UNESCO Biosphere Reserve –
What does it mean?
Contents
UNESCO Biosphere Reserve – What does it mean?. . p. 3
Sought-after UNESCO recognition . . . . . . . . . . . . p. 3
Three 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. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lautertal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Slope ravine forests. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fruit tree meadows. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Magic number:
The three zones of the Biosphere Reserve. . . . . . . . . .
Transition zone – planning and development
of the quality of life. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Buffer zone – preservation of
traditional ways of life . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Core zone – preservation of
priceless treasures. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
p. 6
p. 7
p. 8
p. 9
p. 10
p. 12
p. 13
p. 14
What does the Swabian Alb have in common with the Serengeti, 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, development 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 conditions 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 recognition
The 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 Training Area), monuments of cultural history and geological highlights. A changing mosaic of treasures dear to our hearts.
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Requirements for recognition as a Biosphere Reserve
(Cultural) landscape unique in the world or in Europe
Area at least
Core zone
at least
30,000 ha
3%
Buffer zone
at least
10 %
Core and buffer zone combined
at least
20 %
Transition zone at least
50 %
Three zones, three objectives
Three 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 maintained and model projects initiated for production and marketing 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.
View of the City of Metzingen.
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Biosphere Reserve Swabian Alb –
Opportunity for the region
Sustainable regional development is a future-oriented undertaking. In this increasingly globalized world in particular, it enhances 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 Reutlingen 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 innovative nature conservation projects. This is also true of experience 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 special
In 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 countryside 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 cultural landscapes there and how they deserve protection. Companies with know-how in environmental technological fields can
become Biosphere Reserve partners.
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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 nutrient-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 vehicles 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 munitions and for reasons related to nature conservation, but trained
“TrÜP Guides” are available on request to lead the way.
Lautertal:
One of many dreamy valleys
The Große Lauter meanders across the Alb. Past wild forests,
imposing rock formations and romantic castles like Hohenhundersingen. 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 recreation. Naturalists find a paradise 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 communities 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.
More information:
Tourist Information Münsingen
Tel. 0 73 81 / 1 82-1 45
[email protected]
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 characterized by the dry, sunny detritus slopes along the Alb Escarpment 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 recognition 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 ecological values. The old ravine forests here are already worth a trip.
Where else can you experience the Swabian jungle?
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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 necessity: 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 little 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 surrounding 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 Reserve 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?
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The ensemble of buildings at the Altes Lager in the former Military Training Area
Münsingen embody a unique cultural monument.
Such worries are entirely unnecessary. Over 80 percent of the
core and buffer zone area are already classified as nature or landscape 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 challenge indeed for this country of thinkers and inventors: developing useful and innovative ideas on utilization of the Biosphere
Reserve. We need your ideas, too!
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Examples of innovative marketing concepts: fruity delights …
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 life
The 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!
… Products from the Alb Buffalo, hand-woven baskets, furniture made from …
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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.
Traditional nomadic
shepherding contributes to the
preservation of the speciesrich nutrient-poor meadows
on the Alb.
… beech red heartwood.
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Left: Heath spotted orchid; right: Large blue.
Core zone – preservation of priceless treasures
The core zone accounts for only about 3 percent of the Biosphere 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 helpers, 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.
Woodland stream with marsh marigold and hollow larkspur.
The Biosphere Reserve Swabian Alb is funded by the BadenWürttemberg 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 longterm 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
[email protected]
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)
Publisher: Coordination Office Biosphere Reserve, Government Presidium Tübingen
Text: Jutta Schneider-Rapp, Mikela Steinberger
Layout: VIVA IDEA, Esslingen, www.vivaidea.de
Photos: Title: Office maichle-schmitt, p. 4: City of Metzingen, p. 6 (top) + p. 11 (top): L. Nittel
p. 11 (lower right): W. Rybuschka, p. 12 (products, Alb buffalo, basket weaver): Office maichleschmitt, 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
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The Biosphere Reserve Swabian Alb at a glance
Weilheim
a. d. Teck
Dettingen
u. Teck
Owen
Beuren
Kohlberg
Neuffen
Metzingen
Reutlingen
Bissingen
a. d. Teck
Neidlingen
Lenningen
Erkenbrechtsweiler
Dettingen
Grabena. d. Erms
stetten
Hülben
Bad Urach
Eningen
u. Achalm
Westerheim
Römerstein
Gutsbezirk
Münsingen
Pfullingen
Sankt Johann
Lichtenstein
Münsingen
Schelklingen
Gomadingen
Outer boundary
Biosphere Reserve
Transition zone
Hayingen
Ehingen (Donau)
Buffer zone
Lauterach
Core zone
Community
boundaries
Zwiefalten
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 nomadic shepherding
Information status: 2 January 2008
Living and Working
Close to Nature