Biosphere reserves as a long-term intervention in a region – strategies, processes, topics and principles of different participative planning and management regimes of biosphere reserves

Abstract

The management of protected areas has recently emerged as a new scientific discipline. To date, there is a lack of systematic and theoretical background. This study explored this vast field by combining different disciplines in an inter-and transdisciplinary approach. Taking two existing Austrian biosphere reserves (Großes Walsertal BR, Wienerwald BR) and one national park (Nockberge NP, BR planned) as typical examples, we analysed basic management principles in terms of intervention, participation, regional governance and change management. The broad base and special methodological approach showed the complexity of planning and managing a biosphere reserve. How local stakeholders perceive the process of development very often differs from what the planning regime was meant to do. The overwhelming importance of regional history, the power of established structures and social components (trust, enthusiasm etc.) can turn planning intentions into an unpredictable direction. Only a precise and focused strategic mix of process components can ensure a successful process. What constitutes an effective mix differs from region to region and must be defined individually. It also became clear that different phases of BR development need specific management approaches as intervention takes place in a typical order. Once again, proper participation proved crucial for the success of a BR. 29R e search eco.m o n t -Vo l u m e 3 , N u m b e r 1 , J u n e 2 0 1 1 ISSN 2 0 7 3 -1 0 6 X p r i n t v e r s i o n ISSN 2 0 7 3 -1 5 5 8 o n l i n e v e r s i o n : h t t p : / / e p u b . o e a w. a c . a t / e c o . m o n t

Relación entre pobreza y conservación del capital natural desde los Medios de Vida Sustentables en Villaflores, Chiapas, México

“…En áreas aún conservadas, donde ya se encontraban establecidas comunidades, se decretaron Reservas de la Biosfera (RB). En un análisis de diferentes casos de estudio en RB, identificaron que la gobernanza en dichas áreas es altamente dependiente de las estrategias de creación y de la gestión de los paisajes culturales, y hay una influencia negativa en procesos tipo de "arriba hacia abajo" (top down) (Jungmeier et al, 2011).…”

40 years of the UNESCO Man and the Biosphere Programme in Austria – a success story of ecologic basic research evolving into a flagship of transdisciplinarity

“…The MAB Committee is working at both national and international level towards a solution for the first generation BRs (Köck 2011). To this end, Austria funded a meeting of experts at the UNESCO headquarters in Paris in 2011, FischerKowalski et al 2008;Coy & Weixlbaumer 2009;Köck et al 2009b;Köck 2010;Borsdorf et al 2011;Jungmeier et al 2011;Petridis 2012;Tessema et al 2012;Jungmeier et al 2013 andMarchant & as well as promoting rezoning of the first generation BRs. Around 200 000 euros were invested in research on redesigning Neusiedler See BR (Wrbka et al 2009).…”