Contents

UNESCO Biosphere Reserve – What does it mean? . p . 3Sought-after UNESCO recognition . . . . . . . . . . . p . 3Three zones, three objectives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p . 4

Biosphere Reserve Swabian Alb – Opportunity for the region . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p . 5

Urbanized areas: something special . . . . . . . . . . . . p . 5

Four landscapes:Military Training Area Münsingen . . . . . . . . . . . . . p . 6Lautertal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p . 7Slope ravine forests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p . 8Fruit tree meadows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p . 9

Magic number: The three zones of the Biosphere Reserve . . . . . . . . . p . 10

Transition zone – planning and development of the quality of life . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p . 12Buffer zone – preservation of traditional ways of life . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p . 13Core zone – preservation of priceless treasures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p . 14

UNESCO Biosphere Reserve – What does it mean?

What does the Swabian Alb have in common with the Ser-engeti, the Hawaiian Islands, Yellowstone National Park and Mont Ventoux? All of these regions are biosphere reserves at the level of worldwide recognition . UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) has been designating biosphere reserves worldwide since 1976: Unique cultural landscapes to be protected, cared for and developed so that we, our children and their children will still have these treasures and know what they are worth . Biosphere reserves serve in the role of model regions: Inside them, the populace, clubs, associations and communities work out, fund and try out ideas together on how man can live and work in harmony with nature . The experience gained thereby then serves to provide impulses and examples for other regions worldwide on the potentials for non-destructive use of natural resources, develop-ment of an attractive area to live and work in and enhancement of the quality of life for every living thing . Biosphere reserves are thus not conceived as protectorates for biodiversity alone: They are also designed to improve the social and economic condi-tions of life of the people who live there, e . g . in the form of ideas for sustainable tourism and positive development of economic cycles and potentials .

Sought-after UNESCO recognitionThe standards set for the highly prized recognition as a “UNESCO Biosphere Reserve” are high, as high as the benefits to the regions involved are plentiful . International recognition is considered only for typical (cultural) landscapes unique in the world, or at least in Europe . This is true of the Swabian Alb, home to a unique combination of highly urbanized industrial conurbation, protected natural oases and cultural landscapes (e . g . juniper heaths, fruit tree meadows, former Military Train-ing Area), monuments of cultural history and geological high-lights . A changing mosaic of treasures dear to our hearts .

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Biosphere Reserve Swabian Alb – Opportunity for the region

Sustainable regional development is a future-oriented undertak-ing . In this increasingly globalized world in particular, it en-hances a region’s economic chances and collective identity . This has been demonstrated convincingly by the subsidy programmes PLENUM and ACTIVE REGIONS in the District of Reut-lingen since 2001 in over 340 projects . These two programmes have produced numerous innovative products and marketing ideas now known far beyond the district borders as well as in-novative nature conservation projects . This is also true of experi-ence gained in other biosphere reserves, e . g . in the Rhön . These projects demonstrate that:

Sustainable tourism in particular benefits from UNESCO recognition: The number of overnight stays and day guests is on the rise .

Based on revitalized tourism, new marketing chances open up, for instance in farming and forestry products (e . g . Alb Dinkel, beech red heartwood) .

Regional cooperations facilitate access to funding . The current network of 529 biosphere reserves in 105 countries (13 in Germany) is a source of in-depth scientific data and knowledge as well as ideas related to sustainability and economy .

Urbanized areas: something specialIn contrast to all other biosphere reserves, this one includes densely populated areas . The majority of the populace live in Pfullingen, Metzingen, Reutlingen and Eningen; city and coun-tryside are closely intertwined . This configuration opens up unusual opportunities: Regional products and services can be marketed in these cities . People from the cities make excursions into surrounding natural areas where they learn about the cul-tural landscapes there and how they deserve protection . Compa-nies with know-how in environmental technological fields can become Biosphere Reserve partners .

Requirements for recognition as a Biosphere Reserve

(Cultural) landscape unique in the world or in Europe

Area at least 30,000 ha

Core zone at least 3 %

Buffer zone at least 10 %

Core and buffer zone combined at least 20 %

Transition zone at least 50 %

View of the City of Metzingen.

Three zones, three objectivesThree zones embodying specific objectives are defined for each Biosphere Reserve . In the core zone, the sole focus is nature . In this zone, nature must be allowed to continue to develop without human interference or utilization . Most core zone areas are already protected, as is the case on the Swabian Alb . In the buffer zone, the cultural landscape resulting from traditional uses is to be preserved and allowed to develop along sustainable lines . Farmers, foresters and shepherds already ply their trades in harmony with nature here . In the transition zone there are no limitations or restrictions . The idea here is to ensure sustainable regional development . A healthy local economy must be main-tained and model projects initiated for production and market-ing of regional products and services in a manner compatible with environmental protection .

See pp . 12–14 to find out more about the zones in the Biosphere Reserve Swabian Alb and who is allowed to do what in each zone .

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Lautertal: One of many dreamy valleys

The Große Lauter meanders across the Alb . Past wild forests, imposing rock formations and romantic castles like Hohenhun-dersingen . Nowhere else better than here can tourists visit so many castles so close together . Outdoor sportspeople have long since discovered the opportunities afforded by the Lautertal .

Canoeing and cycling, riding and hiking make for active rec-reation . Naturalists find a para-dise on earth here . Depending on the altitude and the direction you pick, the biotopes shift in a wonderful natural panorama . In the valleys, irrigated meadows

were used for farming up until the last century . Along the river, typical wet meadows, abandoned wet meadows, flood meadows and their accompanying hydrophilous tall herb fringe communi-ties are still found . Otherwise, sheep-created juniper heaths are the characteristic landscape feature . Steep slopes are overgrown with hardwood forests . But not all forests are alike . Whereas beeches dominate further down the slopes, steppe heath forests with oak and service berry are able to grow further uphill . Rock formations interrupt the landscape repeatedly: surrounded by moss and ferns, sometimes naked and rough like one of Obelix’s menhirs . This unique and variegated landscape attracts admirers from near and far .

Military Training Area Münsingen: A no-go area opens up

Every end is also a new beginning . Where shots were once fired, tanks rolled through the landscape and soldiers went on manoeuvres beginning in 1895, people looking for rest and recreation and friends of nature now stroll through these 6,700 hectares of gently rolling, forested hilltops and broad swaths of grassland . Some 30,000 sheep graze the open country, herded by traditional shepherds . The animals not only make a living for their owners, they also enrich and support the biotope diversity of the region . Thanks to their selective feeding – sheep do not eat just anything – landscapes like juniper and calcareous nutri-ent-poor grassland can be maintained . Herbs grow here such as creeping thyme and wild marjoram, but rare plants as well like spring gentian and moonwort . Besides the sheep, military vehi-cles have also left traces in this landscape, creating new biotopes for endangered species such as the woodlark, wheatear and large banded grasshopper . This interesting mosaic of biotopes forms the heart of the new Biosphere Reserve . With the exception of a number of specially protected forests (core zone), most of the land here is part of the buffer zone of the Biosphere Reserve . 45 kilometres of signposted hiking trails, four viewing towers of the Swabian Alb Club and the old village site at Gruorn await visitors to the area . They are not allowed to leave the marked trails on their own, both because of potentially hazardous muni-tions and for reasons related to nature conservation, but trained “TrÜP Guides” are available on request to lead the way .

More information:Tourist Information Münsingen Tel. 0 73 81 / 1 82-1 45 touristinfo@muensingen.de www.muensingen.de

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Slope ravine forests: Local wilds

About 40 percent of the Biosphere Reserve is forested . Without human interference, nearly the whole of Germany would still be covered by vast forests – dominated by the European beech . One habitat this species does not spread to, however, is charac-terized by the dry, sunny detritus slopes along the Alb Escarp-ment as well as the shady, moist eskers and ravines . In these areas, sycamore maple, ash, large-leaved lime and wych elm combine to form so-called “ravine forest” . Under the sparse trees, plants with romantic names like spring snowflake, martagon lily and perennial honesty thrive . This forest type is unique – one important reason for recog-nition of the area as a biosphere reserve . Since forestry management on steep slopes is difficult work, the ravine forests, for example in the Lenninger Donntal, are hardly utilized . In future they will be a part of the core zone along with other near-natural forest communities . The idea is for them to develop into wild natural forests free of human influence . Such wilderness forests are a gift to coming generations . Only in them are the trees allowed to grow old, fall over and make room for young trees . Aged trees and deadwood possess unique ecologi-cal values . The old ravine forests here are already worth a trip . Where else can you experience the Swabian jungle?

Fruit tree meadows: Blossoming landscapes

In spring, the northern section of the Biosphere Reserve is transformed into a sea of blossoms: Around the base of the Alb Escarpment, in some places extending far into the foothills, lies a white-blossoming band of fruit tree meadows – actually fruit tree forests – 10,000 hectares in the District of Esslingen alone . In former times, these fruitful meadows were a vital ne-cessity: they supplied fruits, hay for livestock and lots of cider fruit . Most communities in the region still distil their own fruit brandies, and a Swabian whiskey has recently been added to the list of products . Depending on how fruitful the soil is, and when and how often the meadows are mowed, the plant communities growing beneath the trees are sometimes rich and sometimes poor in terms of species variety . Particularly beautiful are the tall oat-grass and nutrient-poor grasslands,

where meadow sage, cornflower, bellflower and yellowrattle form a brightly flowering community . Rare bird species such as lit-tle owl, Eurasian wryneck and red-backed shrike, as well as groundhogs and bats, are at home

in the fruit tree meadows . About 1,000 different animal species live here! At the same time, the meadows are a welcome rest and recreation area for stressed-out visitors . From a bird’s-eye view, one can appreciate the picturesque landscapes surround-ing Teck Castle . This famous castle is, just like the fruit tree meadows, a seminal element of Swabian culture .

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Magic number: The three zones of the Biosphere Reserve

Settlement and farming in varying forms on the Swabian Alb since the Stone Age have bequeathed to us a rich treasure of a landscape in terms of ecology, geology and evidence of cultural activities . The Swabian Alb therefore occupies a very special place among biosphere reserves: The variety of agronomic forms and biotope types found in this geologically varied, and densely populated, landscape, result in so many natural jewels and oases worthy of protection, and so many cultural landscapes arising from traditional farming methods, that the zones do not form continuous sectors .

The core zones are distributed throughout the Biosphere Re-serve Swabian Alb like an archipelago . The buffer zones in many cases surround the core zones like protective rings, and in other cases themselves form islands within the transition zone .

Due to these interspersed and interlocking relations between the different areas, many fear the Biosphere Reserve will restrict their access to their own homeland . Can I hike through the Hilly Alb, which is inside the core zone? Can I collect firewood in the buffer zone like my grandmother always did? My business is located in the transition zone – will restrictions be placed on it?

Such worries are entirely unnecessary . Over 80 percent of the core and buffer zone area are already classified as nature or land-scape reserves, Natura 2000 reserves, closed forests or former Military Training Area and are thus already subject to special protection measures . But no one is locked out . And further economic development is part of the plan .

Worldwide climate changes leave no doubt that all of humanity must find a healthy balance between utilization and protection of nature . Let’s get started right in front of our own doorstep! The Biosphere Reserve is our opportunity to test what we have started and develop new ways of making a profitable living in harmony with sustainable nature preservation . This is a chal-lenge indeed for this country of thinkers and inventors: develop-ing useful and innovative ideas on utilization of the Biosphere Reserve . We need your ideas, too!

The ensemble of buildings at the Altes Lager in the former Military Training Area Münsingen embody a unique cultural monument.

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The basic concept for the three zones is defined by the UNESCO criteria . Let’s take a close look at the possibilities:

Transition zone – planning and development of the quality of lifeThe transition zone in the Biosphere Reserve Swabian Alb makes up about 55 percent of the total reserve area . Skilled trades, services and industry are at home here . Most of the area’s population lives here as well . The Biosphere Reserve does not present any of these groups or activities with restrictions or limitations . On the contrary, it offers them support . More economic development that is sustainable in economic, social and ecological terms is what is wanted here . Experience gained in the work by PLENUM and ACTIVE REGIONS make it clear: Regional economic cycles and net product chains that do not destroy nature are enhanced . Innovative ideas are what is needed: Let’s cooperate on development of economic projects that will improve the quality of life of everyone involved!

Buffer zone – preservation of traditional ways of life About 42 percent of the reserve area comprises the buffer zone, most of which has long been protected . The former Military Training Area “Gutsbezirk Münsingen” lies almost entirely within the buffer zone . Juniper heaths, tended by shepherds with their flocks . Fruit tree meadows with their richly flowering landscapes and many bird species thanks to regular mowing . The traditional cultural landscapes are attractive recreational areas: For example, one can ride or cycle on hard-surface trails through the fruit tree meadows . Hunters can hunt, anglers can fish in the streams and lakes .

Economic use of the historical cultural landscapes must continue in this fashion in order to preserve them . Therefore, sustainable, traditional methods of farming and land management are just what is needed here . Nomadic shepherding, extensive grassland use, fruit tree meadow management and forestry: The products obtained from natural, sustainable farming methods should be marketed in a common effort to enable people to live from this work .

… Products from the Alb Buffalo, hand-woven baskets, furniture made from … … beech red heartwood.

Examples of innovative marketing concepts: fruity delights …

Traditional nomadic shepherding contributes to the

preservation of the species-rich nutrient-poor meadows

on the Alb.

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Core zone – preservation of priceless treasuresThe core zone accounts for only about 3 percent of the Bio-sphere Reserve: pure woodland that is already protected . The loveliest natural oases with their rich abundance of plant and animal species need one thing from us: to be left in peace . For instance the steep slope beech and slope detritus forests on the Alb Escarpment, the ravine forests and deep valleys, the forests on the Hilly Alb . All core zone areas are intended as practically untouched nature refuges that develop undisturbed by human activities . In these areas, foresters and hunters function as help-ers, i . e . they help maintain the balance of nature . By the way, hiking along the signposted trails (e . g . the main hiking trails mapped out by the Swabian Alb Club) will still take us through magical, primeval parts of our homeland . These are priceless treasures we must preserve .

The Biosphere Reserve Swabian Alb is funded by the Baden-Württemberg State Administration, the three districts involved and 29 communities . The Federal Institute for Real Estate, as the proprietor of the former Military Training Area, is also along for the ride . Together, these bodies have pledged a long-term commitment to the interests of our Biosphere Reserve .

Do your part – it’s your Biosphere Reserve!The Biosphere Reserve will only be as good as the ideas of the people who live there . Therefore: Do your part . Let us hear about how your ideas, what you know, your experience and skills can contribute to the future Biosphere Reserve . Here’s where to find out what you can do:

Coordination Office Biosphere Reserve

Government Presidium Tübingen

Altes Lager Gebäude R13

72525 Münsingen-Auingen

Telephone: 0 73 81 / 93 29 38 10

startteam.biosphaere@rpt.bwl.de

More information: www.biosphaerengebiet-alb.de www.plenum-rt.de (sustainable regional development with PLENUM, District of Reutlingen)

www.unesco.de/biosphaerenreservate www.bne-portal.de (education for sustainable development)

Woodland stream with marsh marigold and hollow larkspur.

Publisher: Coordination Office Biosphere Reserve, Government Presidium TübingenText: Jutta Schneider-Rapp, Mikela SteinbergerLayout: VIVA IDEA, Esslingen, www.vivaidea.dePhotos: Title: Office maichle-schmitt, p. 4: City of Metzingen, p. 6 (top) + p. 11 (top): L. Nittelp. 11 (lower right): W. Rybuschka, p. 12 (products, Alb buffalo, basket weaver): Office maichle-schmitt, p. 12/13 (red beech heartwood) Regional Association Neckar-Alb; all others: G. Künkele

Pictures on pp. 6, 8 (bottom + middle), 10/11 (middle), 13 (right), 14 (bottom + upper right)taken from the book “Naturerbe Truppenübungsplatz” (Natural Heritage Military Training Area) by Günter Künkele, © Silberburg-Verlag, Tübingen

Map: VIVA IDEA (Database: RP Tübingen)

Information status: 2 January 2008

Left: Heath spotted orchid; right: Large blue.

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Information status: 2 January 2008

The Biosphere Reserve Swabian Alb at a glance

Outer boundaryBiosphere Reserve

Bu�er zone

Transition zone

Core zone

Communityboundaries

Römerstein

Schelklingen

Münsingen

GutsbezirkMünsingen

Hayingen

Lauterach

Ehingen (Donau)

Zwiefalten

Gomadingen

Lichtenstein

Sankt Johann

Bad Urach

Pfullingen

Reutlingen

Metzingen

Eningen u. Achalm

Hülben

Neu�enKohlberg

Erkenbrechtsweiler

Graben-stetten

OwenBeuren

Dettingenu. Teck

Dettingena. d. Erms

Lenningen

Wester-heim

Neidlingen

Weilheim a. d. Teck

Bissingena. d. Teck

Area approx. 85,000 ha

Core zone approx. 3 %

Buffer zone approx. 42 %

Transition zone approx. 55 %

Unique features Close interrelationships between natural and urbanized areas, slope ravine forests, former Military Training Area Münsingen, castles, caves, fruit tree meadows, juniper heaths and noma-dic shepherding

Living and Working Close to Nature