und die Biosphäre“)

UBA: Umweltbundesamt Federal Environmental Agency

UNCED: Konferenz für Umwelt und Entwicklung der Vereinten Nationen UN Conference on Environmental Programme

UNESCO: United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization

6. Annex

6.1 Abbreviations and acronyms

| 3 �

Biosphere Reserves are areas of terrestrial and coastal/marine ecosystems, or a combination thereof, which are internationally reco-gnized within the framework of UNESCO‘s Programme on Man and the Biosphere (MAB) They are established to promote and demonstrate a balanced relationship between humans and the biosphere. Biosphere Reserves are designated by the International Coordinating Council of the MAB Programme at the request of the State concerned. Individual Biosphere Reserves remain under the sovereign jurisdiction of the State where they are situated. Collectively, all biosphere reserves form a World Network in which participation by States is voluntary.

The World Network is governed by the Statutory Framework adopted by the UNESCO General Conference in 1995 which presents the definition, objectives, criteria and the designation procedure for biosphere reserves. The actions recommended for the develop-ment of biosphere reserves are set out in the „Seville Strategy“ . These documents should be used as basic references for the completi-on of this nomination form.

The information presented on this nomination form will be used in a number of ways by uNESCO:(a) for examination of the site by the Advisory Committee on Biosphere Reserves and by the Bureau of the MAB

International Coordinating Council;(b) for use in a world-wide accessible information system, notably the UNESCO-MABnet, facilitating communications and

interaction amongst persons interested in biosphere reserves throughout the world. The nomination form consists of three parts: Part one is a summary indicating how the nominated area responds to the functions and criteria for biosphere reserves set out in the Statutory Framework, and presents the signatures of endorsements for the nomination from the authorities concerned. Part two is more descriptive and detailed, referring to the human, physical and biological characteristics as well as to the institutional aspects. An annex to be used for updating the Directory of Biosphere Reserves on the MABnet, once the site has been approved as a biosphere reserve.

The form should be completed in English, French or Spanish. two copies should be sent to the Secretariat, as follows: 1. The original hard copy, with the original signatures, letters of endorsement, zonation map and supporting documents. This

should be sent to the Secretariat through the Official UNESCO channels, i.e. via the National Commission for UNESCO and/or the Permanent Delegation to UNESCO.

2. An electronic version (on diskette, CD etc.) of the nomination forms and if possible of maps (especially the zonation map). This can be sent directly to the MAB Secretariat:

6.2 Biosphere Reserve Nomination Form February 2004 – http://www.unesco.org/mab/offDoc.shtml

Introduction

UNESCODivision of Ecological and Earth Sciences1, rue MiollisF-75352 Paris Cedex 15, FranceTel: ++33 1 45 68 41 51Fax: ++33 1 45 68 58 04Email: [email protected]

| 3 �

1. PROPOSED NAME OF tHE BIOSPHERE RESERVE: [It is advisable to use a locally accepted geographic, descriptive or symbolic name which allows people to identify themselves with the site

concerned (e.g. Rio Platano Biosphere Reserve, Bookmark Biosphere Reserve). Except in unusual circumstances, Biosphere Reserves should

not be named after existing national parks or similar administrative areas]

2. COuNtRY:

3. FulFIllMENt OF tHE tHREE FuNCtIONS OF BIOSPHERE RESERVES [Article 3 of the Statutory Framework presents the three functions of conservation, development and logistic support.

Explain in general terms how the area fulfills these functions.]

3.1 „Conservation - contribute to the conservation of landscapes, ecosystems, species and genetic variation“ [Stress the importance of the site for conservation at the regional or global scales]

3.2 „Development - foster economic and human development which is socio-culturally and ecologically sustainable“. [Indicate the potential of the proposed biosphere reserve in fulfilling this objective.]

3.3 „Logistic support - support for demonstration projects, environmental education and training, research and monitoring related to local, regional, national and global issues of conservation and sustainable development“. [Indicate current or planned facilities].

4. CRItERIA FOR DESIGNAtION AS A BIOSPHERE RESERVE [Article 4 of the Statutory Framework presents 7 general criteria for an area to be qualified for designation as a biosphere

reserve which are given in order below.]

4.1 „Encompass a mosaic of ecological systems representative of major biogeographic regions, including a gradation of human intervention“ [The term „mosaic“ refers to a diversity of natural habitats and land cover types derived from human uses such as fields,

managed forests, etc. The term „major biogeographic region“ is not strictly defined but it would be useful to refer to the map

of the „World Network of Biosphere Reserves“ which presents 12 major ecosystem types at a global scale].

4.2 „Be of significance for biological diversity conservation“ [This should refer not only to the numbers of endemic species, or rare and endangered species at the local, regional or global levels, but also to

species of globally economic importance, rare habitat types or unique land use practices (for example traditional grazing or artisanal fishing)

favouring the conservation of biological diversity. Give only a general indication here].

4.3 „Provide an opportunity to explore and demonstrate approaches to sustainable development on a regional scale“ [Describe in general terms the potential of the area to serve as a pilot site for promoting the sustainable development of its region (or „eco-region“)]

Part I: Summary

| 3 �

4.4 „Have an appropriate size to serve the three functions of biosphere reserves“ [This refers more particularly to (a) the surface area required to meet the long term conservation objectives of the core are(s) and the buffer

zone(s) and (b) the availability of areas suitable for working with local communities in testing out and demonstrating sustainable uses of natural

resources].

4.5 Through appropriate zonation : „(a) a legally constituted core area or areas devoted to long term protection, according to the conservation objectives of the biosphere reserve, and of sufficient size to meet these objectives“ ? [Describe the core area(s) briefly, indicating their legal status, their size, the main conservation objectives]

„(b) a buffer zone or zones clearly identified and surrounding or contiguous to the core area or areas, where only activities compatible with the conservation objectives can take place...“ [Describe briefly the buffer zones(s), their legal status, their size, and the activities which are ongoing and planned there].

„(c) an outer transition area where sustainable resource management practices are promoted and developed“ [The Seville Strategy gave increased emphasis to the transition area since this is the area where the key issues on environment and development of

a given region are to be addressed. The transition area is by definition not delimited in space, but rather is changing in size according to the

problems that arise over time. Describe briefly the transition area as envisaged at the time of nomination, the types of questions to be addressed

there in the near and the longer terms. The size should be given only as an indication].

4.6 „Organizational arrangements should be provided for the involvement and participation of a suitable range of inter alia public authorities, local communities and private interests in the design and the carrying out of the functions of a biosphere reserve.“ [Are such arrangements in place or foreseen]

4.7 Mechanisms for implementation Does the proposed biosphere reserve have : „(a) mechanisms to manage human use and activities in the buffer zone or zones“ ? (Briefly describe)

„(b) a management plan or policy for the area as a biosphere reserve“ ? (Briefly describe)

„(c) a designated authority or mechanism to implement this policy or plan“ ? (Briefly describe) Yes No Planned

(d) programmes for research, monitoring, education and training“? [Describe briefly research/activities monitoring (ongoing or planned) as well education and training activities].

| 3 �

5. ENDORSEMENtS

5.1 Signed by the authority/authorities in charge of the management of the core area(s):

Full name : Title : Date:


5.2 Signed by the authority/authorities in charge of the management of the buffer zone(s):



5.3 Signed as appropriate by the National (or State or Provincial) administration responsible for the management of the core area(s) and the buffer zone:




| 3 �

5.4 Signed by the authority/authorities, elected local government recognized authority or spokesperson representative of the communities located in the transition area.




5.5 Signed on behalf of the MAB National Committee or focal point:


| 3 �

6. lOCAtION ( lAtItuDE AND lONGItuDE ): [Indicate in degrees - minutes, seconds the coordinates of the central point AND the external limits of the proposed biosphere reserve to be

used for a Geographic Information System (GIS)]

7. AREA (see map):

Total: (ha)

7.1 Size of terrestrial Core Area(s): _______ ha; If appropriate, size of marine Core Area(s); _______ ha.

7.2 Size of terrestrial Buffer Zone(s): _______ ha; If appropriate, size of marine Buffer Zone(s); _______ ha.

7.3 Approx. size of terrestrial Transition Area(s) (if applicable): _______ ha; If appropriate, approx. size of marine Transition Area(s); _______ ha.

7.4 Brief rationale of this zonation (in terms of the various roles of biosphere reserves) as it appears on the zonation map. In the cases where a different type of zonation is also in force at the national level, please indicate how it can coexists with the requirements of the biosphere reserve zonation system:

8. BIOGEOGRAPHICAl REGION: [Indicate the generally accepted name of the biogeographical region in which the proposed Biosphere Reserve is located. You may wish to refer to

the map of the World Network of Biosphere Reserves presenting 12 major ecosystem types.]

9. lAND uSE HIStORY: [If known, give a brief summary of past/historical land use(s) of the main parts of the proposed biosphere reserve]

10. HuMAN POPulAtION OF PROPOSED BIOSPHERE RESERVE: [Approximate number of people living within the proposed biosphere reserve]

permanently / seasonally

10.1 Core Area(s): ________________ / ________________

10.2 Buffer Zone(s): ________________ / ________________

10.3 Transition Area(s): ________________ / ________________

Part II: Description

| � 0

10.4 Brief description of local communities living within or near the proposed Biosphere Reserve: [Indicate ethnic origin and composition, minorities etc., their main economic activities (e.g. pastoralism) and the location of their main areas of

concentration, with reference to a map if necessary]

10.5 Name(s) of nearest major town(s):

10.6 Cultural significance: [Briefly describe the proposed Biosphere Reserve‘s importance in terms of cultural values (religious, historical, political, social, ethnological)]

11. PHYSICAl CHARACtERIStICS

11.1 General description of site characteristics and topography of area: [Briefly describe the major topographic features (wetlands, marshes, mountain ranges, dunes etc.) which most typically characterize the landscape

of the area].

11.2.1 Highest elevation above sea level: _____________ metres

11.2.2 Lowest elevation above sea level: _____________ metres

11.2.3 For coastal/marine areas, maximum depth below mean sea level: _____________ metres

11.3 Climate: [Briefly describe the climate of the area using one of the common climate classifications]

11.3.1 Average temperature of the warmest month: _____________ °C

11.3.2 Average temperature of the coldest month: _____________ °C

11.3.3 Mean annual precipitation: _____________ mm, recorded at an elevation of _____________ metres

11.3.4 If a meteorological station is in or near the proposed Biosphere Reserve, indicate the year since when climatic data have been recorded: a) manually: _____________ b) automatically: _____________ c) Name and location of station: _____________

11.4 Geology, geomorphology, soils: [Briefly describe important formations and conditions, including bedrock geology, sediment deposits, and important soil types]

| � 1

12. BIOlOGICAl CHARACtERIStICS [List main habitat types (e.g. tropical evergreen forest, savanna woodland, alpine tundra, coral reef, kelp beds) and land cover

types (e.g. residential areas, agricultural land, pastoral land). For each type circle REGIONAL if the habitat or land cover

type is widely distributed within the biogeographical region within which the proposed Biosphere Reserve is located to

assess the habitat‘s or land over type‘s representativeness. Circle LOCAL if the habitat is of limited distribution within the

proposed Biosphere Reserve to assess the habitat‘s or land cover type‘s uniqueness. For each habitat or land cover type, list

characteristic species and describe important natural processes (e.g. tides, sedimentation, glacial retreat, natural fire) or hu-

man impacts (e.g. grazing, selective cutting, agricultural practices) affecting the system. As appropriate, refer to the vegetation

or land cover map provided as supporting documentation].

DISTRIBUTION12.1 First type of habitat/land cover: Regional/Local

12.1.1 Characteristic species:

12.1.2 Important natural processes:

12.1.3 Main human impacts: 12.1.4 Relevant management practices:

DISTRIBUTION12.2 Second type of habitat/land cover: Regional/Local



12.2.3 Main human impacts:

12.2.4 Relevant management practices:

DISTRIBUTION12.3 Third type of habitat/land cover: Regional/Local



12.3.3 Main human impacts:


| � 2

DISTRIBUTION12.4 Fourth type of habitat/land cover: Regional/Local


12.4.2 Important natural processes: 12.4.3 Main human impacts:


13. CONSERVAtION FuNCtION

13.1 Contribution to the conservation of landscape and ecosystem biodiversity [Describe and give location of landscapes, ecosystems, habitats and/or land cover types of particular significance for the conservation of biological

diversity].

13.2 Conservation of species biodiversity [Identify main species (with scientific names) or groups of species of particular interest for the conservation of biological diversity, in particular if

they are rare or threatened with extinction; use additional sheets if need be].

13.3 Conservation of genetic biodiversity: [Indicate species or varieties of traditional or economic importance and their uses, e.g. for medicine, food production, etc.]

14. DEVElOPMENt FuNCtION

14.1 Potential for fostering economic and human development which is socio-culturally and ecologically sustainable: [Describe how the area has potential to serve as a pilot site for promoting the sustainable development of its region or „eco-region“. Describe how

the area has potential to serve as a pilot site for promoting the sustainable development of its region or „eco-region].

14.2 If tourism is a major activity: • how many visitors come to the proposed Biosphere Reserve each year? • is there a trend towards increasing numbers of visitors? (Give some figures if possible)

14.2.1 Type(s) of tourism [Study of flora and fauna, recreation, camping, hiking, sailing, horse riding, fishing, hunting, skiing, etc.].

14.2.2 Tourist facilities and description of where these are located and in which zone of the proposed biosphere reserve:

14.2.3 Indicate positive and/or negative impacts of tourism at present or foreseen:

| � 3

14.3 Benefits of economic activities to local people: [Indicate for the activities described above whether the local communities derive any income or benefits directly or indirectly from the site

proposed as a Biosphere Reserve and through what mechanism].

15. lOGIStIC SuPPORt FuNCtION

15.1 Research and monitoring

15.1.1 To what extent has the past and planned research and monitoring programme been designed to address specific management questions in the potential biosphere reserve? [For example, to identify areas needing strict protection as core areas, or to determine causes of and means to halt soil erosion, etc.].

15.1.2 Brief description of past research and/or monitoring activities [Indicate the dates of these activities and extent to which the research and monitoring programmes are of local/national importance and/or of

international importance].

• Abiotic research and monitoring [climatology, hydrology, geomorphology, etc.]: • Biotic research and monitoring [flora, fauna]: • Socio-economic research [demography, economics, traditional knowledge, etc.]: 15.1.3 Brief description of on-going research and/or monitoring activities:

• Abiotic research and monitoring [climatology, hydrology, geomorphology, etc.]: • Biotic research and monitoring [flora, fauna]: • Socio-economic research [demography, economics, traditional knowledge, etc.]:

15.1.4 Brief description of planned research and/or monitoring activities:

• Abiotic research and monitoring [climatology, hydrology, geomorphology, etc.]: • Biotic research and monitoring [flora, fauna]: • Socio-economic research [demography, economics and traditional knowledge]: 15.1.5 Estimated number of national scientists participating in research within the proposed biosphere reserve on:

• a permanent basis: ________________ • an occasional basis: ________________

15.1.6 Estimated number of foreign scientists participating in research within the proposed Biosphere Reserve on: • a permanent basis: ________________ • an occasional basis: ________________

| � �

15.1.7 Estimated number of masters and/or doctoral theses carried out on the proposed biosphere reserve each year:

15.1.8 Research station(s) within the proposed Biosphere Reserve: [...] = permanent [...] = temporary

15.1.9 Permanent research station(s) outside the proposed Biosphere Reserve: [If no permanent research station exists within the proposed Biosphere Reserve, indicate the location, distance to the core area, name and address

of the most relevant research station].

15.1.10 Permanent monitoring plots [Indicate the year established, the objective of monitoring, the type and frequency of observations and measurements, and whether an

internationally recognized protocol is being used, for example the Smithsonian-MAB MAPMON protocol for monitoring forest biodiversity]:

15.1.11 Research facilities of research station(s) [meteorological and/or hydrological station, experimental plots, laboratory, computerized databases, Geographical Information System, library,

vehicles, etc.]:

15.1.12 Other facilities [e.g. facilities for lodging or for overnight accommodation for scientists etc.]:

15.1.13 Does the proposed biosphere reserve have an Internet connection?

15.2 Environmental education and public awareness [Environmental education – sometimes now referred to as education for sustainable development – can be aimed at schoolchildren, the adult

population of the local communities, and visitors from home and abroad].

15.2.1 Describe environmental education and public awareness activities, indicating the target group(s): 15.2.2 Indicate facilities for environmental education and public awareness activities [visitors‘ centre; interpretative programmes for visitors and tourists; nature trails; ecomuseum demonstration projects on sustainable use of

natural resources]:

15.3 Specialist training [Acquisition of professional skills by managers, university students, decision-makers etc.]

[Describe specialist training activities: for example research projects for students; professional training and workshops for scientists; professional

training and workshops for resource managers and planners; extension services to local people; training for staff in protected area management]

15.4 Potential to contribute to the World Network of Biosphere Reserves [Collaboration among biosphere reserves at a national, regional and global level in terms of exchange of scientific information, experience in

conservation and sustainable use, study tours of personnel, joint seminars and workshops, Internet connections and discussion groups, etc. ]

| � �

15.4.1 Collaboration with existing biosphere reserves at the national level (indicate on-going or planned activities):

15.4.2 Collaboration with existing biosphere reserves at the regional or subregional levels, including promoting transfrontier sites and twinning arrangements (indicate on-going or planned activities) [Here, ‘regional’ refers to the regions as Africa, Arab region, Asia and Pacific Latin America and the Caribbean, Europe. Transfrontier biosphere

reserves can be created by two or more contiguous countries to promote cooperation to conserve and sustainably use ecosystems which straddle

the international boundaries. Twinning arrangements usually consist of agreements between sites located at some distance in different countries

to promote activities such as cooperative research projects, cultural exchanges for schoolchildren and adults, etc.].

15.4.3 Collaboration with existing biosphere reserves in thematic networks at the regional or international levels (indicate ongoing and planned activities) [Networks of sites which have a common geographic theme such as islands and archipelagoes, mountains, or grassland systems, or a common

topic of interest such as ecotourism, ethnobiology etc.].

15.4.4 Collaboration with existing biosphere reserves at the international level (indicate ongoing and planned activities: [Notably through Internet connections, twinning arrangements, bilateral collaborative research activities, etc.].

16. uSES AND ACtIVItIES

16.1 Core Area(s):

16.1.1 Describe the uses and activities occurring within the core area(s): [While the core area is intended to be strictly protected, certain activities and uses may be occurring or allowed, consistent with the conservation

objectives of the core area].

16.1.2 Possible adverse effects on the core area(s) of uses or activities occurring within or outside the core area(s): (Indicate trends and give statistics if available)

16.2 Buffer zone(s)

16.2.1 Describe the main land uses and economic activities in the buffer zone(s): [Buffer zones may support a variety of uses which promote the multiple functions of a Biosphere Reserve while helping to

ensure the protection and natural evolution of the core area(s)].

16.2.2 Possible adverse effects on the buffer zone(s) of uses or activities occurring within or outside the buffer zone(s)in the near and longer terms:

16.3 Transition area [The Seville Strategy gave increased emphasis to the transition area since this is the area where the key issues on environment and development

of a given region are to be addressed. The transition area is by definition not delimited in space, but rather is changing in size according to the

problems that arise over time. Describe briefly the transition area as envisaged as the time of nomination, the types of questions to be addressed

there in the near and the longer terms. The size should be given only as an indication].

| � �

16.3.1 Describe the main land uses and major economic activities in the transition area(s):

16.3.2 Possible adverse effects of uses or activities on the transition area(s):

17. INStItutIONAl ASPECtS

17.1 StAtE, PROVINCE, REGION OR OtHER ADMINIStRAtIVE uNItS: [List in hierarchical order administrative division(s) in which the proposed Biosphere Reserve is located (e.g. state(s), counties, districts)]

17.2 uNItS OF tHE PROPOSED BIOSPHERE RESERVE: [Indicate the name of the different land management units (as appropriate, e.g. protected area, territories of municipalities, private lands) making

up the core area(s), the buffer zone(s) and the transition area)].

17.2.1 Are these units contiguous or are they separate? [A biosphere reserve made up of several geographically separate units is called a „cluster biosphere reserve“. Please state if this is the case of the

proposal].

17.3 Protection Regime of the core area(s) and, if appropriate of the buffer zone(s)

17.3.1 Core area(s): [Indicate the type (e.g. under national legislation) and date since when the legal protection came into being and provide

justifying documents (with English or French summary of the main features)].

17.3.2 Buffer zone(s): [Indicate the type (e.g. under national legislation) and date since when the legal protection came into being and provide justifying documents

(with English or French summary of the main features. If the buffer zone does not have legal protection, indicate the regulations that apply for its

management)].

17.4 Land use regulations or agreements applicable to the transition area (if appropriate)

17.5 Land tenure of each zone: [Describe and give the relative percentage of ownership in terms of national, state/provincial, local government, private

ownership, etc. for each zone].

17.5.1 Core area(s):

17.5.2 Buffer zone(s):

17.5.3 Transition area(s):

| � �

17.5.4 Foreseen changes in land tenure: [Is there a land acquisition programme, e.g. to purchase private lands, or plans for privatization of state-owned lands?]

17.6 Management plan or policy and mechanisms for implementation [The Seville Strategy recommends promoting the management of each biosphere reserves essentially as a „pact“ between the local community and

society as a whole. Management should be open, evolving and adaptive. While the aim is to establish a process leading to elaborating a compre-

hensive management plan for the whole site reflecting these ideas and involving all stakeholders, this may not yet exist at the time of nomination.

In this case however, it is necessary to indicate the main features of the management policy which is being applied to guide land use at present for

the area as a whole, and the ‘vision’ for the future].

17.6.1 Indicate how and to what extent the local communities living within and next to the proposed biosphere reserve have been associated with the nomination process [This can range from being an entirely locally driven initiative, to a more ‘top down’ approach led by government authorities or scientific

institutions. Decribe the steps taken and the stakeholders involved].

17.6.2 Main features of management plan or land use policy [Describe the ‘vision’ of what the proposed biosphere reserve is expected to achieve in the short and longer term, and the benefits foreseen for the

local communities and other stakeholders].

17.6.3 The designated authority or coordination mechanisms to implement this plan or policy [Name, structure and composition, its functioning to date].

17.6.4 The means of application of the management plan or policy [For example through contractual agreements with landowners or resources users, traditional users’ rights, financial incentives, etc.].

17.6.5 Indicate how and to what extent the local communities participate in the formulation and the implementation of the management plan or policy (informed/consulted: decision making role etc.)

17.6.6 The year of start of implementation of the management plan or policy

17.7 Financial source(s) and yearly budget: [Biosphere reserves require technical and financial support for their management and for addressing interrelated environmental, land use, and

socio-economic development problems. Indicate the source and the relative percentage of the funding (e.g. from national, regional, local admini-

strations, private funding, international sources etc.) and the estimated yearly budget in the national currency].

| � �

17.8 Authority(ies) in charge

17.8.1 The proposed biosphere reserve as a whole: Name:

If appropriate, name the National (or State or Provincial) administration to which this authority reports:

17.8.2 The core area(s): [Indicate the name of the authority or authorities in charge of administering its legal powers (in original language with English or French

translation].

Name(s): Legal powers:

17.8.3 The buffer zone(s) Name: Legal powers (if appropriate):

18. SPECIAl DESIGNAtIONS: [Special designations recognize the importance of particular sites in carrying out the functions important in a biosphere reserve, such as

conservation, monitoring, experimental research, and environmental education. These designations can help strengthen these functions where

they exist or provide opportunities for developing them. Special designations may apply to an entire proposed biosphere reserve or to a site

included within. They are therefore complementary and reinforcing of the designation as a biosphere reserve. They are therefore complementary

and reinforcing to designation as a biosphere reserve. Check each designation that applies to the proposed biosphere reserve and indicate its name].

Name:

( ) UNESCO World Heritage Site

( ) RAMSAR Wetland Convention Site

( ) Other internationa/regional l conservation conventions/directives [Please specify] ( ) Long term monitoring site [Please specify]

( ) Other [Please specify]

| � �

19. SuPPORtING DOCuMENtS (to be submitted with nomination form) [Clear, well-labelled maps are indispensable for evaluating Biosphere Reserve proposals. The maps to be provided should be

referenced to standard coordinates wherever possible. Electronic versions are encouraged].

( ) General location map A GENERAL LOCATION MAP of small or medium scale must be provided showing the location of the proposed Biosphere Reserve, and all included administrative areas, within the country, and its position with respect to major rivers, mountain ranges, principal towns, etc.

( ) Biosphere Reserve zonation map [large scale, preferably in black & white for photocopy reproduction] [A BIOSPHERE RESERVE ZONATION MAP of a larger scale showing the delimitations of all core area(s) and buffer zone(s) must be

provided. The approximate extent of the transition area(s) should be shown, if possible. While large scale and large format maps in colour are

advisable for reference purposes, it is recommended to also enclose a Biosphere Reserve zonation map in a A-4 writing paper format in black &

white for easy photocopy reproduction. It is recommended that an electonic version of the zonation map be provided ]

( ) Vegetation map or land cover map [A VEGETATION MAP or LAND COVER MAP showing the principal habitats and land cover types of the proposed Biosphere Reserve

should be provided, if available].

( ) List of legal documents (if possible with English or French translation) [List the principal LEGAL DOCUMENTS authorizing the establishment and governing use and management of the proposed Biosphere

Reserve and any administrative area(s) they contain. Please provide a copy of these documents, if possible with English or French translation].

( ) List of land use and management plans [List existing LAND USE and MANAGEMENT PLANS (with dates and reference numbers) for the administrative area(s) included within

the proposed Biosphere Reserve. Provide a copy of these documents].

( ) Species list (to be annexed) [Provide a LIST OF IMPORTANT SPECIES (threatened species as well as economically important species) occurring within the proposed

Biosphere Reserve, including common names, wherever possible].

( ) List of main bibliographic references (to be annexed) [Provide a list of the main publications and articles of relevance to the proposed biosphere reserve over the past 5-10 years].

| � 0

20. ADDRESSES

20.1 Contact address of the proposed biosphere reserve: [Government agency, organization, or other entity (entities) to serve as the main contact on the MABnet to whom all correspondence within the

World Network of Biosphere Reserves should be addressed].

Name: Street or P.O. Box: City with postal code: Country: Telephone: Telefax (or telex): E-mail: Web site:

20.2 Administering entity of the core area:

Name: Street or P.O. Box: City with postal code: Country: Telephone: Telefax (or telex): E-mail: Web site

20.3 Administering entity of the buffer zone:

Name: Street or P.O. Box: City with postal code: Country: Telephone: Telefax (or telex): E-mail: Web site:

| � 1

Administrative detailsCountry: Name of BR: Year designated: (to be completed by MAB Secretariat)Administrative authorities: (17.8)Name Contact: (20.1)Contact address: (20.1)Related links (web sites):

DescriptionGeneral description: (Site characteristics in 11.1; human population in 10; land management units in 17.2) Approximately 25 lines

Major ecosystem type: (13.1)Major habitats & land cover types: (Titles of 12.1, 12.2, 12.3 …)Location (latitude & longitude): (6)Area (ha): (7)Total: (7)Core area(s): (7)Buffer zone(s): (7)Transition area(s) (when given): (7)Different existing zonation: (7.4)Altitudinal range (metres above sea level): (11.2)

Research and monitoringBrief description: 15.1.3.)

Approximately 5 lines

1 To be posted on the MABnet once the nomination has been approved. The numbers refer to the relevant sections of the nomination form.

Annex to Biosphere Reserve Nomination Form, February 2004

MABnet Directory of Biosphere Reserves / Biosphere Reserve Description1

| � 2

Abiotic

Abiotic factorsAcidic deposition/Atmospheric factorsAir qualityAir temperatureClimate, climatologyContaminantsDroughtErosionGeologyGeomorphologyGeophysicsGlaciologyGlobal changeGroundwaterHabitat issuesHeavy metalsHydrologyIndicatorsMeteorologyModelingMonitoring/methodologiesNutrientsPhysical oceanographyPollution, pollutantsSiltation/sedimentationSoilSpeleologyTopographyToxicologyUV radiation

Specific variables (please fill in the table below and tick the relevant parameters)

Biodiversity

Afforestation/ReforestationAlgaeAlien and/or invasive speciesAmphibiansArid and semi-arid systemsAutoecologyBeach/soft bottom systemsBenthosBiodiversity aspectsBiogeographyBiologyBiotechnologyBirdsBoreal forest systemsBreedingCoastal/marine systemsCommunity studiesConservationCoral reefsDegraded areasDesertificationDune systemsEcologyEcosystem assessmentEcosystem functioning/structureEcotonesEndemic speciesEthologyEvapotranspirationEvolutionary studies/PalaeoecologyFaunaFires/fire ecologyFishesFloraForest systemsFreshwater systemsFungiGenetic resourcesGenetically modified organismsHome gardensIndicatorsInvertebratesIsland systems/studiesLagoon systems

| � 3

Abiotic Biodiversity

LichensMammalsMangrove systemsMediterranean type systemsMicroorganismsMigrating populationsModelingMonitoring/methodologiesMountain and highland systemsNatural and other resourcesNatural medicinal productsPerturbations and resiliencePests/DiseasesPhenologyPhytosociology/SuccessionPlanktonPlantsPolar systemsPollinationPopulation genetics/dynamicsProductivityRare/Endangered speciesReptilesRestoration/RehabilitationSpecies (re) introductionSpecies inventoryingSub-tropical and temperate rainforestTaxonomyTemperate forest systemsTemperate grassland systemsTropical dry forest systemsTropical grassland and savannah systemsTropical humid forest systemsTundra systemsVegetation studiesVolcanic/Geothermal systemsWetland systemsWildlife

| � �

Specific variables (please fill in the table below and tick the relevant parameters)

Integrated monitoring

Biogeochemical studiesCarrying capacityConflict analysis/resolutionEcosystem approachEducation and public awarenessEnvironmental changesGeographic Information System (GIS)Impact and risk studiesIndicatorsIndicators of environmental qualityInfrastructure developmentInstitutional and legal aspectsIntegrated studiesInterdisciplinary studiesLand tenureLand use/Land coverLandscape inventorying/monitoringManagement issuesMappingModelingMonitoring/methodologiesPlanning and zoning measuresPolicy issuesRemote sensingRural systemsSustainable development/useTransboundary issues/measuresUrban systemsWatershed studies/monitoring

Socio-economic

Agriculture/Other production systemsAgroforestryAnthropological studiesAquacultureArchaeologyBioprospectingCapacity buildingCottage (home-based) industryCultural aspectsDemographyEconomic studiesEconomically important speciesEnergy production systemsEthnology/traditional practices/know-ledgeFirewood cuttingFisheryForestryHuman healthHuman migrationHuntingIndicatorsIndicators of sustainabilityIndigenous people‘s issuesIndustryLivelihood measuresLivestock and related impactsLocal participationMicro-creditsMiningModelingMonitoring/methodologiesNatural hazardsNon-timber forest productsPastoralismPeople-Nature relationsPovertyQuality economies/marketingRecreationResource useRole of womenSacred sitesSmall business initiativesSocial/Socio-economic aspects

| � �

BiodiversitySocio-economic

Stakeholders‘ interestsTourismTransports

Integrated monitoring

| � �

The UNESCO General Conference, at its 28th session, adopted Resolution 28 C/2.4 on the Statutory Framework of the World Network of Biosphere Reserves. This text defines in particular the criteria for an area to be qualified for designation as a biosphere reserve (Article 4). In addition, Article 9 foresees a periodic review every ten years, based on a report prepared by the concerned authority, on the basis of the criteria of Article 4 and forwarded to the secretariat by the State concerned. The text of the Statutory Framework is given in the annex.

The form which follows is proposed to help States to prepare their national reports in accordance with Article 9 and to update the data available to the Secretariat on the biosphere reserves concerned. This report should enable the International Coordinating Coun-cil (ICC) of the MAB Programme to review how each biosphere reserve is fulfilling the criteria of Article 4 of the Statutory Frame-work and in particular the three functions. It should be noted that it is requested, in the last part of the form (Conclusion), to indicate the way in which the biosphere reserves fulfils each of these criteria.

It is advisable to quantify data as much as possible and to provide supporting documentation to complete the information provided, especially:• a map clearly showing the zonation;• the legal texts for the different zones.

6. 3. Periodic Review For Biosphere Reserves January 2002

The completed form should be sent to:

UNESCO Division of Ecological and Earth Sciences 1, rue Miollis F-75732 Paris Cedex 15, France Tel: +33.1.45.68.40.67 Fax: +33.1.45.68.58.04 E-mail: [email protected]

| � �

I. NAME OF tHE BIOSPHERE RESERVE

II. COuNtRY

III. PHYSICAl CHARACtERIStICS OF tHE BIOSPHERE RESERVE

latitude and longitude Please enclose a map showing the general location of the biosphere reserve.

Biogeographical Region Indicate the name usually given to the biogeographical region in which the biosphere reserve is situated.

topography of the region Briefly describe the major topographic features (wetlands, marshes, mountain ranges, dunes, landscapes, etc.).

Climate Briefly describe the climate of the area using one of the common climate classifications.

Geology, geomorphology, soils Briefly describe the main land formations and characteristics.

Significance for conservation of biological diversity: habitats and characteristic species

List main habitat types (e.g. humid tropical forest, savanna woodland, alpine tundra, coral reef, seagrass beds) and land cover (e.g. residential areas, agricultural land, grazing land).

• Type of habitat: • Main species: • Main human impacts: • Relevant habitat management practices:

• Habitats of special interest: Describe and indicate the location of habitats which are unique or exceptionally important from the point of view of conservation.

• Endangered or threatened plant or animal species: Identify species (with scientific names) or groups of species of particular interest for conservation, in particular if they are threatened with extinction.

• Species of traditional or commercial importance: Indicate the use(s) of these species or varieties.

| � �

IV. ZONAtION

Names of the different areas Indicate the names of the different areas which make up the core area(s) and buffer zone(s).

Spatial configuration

A Biosphere Reserve Zonation map showing the delimitations of all core area(s) and buffer zone(s) must be provided. Also indicate the approximate extent of the transition area(s). • Size of terrestrial Core Area(s): ha. • If appropriate, size of marine Core Area(s): ha. • Size of terrestrial Buffer Zone(s): ha. • If appropriate, size of marine Buffer Zone(s): ha. • Approx. size of terrestrial Transition Area(s) (if applicable): ha. • If appropriate, approx. size of marine Transition Area(s): ha.

Brief justification of this zonation (in terms of the various roles of biosphere reserves) as it appears on the zonation map.

V. HuMAN ACtIVItIES

Population living in the reserve Approximate number of people living within the Biosphere Reserve.

Permanently / Seasonally Core Area(s): ………………/…………….. Buffer Zone(s): ………………/…………….. Transition Area(s): ………………/……………..

Brief description of local communities living within or near the Biosphere Reserve.……..

Indicate ethnic origin and composition, minorities etc., their main economic activities (e.g. pastoralism) and the location of their main areas of concentration, with reference to a map if appropriate.

Name(s) of nearest major town(s).

Cultural significance of the site Briefly describe the Biosphere Reserve‘s importance in terms of cultural values (religious, historical, political, social, ethnological).

| � �

use of resources by local populations Uses or activities in the Core Area(s):

Main land uses and economic activities in the buffer zone(s):

Main land uses and major economic activities in the Transition Area(s):

Possible adverse effects of uses or activities in the transition area(s) and remedial measures taken:

If known, give a brief summary of past/historical land use(s) of the main parts of the Biosphere Reserve:

tourism Indicate the number of visitors coming to the Biosphere Reserve each year

National: Foreign:

Type(s) of touristic activities (Study of fauna and flora, recreation, camping, hiking, sailing, horseriding, fishing, hunting...).

Tourist facilities and description of where these are located.

Income and benefits to local communities Indicate for the activities described above whether the local communities derive any income directly or indirectly and through what mechanism.

VI. RESEARCH AND MONItORING PROGRAMMES

Brief description and list of publications of past research and/or monitoring activities.

Brief description of on-going research and/or monitoring activities. Abiotic research and monitoring:

Biotic research and monitoring:

Socio-economic research:

Estimated number of national scientists participating in research within the Biosphere Reserve on a permanent or occasional basis.

Estimated number of foreign scientists participating in research within the Biosphere Reserve on a permanent or occasional basis.

| � 0

Research station(s) within the Biosphere Reserve.

Permanent research station(s) outside the Biosphere Reserve. Research facilities of research station(s) (meteorological and/or hydrological station, experimental plots, laboratory, library, vehicles, computers etc.).

Other facilities (e.g. facilities for lodging or for overnight accommodation for scientists etc.).

Indicate how the results of research programmes have been taken into account in the management of the biosphere reserve

VII. EDuCAtION, tRAINING AND PuBlIC AWARENESS PROGRAMMES

Describe the types of activities related to • Environmental education and public awareness:

• Training programmes for specialists:

Indicate whether there are facilities for education and training activities, as well as visitors‘ centres for the public

VIII. INStItutIONAl ASPECtS

State, Province, Region or other administrative units List in hierarchical order administrative entity(ies) in which the Biosphere Reserve is located (e.g. state(s), counties, districts).

Management plan/policy Indicate if a management plan or policy exists for the overall biosphere reserve.

If yes, briefly describe the main characteristics of this plan and precise the modes of application.

Authority in charge of administration of the whole, i.e. of implementation of this plan/policy:

Total number of staff of Biosphere Reserve:

Financial source(s) and yearly budget: Indicate the source and the relative percentage of the funding (e.g. from national, regional, local administrations, private funding, international sources etc.) and the estimated yearly budget in the national currency.

Authority in charge of administration The biosphere reserve as a whole:

| � 1

Core area(s):

Buffer zone(s):

Mechanisms of consultation and co-ordination among these different authorities:

Where appropriate, National (or State, or Provincial) administrations to which the biosphere reserve reports:

Mechanism for consultation of local communities Indicate how and to what extent local people living within or near the Biosphere Reserve.

• have been associated to the biosphere reserve nomination:

• participate to the decision process and management resources:

Indicate whether you consider the participation of local communities to be satisfactory and, if not, what measures are envisaged to improve this situation

Protection regime of the core area and possibly of the buffer zone Indicate the type (e.g. under national legislation and date since when the legal protection came into being and provide justifying documents (with English or French summary of the main features).

land tenure of each zone Percentage of ownership in terms of national, state/provincial, local government, private, etc.

Core Area(s):

Buffer Zone(s):

Transition Area(s):

Foreseen changes in land tenure.

Is there a land acquisition programme, to purchase private lands, or plans for privatization of public lands?

Contact address(es) Contact address of the biosphere reserve for all official correspondence.

Name:…………………………………………………………………………….…….. Street or P.O. Box: …………………………………………………………………….. City with postal code: …………………………………………………………………. Country: ……………………………………………………………………………….. Telephone: …………………………………………………………………………….. Telefax (or telex): ……………………………………………………………………...

| � 2

E-mail: …………………………………………………………………………………Web site address: ………………………………………………………………………

IX. CONCluSIONBrief justification of the way in which the biosphere reserve fulfils each criteria of article 4:

1. Representative ecological systems - graduation of human interventions

2. Significance for biological diversity conservation

3. Approaches to sustainable development on a regional scale

4. Appropriate size to serve the three functions

5. Appropriate zonation to serve the three functions

6. Participation of public authorities and local communities

7. a) mechanisms to manage human use and activities b) Management policy or plan c) Authority or mechanism for implementation d) Programmes for research, monitoring, education and training

Does the biosphere reserve have cooperative activities with other biosphere reserves (exchanges of information and personnel, joint programmes, etc.)?

At the national level:

Through twinning and/or transboundary biosphere reserves:

Within the World Network (including Regional Networks):

Obstacles encountered, measures to be taken and, if appropriate, assistance expected from the Secretariat

| � 3

tHE StAtutORY FRAMEWORK OF tHE WORlD NEtWORK OF BIOSPHERE RESERVES

Introduction

Within UNESCO‘s Man and the Biosphere (MAB) programme, biosphere reserves are established to promote and demonstrate a balanced relationship between humans and the biosphere. Biosphere reserves are designated by the International Co-ordinating Council of the MAB Programme, at the request of the State concerned. Biosphere reserves, each of which remains under the sole sovereignty of the State where it is situated and thereby submitted to State legislation only, form a World Network in which participa-tion by the States is voluntary.The present Statutory Framework of the World Network of Biosphere Reserves has been formulated with the objectives of enhancing the effectiveness of individual biosphere reserves and strengthening common understanding, communication and co-operation at regional and international levels. This Statutory Framework is intended to contribute to the widespread recognition of biosphere reserves and to encourage and promo-te good working examples. The delisting procedure foreseen should be considered as an exception to this basically positive approach, and should be applied only after careful examination, paying due respect to the cultural and socio-economic situation of the country, and after consulting the government concerned. The text provides for the designation, support and promotion of biosphere reserves, while taking account of the diversity of national and local situations. States are encouraged to elaborate and implement national criteria for biosphere reserves which take into account the special conditions of the State concerned.

Article 1 - DefinitionBiosphere reserves are areas of terrestrial and coastal/marine ecosystems or a combination thereof, which are internationally recognized within the framework of UNESCO‘s programme on Man and the Biosphere (MAB), in accordance with the present Statutory Framework.

Article 2 - World Network of Biosphere Reserves1. Biosphere reserves form a worldwide network, known as the World Network of Biosphere Reserves, hereafter called the Network.2. The Network constitutes a tool for the conservation of biological diversity and the sustainable use of its components, thus contributing to the objectives of the Convention on Biological Diversity and other pertinent conventions and instruments.3. Individual biosphere reserves remain under the sovereign jurisdiction of the States where they are situated. Under the present Statutory Framework, States take the measures which they deem necessary according to their national legislation.

Article 3 - FunctionsIn combining the three functions below, biosphere reserves should strive to be sites of excellence to explore and demonstrate ap-proaches to conservation and sustainable development on a regional scale:(i) conservation - contribute to the conservation of landscapes, ecosystems, species and genetic variation;(ii) development - foster economic and human development which is socio-culturally and ecologically sustainable;(iii) logistic support - support for demonstration projects, environmental education and training, research and monitoring related to local, regional, national and global issues of conservation and sustainable development.

Article 4 - CriteriaGeneral criteria for an area to be qualified for designation as a biosphere reserve:1. It should encompass a mosaic of ecological systems representative of major biogeographic regions, including a gradation of human interventions.

Annex

| � �

2. It should be of significance for biological diversity conservation.3. It should provide an opportunity to explore and demonstrate approaches to sustainable development on a regional scale.4. It should have an appropriate size to serve the three functions of biosphere reserves, as set out in Article 3.5. It should include these functions, through appropriate zonation, recognizing:

(a) a legally constituted core area or areas devoted to long-term protection, according to the conservation objectives of the biosphere reserve, and of sufficient size to meet these objectives;

(b) a buffer zone or zones clearly identified and surrounding or contiguous to the core area or areas, where only activities compatible with the conservation objectives can take place;

(c) an outer transition area where sustainable resource management practices are promoted and developed.6. Organizational arrangements should be provided for the involvement and participation of a suitable range of inter alia public authorities, local communities and private interests in the design and carrying out the functions of a biosphere reserve.7. In addition, provisions should be made for:

(a) mechanisms to manage human use and activities in the buffer zone or zones;(b) a management policy or plan for the area as a biosphere reserve;(c) a designated authority or mechanism to implement this policy or plan;(d) programmes for research, monitoring, education and training.

Article 5 - Designation procedure1. Biosphere reserves are designated for inclusion in the Network by the International Co-ordinating Council (ICC) of the MAB

programme in accordance with the following procedure:(a) States, through National MAB Committees where appropriate, forward nominations with supporting documentation to the secretariat after having reviewed potential sites, taking into account the criteria as defined in Article 4;(b) the secretariat verifies the content and supporting documentation: in the case of incomplete nomination, the secretariat requests the missing information from the nominating State;(c) nominations will be considered by the Advisory Committee for Biosphere Reserves for recommendation to ICC;(d) ICC of the MAB programme takes a decision on nominations for designation. The Director-General of UNESCO notifies the State concerned of the decision of ICC.

2. States are encouraged to examine and improve the adequacy of any existing biosphere reserve, and to propose extension as appropriate, to enable it to function fully within the Network. Proposals for extension follow the same procedure as described above for new designations.

3. Biosphere reserves which have been designated before the adoption of the present Statutory Framework are considered to be already part of the Network. The provisions of the Statutory Framework therefore apply to them.

Article 6 - Publicity1. The designation of an area as a biosphere reserve should be

given appropriate publicity by the State and authorities concerned, including commemorative plaques and dissemination of information material.

2. Biosphere reserves within the Network, as well as the objectives, should be given appropriate and continuing promotion.

| � �

Article 7 - Participation in the Network1. States participate in or facilitate co-operative activities of the Network, including scientific research and monitoring, at the global,

regional and sub-regional levels.2. The appropriate authorities should make available the results of research, associated publications and other data, taking into

account intellectual property rights, in order to ensure the proper functioning of the Network and maximize the benefits from information exchanges.

3. States and appropriate authorities should promote environmental education and training, as well as the development of human resources, in co-operation with other biosphere reserves in the Network.

Article 8 - Regional and thematic subnetworksStates should encourage the constitution and co-operative operation of regional and/or thematic subnetworks of biosphere reserves, and promote development of information exchanges, including electronic information, within the framework of these subnetworks.

Article 9 - Periodic review1. The status of each biosphere reserve should be subject to a periodic review every ten years, based on a report prepared by the

concerned authority, on the basis of the criteria of Article 4, and forwarded to the secretariat by the State concerned.2. The report will be considered by the Advisory Committee for Biosphere Reserves for recommendation to ICC.3. ICC will examine the periodic reports from States concerned.4. If ICC considers that the status or management of the biosphere reserve is satisfactory, or has improved since designation or the

last review, this will be formally recognized by ICC. 5. If ICC considers that the biosphere reserve no longer satisfies the criteria contained in Article 4, it may recommend that the State

concerned take measures to ensure conformity with the provisions of Article 4, taking into account the cultural and socio-econo-mic context of the State concerned. ICC indicates to the secretariat actions that it should take to assist the State concerned in the implementation of such measures.

6. Should ICC find that the biosphere reserve in question still does not satisfy the criteria contained in Article 4, within a reasonable period, the area will no longer be referred to as a biosphere reserve which is part of the Network.

7. The Director-General of UNESCO notifies the State concerned of the decision of ICC.8. Should a State wish to remove a biosphere reserve under its jurisdiction from the Network, it notifies the secretariat. This

notification shall be transmitted to ICC for information. The area will then no longer be referred to as a biosphere reserve which is part of the Network.

Article 10 - Secretariat1. UNESCO shall act as the secretariat of the Network and be responsible for its functioning and promotion. The secretariat shall

facilitate communication and interaction among individual biosphere reserves and among experts. UNESCO shall also develop and maintain a worldwide accessible information system on biosphere reserves, to be linked to other relevant initiatives.

2. In order to reinforce individual biosphere reserves and the functioning of the Network and sub-networks, UNESCO shall seekfinancial support from bilateral and multilateral sources.

3. The list of biosphere reserves forming part of the Network, their objectives and descriptive details, shall be updated, published and distributed by the secretariat periodically.

| � �

Imprint

Publisher:German National Committee for the UNESCO Programme

“Man and the Biosphere” (MAB)

MAB Secretariat

Federal Agency for Nature Conservation (BfN)

Konstantinstr. 110

D-53179 Bonn, Germany

Tel: +49 (0)228 8491-1011

Fax: +49 (0)228 8491-1019

www.bfn.de/0310_mab2.html

German MAB National Committee:Jörg Bruker (Director of German MAB Committee), Dr. Frauke Druckrey, Josef

Göppel (member of the Bundestag), Graf Hermann Hatzfeld, Dr. Gertrud Hein,

Prof. Dr. Werner Konold, Prof. Dr. Lenelis Kruse-Graumann, Dr. Jürgen Linde,

Prof. Dr. Jürgen Rimpau, Gertrud Sahler (Committee Chair), Hans-Joachim

Schreiber, Prof. Dr. Werner Schulz, Prof. Dr. Michael Succow, Peter Wenzel

Standing Working Group of the Biosphere Reserves in Germany (AGBR):Karl-Friedrich Abe (Rhön BR, Thuringia), Roland Beier (Berchtesgaden BR),

Kirsten Boley-Fleet (Wadden Sea and Hallig Islands of Schleswig-Holstein

BR), Klaus-Dieter Dahl (AGBR Office), Werner Dexheimer (Palatinate Forest-

Northern Vosges BR), Dr. Hubert Farke (Wadden Sea of Lower Saxony BR),

Michael Geier (Rhön BR, Bavaria), Dr. Eberhard Henne (Schorfheide-Chorin BR),

Heinrich Hess (Rhön BR, Hesse), Peter Heyne (Upper Lausitz Heath and Pond

Landscape BR), Klaus Jarmatz (Schaalsee BR), Peter Körber (Wadden Sea of

Hamburg BR), Dr. Frank Neuschulz (Elbe River Landscape BR, Brandenburg),

Eugen Nowak (Spree Forest BR), Dr. Holger Piegert (Karst Landscape Southern

Harz), Dr. Johannes Prüter (Elbe River Landscape BR, Lower Saxony), Guido

Puhlmann (Elbe River Landscape BR, Saxony-Anhalt), Hans-Joachim Schreiber

(Spokesman of the AGBR), Johannes Tress (Vessertal BR), Josef Wanninger

(Bavarian Forest BR), Dr. Michael Weigelt (South-East Rügen BR)

Federal government and Länder representatives:Marcus Lämmle (Ministry for Food and Rural Areas, Baden-Württemberg),

Hanspeter Mayr (State Ministry of the Environment and Agriculture, Saxony),

Dr. Volker Scherfose (Federal Agency for Nature Conservation), Michael Schley

(Ministry of the Environment, Saarland), Rainer Schrader (Ministry for Agricu-

lture, Nature Conservation and the Environment, Thuringia), Jens Schumann

(Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear

Safety), Josef Seidenschwarz (State Ministry of the Environment, Bavaria),

Peter Stühlinger (Ministry of the Environment, Hesse), Holger Zeck (Ministry of

the Environment, Saarland)

Title photo:Jens Schumann, BMU, AGBR visit to the island of Neuwerk in the

Wadden Sea of Hamburg biosphere reserve

Editor:Stefan Weidenhammer (Amberg) [1996]

Typesetter:Florian Caspers, Berlin

Printer:Brandenburgische Universitätsdruckerei (BUD), Potsdam-GolmPrinted with Öko-Skala solvent-free oil-based printing inks

Edition size:500

Paper:Envirotop 100 % recycled paper

All parts of this work are protected by copyright law.Except with the authors’ permission, any exploitation outside the strictlimits of German copyright law is a punishable offence. This applies particularly to the making of copies, translations and microfilmsand to storage and processing in electronic systems.

Bonn: German National Committee for the UNESCO MAB Programme, 2007Published in German as: Kriterien für die Anerkennung und Überprüfung von Biosphärenreservaten der UNESCO in Deutschlandwww.unesco.org/mab/offDoc.shtmlAlso available on CD-ROM from the publisher.

| � �

Imprint

German National Committee for the UNESCO-Programme“Man and the Biosphere” (MAB)

criteria for designation and evaluation of unesco …...biosphere reserves that cross länder...

Documents