Introduction to the Rhön Biosphere Reserve - BfN. Doris Pokorny, Introduction to Rhön Biosphere Reserve Biosphärenreservat Rhön Introduction to the Rhön Biosphere Reserve Strategies

Dr. Doris Pokorny, Introduction to Rhön Biosphere Reserve

Biosphärenreservat Rhön

Introduction to the Rhön Biosphere ReserveStrategies for Sustainable Regional Development in a Rural Area

Dr. Doris Pokorny, deputy coordinatorRhön BR (Bavarian administration unit)


in Europe 8500 km

in Germany 1400 km

in Rhön 111 km

=part of formerGerman DemocraticRepublic

Iron Curtain 1961 - 1989

GDRFRG



•UNESCO recognition since 1991•185.000 ha in three federal

countries•162.000 inhabitants

in 5 districts and 75 municipalities•rural setting

(agriculture, crafts, SME)•weak economy

•outmigration of young population

Berlin

Munich

Hamburg

CologneDresden

Rhön Biosphere Reserve

15 biosphere reserves in Germany


of the Rhön Biosphere Reserve

research (applied, problemoriented)

environmental protection,conservation of abioticresources and of biodiversity

sustainabledevelopment(social-economic. ecological, cultural)

environmentaleducation/

education forsustainable

development

(integrated) environmental

monitoring/„sustainability

monitoring“

TasksOpportunities

beyond boundaries



grasslandmeadows and pastures:35%

red data book species(flora): 100

(small) rivers: 1900 km ploughed land: 14% hedgerows: 1300 km

protected areas: 46% (nature reserves: 10%)

forestbroadleaf and conifer: 42%

settlements, infrastructure etc: 8%

red data book species(fauna): 100


Management Framework for the Rhön Biosphere Reserve

•1991-1994 elaboratedbeyond administrative (province) boundaries

•goals for land use and relevant economicsectors (agriculture, forestry, settlement,

tourism etc.)

•Zonation:•core zone 2%

•buffer zone A/buffer zone B40% (-> =highest biodiversity!)

•transition zone/zone of cooperation 58%

•intensive discussion with local stakeholders, communities and administrations

•management framework isnot legally binding („soft tool“)!

Strategy 1: Participation and commitment to sustainable development solutions

on a regional level


........for the sake of both people and nature

Vision of Rhön Biosphere Reserve Management Concept:

Conservation and sustainable use of the Rhön cultural landscape with itshigh biodiversity of species and habitats......

Strategy 2: Common vision on the region’s future and development options





Key role: traditionalagriculture

traditionnally managed cultural landscape -> asset for tourism

biodiversityconservation ->

supported by publicgrant schemes

= provides ecosystem services

agro-biodiversityconservation ->

offers marketing options

shapes identity as rural region


Key products of agro-biodiversity:

Rhön sheep(403000 ewes)

apple varieties >400, 170 of which have been identified

Yellow Franconiancattle


Key „products“ in renewable energies: Production & Marketing•biomass (woodchips, wood pellets, firewood, plant oil, biogas•use of solar energy (thermal, photovoltaics), (wind??)

Local actors:•Energie-Initiative Rhön und Grabfeld e.V.•Raiffeisen-Energie-GmbH•Agrokraft GmbH Establishing of “Renewable energy cooperatives”

©in

tern

et


Synergies: Rhön biosphere reserveand the private sector:

•breweries and other bewerage manufacturer or bottler•food stores/retailers: Tegut; Kff organic meat products

•BIONADE as innovative product from Rhön driving factor for the conversion to organic farming:

Supply contracts with farmers for their products(e.g. barley, herbs or fruit, life stock )

Strategy 3: Identification of the region‘s strengths/assets and potentials


Dachmarke

Since 2003

General Rhön Label

Fostering corporateregional identityamong

-institutions

-associations

-administrations

Since 2009

professionalmanagement:

Dachmarke Rhön e.V.

Dachmarke Rhön GmbH (Ltd.)

Costs: 20% membershipfees 80% sponsored by5 counties

office in Management-centre of Rhön BR

Branding/LabellingTrilateral

1995 Management Framework BR Rhön: Goal: „Marketing of regional Products“

Since 2005

Development of Quality Label

for „Partner enterprises“

…….preconditions, rules and regulations, criteria and implementation…..

2000: Joint venture of of 5 Rhön counties: ARGE Rhön


Rhön Quality Label (Brand)•local restaurants offer typical Rhön dishes based on regional products•cooperate beyond Länder boundarieswith farmers•many now use the regional Rhön labelfor quality services and products(gastronomy) in the biosphere reserve

Association „From the Rhön- for the´Rhön“(1995)

Association „Charming Rhön“(1997)

Synergies: Rhön biosphere reserveand the private sector:


(How) can the landscape be used by the different branchesof the tourism sector, without disturbing each other and

harming nature?.......Round tableswith:•Nature conservancylocal/regional

•Rhön Nature Park e.V.

•Rhön Klub e.V. Hikers‘Association

•ADFC e.V. Cyclists‘Association

•AERO-Clube.V. Aviators‘

association

•Horse Riders‘Association

•Farmers‘Association

•Forestryagencies

•municipalities•………

Strategy 4: Intensive co-operation and creation of vertical and horizontal networks (win-win-solutions)


Regional Identity is the basis:•for courage and innovative thinking

•responsible entrepreneurship and consumption•for active citizenship

Strategy 5: Fostering people’s commitment, regional identity and pride on their region and on

their products

Wanted: Local people who are attached to theregion (and to its products), with a sense of creativity and the willingness to co-operate.


Summary of Principal Strategies:

1. Participation and self commitment to sustainable development solutions on a regional level

2. Common vision on the region’s future and development options

3. Identification of the region‘s strengths/assets and potentials

4. Intensive co-operation and creation of vertical and horizontal networks (win-win solutions)

5. Fostering people’s commitment, regional identity and pride on their region and on

their products


Biosphärenreservat Rhön

Thank you for your attention and have a pleasant stay in Rhön Biosphere Reserve!

Additional info on:•Rhön Biosphere Reserve:www.brrhoen.de•World Network of Biosphere Reserves:www.unesco.org/mab

Documents

Introduction to the Rhön Biosphere Reserve - BfN. Doris Pokorny, Introduction to Rhön Biosphere Reserve Biosphärenreservat Rhön Introduction to the Rhön Biosphere Reserve Strategies