During this 4-hour workshop the participants will be introduced to the educational work with biosphere schools and -kindergartens. The workshop is outlined to be practical in most parts. We will start with an insight into our work and different projects that we already implemented in our partner institutions. The participants will not only get to know modern and current methods (projects) of education for sustainable development and climate change education but also experience and apply them. Games that we use for climate education of children and young adults like ACTIONBOUN-rallies, our new biosphere game, the Insect project, etc will be played through in small groups. Furthermore, there will be a lot of room for fruitful discussions and knowledge exchange among the contributors.

Workshop Chair: Alice Roth / France

During EuroMAB 2017 in Sarlat (France), a first workshop about continental aquatic ecosystems took place, gathering 40 representatives and partners from European and North American Biosphere Reserves. The aim of this working group was to develop networking between BR concerned by rivers and their management.
This working group has produced a ‘Declaration of principles’ which formalizes the objectives of the Continental Aquatic Ecosystems Working Group (CAE-MAB) (link to the declaration: https://cae-mab-network.com/declaration-of-principles/).

The members of the CAE-MAB working group wish to contribute to international reflections on the future of the aquatic ecosystems by bringing to the forefront their concerns about continental aquatic ecosystems. They aim at taking concrete steps to exchange information and to collaborate on approaches and projects that favour sustainable and harmonious social-hydrological relations.

A second workshop of the CAE-MAB working group has taken place in 2019, during the EuroMAB in Dublin.

As Elbe River Landscape Biosphere Reserve is a member of the CAE-MAB working group, we propose to organize a ‘Continental aquatic ecosystems workshop’ during next EuroMAB to share good practices and news from the BR.

Workshop Chair: Dr. Ulrich Gehrlein / Germany

Circular economy has become a key term for sustainable development. Although mostly discussed in the context or urban regions, rural areas have a great potential based on their availability of natural resources and processing capacities. Research highlights the importance of networks. Facilitators connect companies with each other and partners from research, the public sector, or the civil society. This helps to become aware of regional potentials from resources to industrial symbiosis or to collaboratively develop circular products and services. Biosphere reserves as model regions for sustainable development are predestined for bringing different actors together. As regional stakeholder they connect different interests and stakeholder groups including the private and public sector and civil society. The workshop wants to shed light on the potentials of biosphere reserves as model regions for circular economy. We want to discuss the role of biosphere reserves in fostering circular economy as well as barrier and success factors. Finally, we are interested in sharing knowledge and experiences in implementing circular economy in biosphere reserves.

Workshop Chair: Johanna MacTaggart / Sweden

Nature Based Solutions (NBS) are solutions to societal challenges that are inspired and supported by nature. Their long-term benefits are well known but technically engineered concepts that deliver more immediate impact are often chosen when addressing climate change challenges. For NBS to be successful, multiple stakeholder involvement has been recognized as a key element. However, more practical experience and know-how is needed. The aim of this workshop is to contribute to the understanding of how BRs can inspire to more frequent use of NBS to address climate change challenges by developing tools for knowledge generation. By showcasing methods used in BRs, such as multistakeholder approaches and Learning Sites, this workshop will lead to a greater understanding of BRs as drivers towards a more sustainable way of living.

Workshop Chair: Thomas Thaler / Austria

Extreme weather events cause substantial economic damage and social disruption in our society to date. These climate-related risks will become even more severe in the future, driven by the increasing frequency and magnitude of natural hazard events, a growing number of buildings and infrastructure is at risk, which as well affects the vulnerability and resilience of residents and businesses. In particular, biosphere reserves are highly affected by extreme weather events, but surprisingly play no role in the management of natural hazards. The project MultiBios addresses the issue of managing natural hazards in Biosphere Reserves, particularly in view of intensifying climate change and future socioeconomic development. Because of this, this session will identify best-practice examples of how to reach a holistic governance and management of natural hazards to improve the socio-ecological resilience of Biosphere Reserves.

In this session first results from the MultiBios project on the role of Biosphere Reserves in managing natural hazards, showing potential roles, obstacles and hurdles for taking an active role in managing natural hazards will be presented. Based on that input we want to further reflect and discuss ideas on how research projects and programs can be (re)-designed to further increase their relevance for Biosphere Reserves.

Workshop Chair: Elisabeth Wiegele and Michael Jungmeier / Austria

A recently launched online-tool shall help managers of Biosphere Reserves to reflect and plan the management. The tool is easy to use and spans the whole “lifecycle” of a site, including planning and site designation, long-term management (core processes, outreach, administration, governance), repeal, and termination, as well as management activities beyond borders (buffer zones, corridors, networks). As such, the toolbox can offer a comprehensive view of the development of a Biosphere Reserve. Utilizing a self-assessment tool, users can evaluate their progress and take appropriate actions. In this workshop, participants will be guided to apply the IPAM Toolbox to their Biosphere Reserves, assessing current states, identifying challenges, and developing tailored strategies. Through interactive exercises, participants will gain practical skills and tools to enhance conservation effectiveness. Participants will benefit from each other´s experiences.

Chair: Selina Strasser, Co-Chair: Günter Köck  / Austria

The SCiENCE_LINK project is about building a bridge between university research and the reality of life in a “model region for sustainable development”. This model region is the Carinthian Nockberge Biosphere Reserve. As a UNESCO-recognised model and future region, the biosphere reserve follows an active research, education, protection and development mission. The biosphere reserve works in cooperation with the Alpen-Adria-Universität Klagenfurt and the Carinthian University of Applied Sciences to offer students the opportunity to write an exciting, practice-oriented scientific thesis and in the course of this to get to know sustainability-related focal points directly in their field of research. The aim of the cooperation is to bring together interested, scientifically researching persons and the living and research area of the Carinthian Nockberge Biosphere Reserve. The research cooperation can reflect on a successful 10-year history and has now reached the stage where further educational institutions and organisations are interested in a cooperation. As a result, new topics are also moving into the focus of the SCiENCE_LINK project. Climate change is one of the key issues here.

To what extent is promising cooperation feasible in this field of action?

Various resources are required to maintain the quality of this project and to further develop the topics with regard to climate change. This raises questions regarding funding and human resources.

Workshop Chair: Barbara Engels / Germany & Didier Babin / France

Biosphere reserves and the Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF)

The workshop will explore the role of UNESCO BRs in the implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF). It will look at the expectations towards, the opportunities and challenges for biospheres reserves  in the implementation of the GBF. The BGF will be introduced to create a broader understanding of the GBF and provide opportunity for participants to discuss the links to the GBF and its goals/Tarrets in detail.

Workshop 16 on Other Effective Conservation Measures (OECM; part of target 3 of the GBF) will complement this workshop.

Workshop Chair: Anna Kovbasniuk / Ukraine

The MAB Youth network has been growing for several years now. Younger generations are asking to be better represented at all levels of the MAB programme. At the EuroMAB 2024 conference, their request has been heard, as their participation has been facilitated and a specific day will be dedicated to address their needs and concerns. This workshop aims to create an intergenerational arena to share and discuss diverse visions on positive futures in Biosphere Reserves, identify indicators to measure youth implication and consideration, and discuss how these visions and indicators can lead to change. A special attention will be given to the importance of visions from Youth and their engagement in Biosphere Reserves. This workshop will contribute to the creation of indicators on youth and biodiversity in the context of intergenerational justice

Workshop Chair: Annika Keeley / Canada

Ecological connectivity is a key strategy for successful biodiversity conservation especially in the face of climate change, which is increasingly being recognized in national policies and international frameworks, including the CBD Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. The time is ripe for Biosphere Networks to change the approach to connectivity by making it an intentional, integral part of planning and management, thereby increasing ecosystem resilience and creating a sustainable future under climate change.

In this interactive session, participants will be introduced to the IUCN Connectivity Guidelines and pan-European connectivity efforts. Case studies will illustrate aspects of connectivity planning and implementation in biosphere reserves, highlighting challenges and solutions in diverse nations. During a 1-hour long, facilitated, interactive session, participants will be asked to brainstorm connectivity-related resource needs, governance issues, technical challenges, barriers, and solutions. Through this discussion participants will be able to identify shared challenges and takeaway potential solutions and collaborations. The anticipated outcome of the workshop is a paper and/or toolkit about applying the IUCN Connectivity Guidelines to biosphere reserves.

Workshop Chair: Alice Roth / France & Christian Diry / Austria

In the last years, many games have been developed in Biosphere Reserves and in collaboration with research teams. They can be used on a variety of occasions and for a variety of purposes, whether to raise awareness of sustainable resource management, help resolve conflicts or anticipate and prevent the effects of climate change.  Based on feedback and personal accounts, we will attempt to answer a number of questions: do these games fulfil their role in triggering and accelerating change in Biosphere Reserves? What are the obstacles and levers to their use? Are some audiences more receptive to these tools than others?

Workshop chair: Johannes Prueter / Germany

The consequences of climate change are becoming very clear on rivers and their floodplains. Extreme flood events or prolonged periods of drought are having an increasing impact on floodplain ecosystems. Restauration measures and nature-based solutions for mitigation of flood hazards are required as well as adaptive concepts for sustainable floodplain management. In the workshop the following main issues should be addressed: How can UNESCO biosphere reserves provide a good and effective framework for transregional or even transnational cooperation that is essential for watercourses? Which are current management demands in terms of nature conservation and socio-economic interests under the conditions of climate change? Which strategies and instruments have been proven to shape and promote sustainable participation processes in riverine UNESCO biosphere reserves?

Workshop chair: Liette Vasseur / Canada

Nature-based solutions (NbS) aim at protecting, restoring, and sustainably managing nature to address societal challenges. Among them, climate change and biodiversity loss are critical societal challenges that must be urgently addressed. NbS can play a major role in the transition towards net zero and recovery of biodiversity. For biospheres, this approach can be attractive to engage communities. Since the adoption of the ecosystem approach by the UN Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD 2000), IUCN has continued to develop tools to support organizations, governments and communities to address these challenges. In July 2020, IUCN launched the Global Standard for Nature-based Solutions. The standard Abstract (200 words max, highlighting the connection to the conference theme and specific target group if applicable): include eight criteria and demonstrate the importance of biodiversity, governance, trade-offs to ensure that solutions are effective, sustainable, and socially acceptable. Since then, the Commission on Ecosystem Management of IUCN has been analyzing case studies and promoting the principles and criteria for a project to be considered an NBS. This presentation will provide the criteria and how they can be applied in projects and the importance of ecosystem governance and public engagement in such a process. Participants will have the opportunity to reflect and discuss how they believe they could apply NbS in their own biospheres.

Workshop chair: David Beland / Canada

Sustainable tourism can coexist in core and buffer zones with careful management and monitoring to maintain ecological balance. Research partnerships are key to reducing tourism’s ecological impact by offering data on environmental health and conservation effectiveness.

This workshop will discuss exemplary practices, identify crucial biodiversity and climate indicators for tourism, and facilitate strategy sharing for effective research collaborations, aiming to integrate scientific insights into sustainable tourism and conservation efforts.

The workshop is aimed at biosphere reserves managing touristic activities or experiencing conflict of use involving touristic activities.

Workshop chair: Kelly Cerialo / USA

This workshop explores the transformative potential of technology, innovation, and digitalization in UNESCO Biosphere Reserves. As Biosphere Reserves face increasingly complex challenges, from climate change to biodiversity loss, leveraging technological advancements becomes crucial for effective conservation and sustainable development. Through presentations, case studies, and interactive discussions, participants will examine how emerging technologies such as remote sensing, GIS, citizen science, and digital platforms can enhance monitoring, management, and community engagement in Biosphere Reserves. The workshop aims to foster collaboration, exchange best practices, and inspire new approaches to harnessing technology for the benefit of both people and the nature within Biosphere Reserves and to develop new climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies

Workshop Chair: Marc Metzger / Great Britain

Biosphere reserves can contribute to meeting area-based 2030 action targets of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (UNESCO, 2022). This is acknowledged by the CBD in its Target 3.1 metadata factsheet (UNEP-WCMC, 2003) and the IUCN National Committee for the UK. However, there are challenges in achieving formal recognition for several reasons: a) double counting of designated sites within Biosphere Reserves must be avoided; b) governance and management needs to appropriate; and c) sustained and effective contributions to conservation and biodiversity ensured. The actual designation of Biosphere Reserves as OECMs is complicated by the diversity and heterogeneity of Biosphere reserve governance and varying degrees of monitoring and evaluation of conservation outcomes. And contrasting national approaches to designation provide further challenges. This workshop will bring together the EuroMAB network to: a) learn about latest developments in OECMs designation in Europe: b) reflect on insights from a UNESCO survey to understand interests and experiences in OECM designation within EuroMAB; c) hear specific examples of challenges and progress; and d) discuss how to proceed and ensure (parts of) UNESCO Biospheres will be considered as OECMs.

Workshop chair: Larry McDermott / Canada

From One with Nature: A Renewed Approach to Land and Freshwater Conservation in Canada, the following point was made in the executive summary: “recognizes the integral role of Indigenous Peoples as leaders in conservation, and respects the rights, responsibilities, and priorities of First Nations, Inuit and Metis Peoples.” 

“Accordingly, the jointly developed pan-Canadian federal, provincial and territorial approach to support progress towards achieving Target 1 recommends that Indigenous collaboration consider the principles of Ethical Space as an open dialogue in which jurisdictions can support meaningful, respectful and cross-cultural discussion, in which Indigenous knowledge systems are considered alongside western science.”

Understanding how to create ethical space for transformative change is essential when partnering with Indigenous peoples. This workshop will be led by Elder Larry McDermott, who played a key role in creating Ethical Space for the Canadian Pathways 1 process, primarily to guide Canada including territories and provinces in achieving the goals and targets of the CBD. 

The Canadian national co-governance model, including the specific accommodations made to ensure respectful and cross-cultural dialogue (Ethical Space) where Indigenous Knowledge Systems are considered alongside western science, will be shared. 

Workshop chair: Kristina Maud Bergeron / Canada

Biodiversity conservation, fight against climate change and climate adaptation are international priorities that are to be implemented locally. Active and strategic cooperation between UNESCO sites can achieve greater results in implementing the CBD post 2020 framework and the UNFCCC Paris agreement on climate change.

This workshop will discuss challenges, barriers, opportunities and strategies for cooperation between UNESCO sites. It aims to foster a deeper understanding of collaboration at regional, national and subnational levels, and the contributions of BRs to this effect. 

The workshop is aimed at biosphere reserves’ managers and MAB national committees’ members.

Workshop chair: Agnė Jasinavičiūtė / Lithuania

UNESCO biosphere reserves serve as exemplars for integrating innovative concepts, including renewable energy, to showcase sustainable resource utilization while preserving vital habitats. However, the realization of this objective must navigate the intricate challenges posed by fragile ecosystems, ranging from direct impacts on biodiversity to environmental pollution. In Lithuania, the discourse on renewable energy within protected areas emerged with plans for a significant wind energy park in the Žuvintas Biosphere Reserve’s transition zone, exposing gaps in scientific understanding and persistent research limitations amid rapid technological advancements. While emerging solutions offer promise for previously restricted zones, they also necessitate ongoing regulatory scrutiny. This abstract proposes a workshop to address critical questions: How can monitoring, evaluation, and adaptive management strategies continually enhance the sustainability of renewable energy projects within Biosphere Reserves? Furthermore, how might the development and management of renewable resources bolster landscape connectivity and ecosystem resilience? These inquiries underscore the imperative for strategic dialogue and interdisciplinary collaboration to harmonize energy Abstract (200 words max, highlighting the connection to the conference theme and specific target group if applicable): development with ecological conservation in protected regions.

Workshop chair: Zoe Compton / Canada

Following the EuroMAB Youth Conference, this workshop will be designed to bridge the gap between youth and site managers to encourage meaningful youth engagement and leadership in Biosphere Reserves. UNESCO Biosphere Reserves are mandated to engage all sectors of society, and engaging youth is essential for sites to meet their full potential. Consistently engaging youth can help advance sustainable development and modernize work related to the protection of natural and cultural heritage. Youth have a vested interest in the future and deserve to be active participants in the decision-making processes that concern the environment. This workshop will present the Canadian Commission for UNESCO’s Toolkit for Youth Engagement in UNESCO Designated Sites, identifying challenges and offering strategies for site managers to enhance youth engagement and foster meaningful inter- and multi-generational dialogue in Biosphere Reserves around the world. Youth from Canadian BRs will then facilitate a discussion on the power of youth leadership to advance Agenda 2030 and encourage the sharing of best practices for meaningful youth engagement.

Workshop chair: Jana Gengelbach / Germany

Biosphere reserves (BRs) are significant learning sites for developing, testing and implementing climate change mitigation and adaptation measures and policies, including nature-based solutions (NBS). Yet, how BRs facilitate climate change adaptation and mitigation that is both equitable and inclusive has not been fully explored. More specifically, our understanding of how BRs are working to integrate equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) in their principles and operations, is less known. Without adequate safeguards, actions to mitigate and adapt to climate change can perpetuate and exclude historically underrepresented groups such as Indigenous People, women, visible minorities and youth. BRs as leaders in uniting people through education, science and culture, are ideally positioned to spearhead climate change adaptation and mitigation plans that integrate EDI considerations. BRs in Canada have started to integrate EDI principles into their operations, but to date, there is no unified strategy or framework to guide them. In this workshop, we will explore how attention to EDI can enhance the implementation of BR initiatives, discuss attributes important for designing an EDI framework and make recommendations for enhancing EDI efforts within BRs.

Workshop chair: Lisa Wolf / Austria

Transboundary cooperation in UNESCO Biosphere Reserves and especially along rivers is challenging. The UNESCO TBR Mura-Drava-Danube as well as the Elbe-River face similar risks and potential threats. The floodplains and forests along the rivers need improvement and protection, but river straightening, intensive forestry, the spread of invasive species, depletion of the gene pool and a lack of cross-border cooperation favour a poor state of conservation. Climate change plays a crucial role in changes in rivers and streams at the global level too. Nevertheless, rivers and their bordering habitats are lifelines for thousands of people, species and habitats. Restoring and conserving those ecosystems, rivers and Abstract their habitats, will play a fundamental role in climate mitigation and adaptation. Within the full-day workshop we would like to visit good practice examples referring to ecosystem restoration of the Elbe-River, hear from experts about these ecosystems, and exchange on project experience from participants. The target group will be/are participants from the BRs including rivers, floodplains and floodplain forests, and especially from the UNESCO TBR MDD, since a delegation of it will be present (in cooperation with the LIFE RESTORE for MDD project).

Workshop chair: Valentin Fiala / Austria

Biosphere Reserves(BR) are model regions for sustainability. Research with, in and about the reserves ought to produce new knowledge to actively support their sustainable development, espedally in the context of climate change. However, this goal is not always achieved and scientific Rndings are sometimes of limited relevance for the people living and working in BR. In this context previous EuroMAB :onferences have identified specific needs to strengthen the European MAB Programme, however progress on achieving :hese has been minimal. This workshop aims to contribute to ine specific need by developing a guidance document to iupport BR, researchers and national BR coordinators to levelop research strategies with relevance for people living ind working in BR. The first Session will identify good-practice examples of research activities that are particularly relevant for BR and uncover the underlying reasons behind their relevance. Building on this, the second Session will allow for further reflection and discussion on how research projects and programmes can be (re)-designed to further increase their relevance for BR, especially considering climate change and science-society interactions. In the third Session, we hope to jointly develop the first draft of good practice guidelines to support the development of research strategies for BR.