Project details

The UNESCO Biosphere Reserve Rhön was recognised by UNESCO in 1991 as a transnational biosphere reserve in Bavaria, Hesse and Thuringia, has already successfully passed two periodic reviews (2003 and 2013) and is now undergoing the third evaluation process in 2023/2024.

The 'Report of the periodic review' - accompanied by IfLS Consulting and Projects - presents the developments of the past 10 years (2013-2022) within the biosphere reserve and specifically addresses the activities of the three administrative bodies of the biosphere reserve as well as other relevant regional actors. In addition, goals and perspectives for future action are derived.

Close coordination with the three administrations of the Rhön biosphere reserve in Bavaria, Hesse and Thuringia is therefore essential. To convey a comprehensive picture, the involvement of the approximately 300 regional stakeholders who were involved in the preparation of the framework concept updated in 2018 is also of great importance in the context of the periodic review. In addition to an online survey, 3 half-day evaluation workshops on the overarching themes of "protection", "development" and "logistics" (i.e. research, education and communication) will therefore be conducted in the course of the evaluation report.

Thus, the periodic review offers the opportunity to comprehensively reflect on the work in the Rhön biosphere reserve. Hence, the periodic review is not only a proof of the work of the administrations of the biosphere reserve Rhön vis-à-vis UNESCO. It can help to strengthen the quality of the biosphere as a model region for developing and testing new approaches to sustainable development.