sign in sign up
<<
Home , Wildlife conservation

40 Reserves – inspiring action for Agenda 2030

Published by In cooperation with

Biosphere Reserves – inspiring action for Agenda 2030 42 Biosphere Reserves – inspiring action for Agenda 2030

Biosphere Reserves – inspiring action for Agenda 2030 Biosphere Reserves – inspiring action for Agenda 2030  45 44

Preface

In September 2015, at the UN summit in year for the protection and sustainable use New York, leaders of the world adopted of and other worldwide. “The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Develop- These areas provide vital services and play a ment”. The Agenda provides new impetus key role in reducing poverty and achieving and orientation for the world to shift onto a sustainable development. sustainable and resilient path. Its 17 Sustain- able Development Goals (SDGs) balance the The German Federal Ministry for Econom- economic, social and environmental dimen- ic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) sions of sustainable development. They aim therefore pursues an integrated approach to stimulate action over the next 15 years in that combines and areas that are of critical importance to the the sustainable use of natural . planet and to humanity. With this approach, Germany has long been supporting partner countries in establishing Given their importance for sustainability and managing protected areas. At present, and human well-being, it is not surprising Germany provides support to more than that and healthy ecosystems, 350 protected areas in over 40 countries, a including aquatic and terrestrial and total area as big as France and Germany put inception, they have generated a wealth of opment. This brochure portrays some of the genetic resources, feature prominently in the together. experiences and lessons, some of which are work being done in biosphere reserves and goals and targets of the 2030 Agenda such as described in this brochure. Now it is time showcases exemplary projects. those relating to poverty eradication, Balancing conservation and sustainable use to let these experiences inspire societies, security and sustainable agriculture, sustain- of biodiversity is also central to the “Man governments, the private sector and rural able management, economic growth, and the Biosphere” (MAB) programme of the and urban communities to take action on cities and human settlements, sustainable United Nations Educational, Scientific the SDGs. consumption and production, and effective, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The accountable and inclusive institutions. UNESCO biosphere reserves were designed In German development cooperation, the ULRIKE HAUPT as model regions for sustainable devel- UNESCO biosphere reserves are seen as an Head of Division Protecting biodiversity is an integral part of opment whose inhabitants are supported ideal instrument to support partner coun- Environment; Sustainable use of Natural Resources; German development cooperation. Since in the pursuit of environmentally sound tries in their efforts towards conservation and Biodiversity 2013, the German government has been livelihoods and thus in developing sustain- and sustainable use of their biodiversity and Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development making half a billion euros available each able societies and economies. Since their to identify sustainable pathways for devel- 46 Biosphere Reserves – inspiring action for Agenda 2030 47 47

Contents

1 2 3 4 THE CONTRIBUTION WHAT ARE BIOSPHERE WHY SUPPORT BIOSPHERE OF GERMAN DEVELOPMENT INSPIRING ACTION FOR RESERVES? 8 RESERVES? 10 COOPERATION 12 AGENDA 2030 37 48 Biosphere Reserves – inspiring action for Agenda 2030 49

A biosphere reserve consists of different characteristic of the - What are biosphere reserves? sections, each with its own con- scape. This is achieved by managing land servation, management and development use to serve biodiversity conservation. functions, graded according to the intensity The earth’s crust and atmosphere form the ••natural ecosystems (largely unaffected of human activities: ––In the transitional zone environmentally biosphere, which is capable of supporting by human interventions) and and socially sustainable forms of produc- . Biosphere reserves are there to protect ––In the core area, often a national park, tion and consumption are pioneered. the environment and the organisms living ••near natural (cultural land- nature’s dynamic processes can take their in it in certain areas. This is achieved by scapes with traditional land-uses) course without human intervention. safeguarding biodiversity and developing sustainable forms of using land and natural  development: ensuring that economic ––The buffer zone surrounding the core is resources, to the mutual benefit of humans and human development within biosphere usually altered or influenced by human and nature. reserves is socio-culturally and environ- use, but provides habitats for animal and mentally sustainable by Biosphere reserves are broad-scale natural and cultural that are recog- ••implementing exemplary approaches nised by UNESCO under the Man and towards environmentally sound land BIOSPHERE RESERVES ARE COMPOSED OF THREE ZONES, the Biosphere Program (MAB). They offer use with the local population EACH OF WHICH FULFILLS DIFFERENT FUNCTIONS. viable examples of the compatibility of nature conservation, protection of cultural ••tailoring development goals to diversity and local economic development. environmental and socioeconomic MAB has been running for 40 years, and conditions and now, over 600 biosphere reserves in 120 countries including 15 transboundary sites ••supporting opportunities for sustain- form a World Network of Biosphere Re- able development appropriate to the serves. The Network supports the exchange area of experience and transferable knowledge of how ecosystems function, consequences  logistic support: fostering environmental of human interventions, and the success of education and training as well as research conservation and development measures. and environmental monitoring by offering

The three fundamental functions of ••settings parts of which are permanent- biosphere reserves are: ly protected, making them ideal for ecosystems research  conservation: safeguarding ecosystems and landscapes along with their genetic ••opportunities to develop locally suited RESEARCH diversity. A biosphere reserve maintains the solutions meeting the requirements of dynamics of the natural environment as well as the MONITORING CORE AREA local population. EDUCATION BUFFER ZONE

TOURISM TRANSITION AREA 50 Biosphere Reserves – inspiring action for Agenda 2030 48 51

Why support biosphere reserves? → BECAUSE THEY teach us how human intervention affects ecosystems and habitats and vice versa

→ BECAUSE THEY → BECAUSE THEY show us how to balance nature conservation suggest themselves as areas to practise with economic development organic agriculture and ecologically adapted management → BECAUSE THEY can contribute to peace- → BECAUSE THEY building, especially across help to deliver services such borders as providing clean or maintaining a stable microclimate for agriculture → BECAUSE THEY ecologically connect areas important for biodiversity in the landscape

→ BECAUSE THEY protect cultural diversity by supporting local and indigenous forms of production and consumption → BECAUSE THEY serve as a learning ground for regional, national and international exchange to promote sustainable development

→ BECAUSE THEY → BECAUSE THEY allow us to study ecosystems and look at link cultural and biological how they work in a protected environment diversity for the benefit of nature and people 52 Biosphere Reserves – inspiring action for Agenda 2030 The contribution of German development cooperation 53

The contribution of German development cooperation

Rich biodiversity and healthy ecosystems Support is particularly aimed at putting are the foundation of human existence effective mechanisms in place to balance and wellbeing. We need them to safeguard conservation goals with the development future development options. Functioning interests of the local and indigenous ecosystems provide a wide range of services communities. Success crucially depends that are critical to human life and liveli- on the involvement of the local population hoods, such as clean water, fertile and right from the planning stages to the long- maintaining of microclimates. Biodiversity term management of an area as biosphere is therefore a crucial issue for German reserve. development cooperation. Since 2013, the German Federal Government has spent Promoting the development of value more than 500 million euros annually on chains based on local sustainably grown or supporting the protection and sustainable harvested products generates additional use of forests and other ecosystems. employment and sources of income. This reduces poverty among the rural popu- As part of this effort, the German Federal lation. The private sector is an important Ministry for Economic Cooperation and partner in efforts to develop business Development (BMZ) assists its partner opportunities while harnessing the value of countries in the establishment and further biodiversity. development of biosphere reserves. It is currently working with 16 countries on An economic valuation of the ecosystem four continents, supporting a total of 24 services supplied by the strictly protected UNESCO biosphere reserves including areas to their sustainably used surround- two transboundary reserves. Assistance to ings can be instrumental in enhancing biosphere reserves often is embedded into buy-in from communities and local larger programmes on protected areas or on governments. Another important aspect rural development. Financial and techni- of Germany’s development cooperation cal cooperation complement each other, approach is to encourage consultations and providing infrastructure, equipment and agreements among the various government sustainable financing mechanisms as well institutions having a mandate over the as technical advice, organisational support different areas in a biosphere reserve. and capacity development.

Yasuní Biosphere Reserve, Ecuador WORLDWIDE COMMITMENT EUROPE BIOSPHERE RESERVES AREA IN KM² Albania, Ohrid-Prespa Transboundary 4.462 Biosphere Reserves supported Macedonia Biosphere Reserve by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ)1

ASIA BIOSPHERE RESERVES AREA IN KM² Indonesia Lore Lindu 21.829 Yemen Socotra Archipelago 26.816

LATIN AMERICA AND BIOSPHERE RESERVES AREA IN KM² CARIBBEAN Brazil Central Amazon 208.599 AFRICA BIOSPHERE RESERVES AREA IN KM² Dominican Republic Jarangua-Bahoruco-Enriquillo 4.767 Benin Pendjari 5.750 Ecuador Archipiélago de Colón (Galápagos) 147.618 Côte d'Ivoire Taï 6.200 Ecuador Podocarpus – El Cóndor 11.400 Côte d'Ivoire Comoé 11.500 Ecuador Sumaco 9.312 Madagascar Mananara Nord 1.400 Ecuador Yasuni 16.820 (27.404) * Tanzania Serengeti Ngorongoro 23.051 Guatemala Maya 21.129 South Africa Kruger to Canyons 24.747 Haiti La Selle 3.772 Honduras Río Plátano 8.000 Región de Calakmul 13.717 Mexico Sierra Gorda 3.782 Nicaragua Bosawas 21.815 Peru Huascarán 11.558 Peru Noroeste 2.314 El Salvador, Honduras, Trifinio Fraternidad Transboundary 1.198 Guatemala Biosphere Reserve * proposed extension

1 ongoing projects as of July 2015. Source: Updated information based on "Committed to Biodiversity", BMZ/BMUB (2014); and UNESCO MAB Programme Directory of the World Network of Biosphere Reserves. 56 Biosphere Reserves – inspiring action for Agenda 2030 The contribution of German development cooperation 57

COMOÉ BIOSPHERE RESERVE, CÔTE D’IVOIRE Regaining momentum - for the rural economy and for biodiversity conservation

Situated in the north of Côte d’Ivoire, and by nine years of political crisis and armed featuring both savannah and forest ecosys- conflict, and its core area suffered tems, the Comoé Biosphere Reserve boasts substantial degradation of natural resources a high level of biodiversity and provides a as well as an intensification of . stable microclimate for local agricultural production. Together with surrounding Importantly, now that the conflict is over, areas that could eventually constitute a the Ivorian Agency for Protected Areas buffer zone, its core area, Comoé National (OIPR) needs to strengthen its capacities Park, stretches across three regional ad- to manage Comoé National Park and its ministrative units, Bounkani, Hambol and buffer zone. German technical and financial Tchologo. The region was severely affected cooperation is supporting the agency in its

Hemiscus Sp. and other rare and endemic species offer great potential for scientific discovery. 58 Biosphere Reserves – inspiring action for Agenda 2030 Biosphere Reserves – inspiring action for Agenda 2030 59

efforts, which involve the (re-) establishment Crucial for the success of the biosphere of necessary infrastructure and procurement reserve is that the Ivorian government, of equipment. Management staff and via OIPR, and the locally elected represent- park rangers have been trained to use atives from the regional authority of Boun- state-of-the-art tools for bio-monitoring and kani share the vision of turning the Comoé to keep track of poaching activities and the region into an area of sustainable devel- dynamics of legal as well as illegal land oc- opment. To achieve this, stakeholders have cupation. Next on the agenda is an intensive agreed to continue to improve the zoning training on aerial wildlife count enabling of the reserve so that the area can perform OIPR staff to carry out an inventory of large its functions of biodiversity conservation, and medium-sized animals in the area. economic and social development, promotion of research, including It is equally important for economic indigenous knowledge, as well as training development to gain momentum again in and environmental education of the public. the transition zone in order to secure local livelihoods. The programme is focusing on the cashew, onion, corn and pork sectors. An ongoing economic study of agricultural enterprises is assessing the profitability of crops and of conventional as opposed to improved farming practices and marketing methods. Based on its results, farmers and extension services will have better options to sustainably raise incomes among rural households.

Cashew tree with fruit and processing of cashew nuts. maintaining controlled access to its natural  WHAT CONTRIBUTION DO YOU  Committed to biosphere reserves resources. EXPECT FROM AN ASSESSMENT OF ECOSYSTEM SERVICES?  HOW DOES INTERACTION BETWEEN reserves in West Africa and exchange lessons THE DIFFERENT ZONES AND ORGAN-  Stakeholders in the Comoé region have learned. In 2015, he co-authored the ISATIONAL MANDATES WORK IN identified a number of ecosystem services Management Manual for UNESCO Biosphere PRACTICE? relevant for human well-being supplied Reserves in Africa, published by the German by the biosphere reserve such as provi- Commission for UNESCO. Dr Tiomoko  OIPR participates in designing development sion of honey, fish and medicinal , Ali’s appointment as a member of the strategy plans for the Bounkani region. and pollination, for example, of cashew. International Advisory Committee of the Similarly, representatives from the regional Further investigation and valuation is UNESCO Man and Biosphere (MAB) Pro- authority of Bounkani sit on the Comité needed. The goal is to build a stronger case gramme therefore came as no surprise. “Bio- de Gestion Local, the local management for the biosphere reserve and its services sphere Reserves are the model regions for board of the reserve. This way, the strictly and to demonstrate the importance of the sustainable development. It’s what motivates protected areas become an integral part of protection of its ecosystems. me to work on this issue,” Dr Tiomoko Ali the landscape. succinctly sums up his commitment.

 DR DJAFAROU TIOMOKO ALI, WHAT IS YOUR ROLE AS AN ADVISER IN A BIO- SPHERE RESERVE CONTEXT?

 I advise the OIPR staff on matters concerning zoning, changes and periodic reviews of Comoé biosphere reserve as Biosphere reserves are what Dr Djafarou well as its development, operation and Tiomoko Ali’s life seems to be revolving monitoring in accordance with the Seville around. A national from Benin, Dr Tiomoko Strategy Framework of the World Network Ali is currently coordinator of the Ger- of Biosphere Reserves. man-Ivorian Programme Development of biodiversity and economy in the area of Taï  HOW DO OIPR ACTIVITIES IN A and Comoé for the Comoé region. He brings BIOSPHERE RESERVE CONTEXT DIFFER a wealth of experience with him. For twelve FROM MANAGING A NATIONAL PARK? years, he served as coordinator of the Pendjari WHAT ARE THE MAIN CHALLENGES? Biosphere Reserve in his home country of Benin, also in the context of a German  OIPR has a key role to play in ensuring cooperation project. A four-year regional the legal and sustainable use of natural UNESCO-MAB project funded by UNEP-GEF resources in the buffer zone. Defining on capacity building permitted him to hand the limits and extent of the buffer zone on his knowledge to five other biosphere remains a major challenge, and so does 62 Biosphere Reserves – inspiring action for Agenda 2030 Biosphere Reserves – inspiring action for Agenda 2030 63

GRAN PAJATÉN BIOSPHERE RESERVE, PERU Local initiatives and people’s interest: key factors for setting up a new biosphere reserve

For many years, Germany has been sup- local actors such as producer groups and porting Peru’s system of protected areas, local governments with the proposal, its for instance by financing infrastructure in underlying model and national parks and improving the adminis- the benefits the proposed biosphere reserve tration and financing of protected areas and could bring. buffer zones. Germany’s main partner is the National Service for Protected Areas For instance, an academic study had (SERNANP), which is also the focal point demonstrated the relation between income for the country’s four biosphere reserves. from cocoa production and forest coverage. SERNANP has just submitted a proposal to As the rate of water infiltration depends the MAB Programme for a fifth biosphere on forest coverage, cocoa crops closer to reserve, Gran Pajatén, with Rio Abiseo the national park have a higher annual National Park as its core zone. yield than those further away. Such studies highlight the fundamental role of biodiver- The main factor driving the preparation sity conservation in production processes. of the proposed biosphere reserve was a “The link between the ecosystem services technical committee in charge of the field supplied by the core zone and the economic work made up of different institutions interests of the beneficiaries mainly located either linked to the national park or to in the buffer zone is what we really want other agencies in the buffer zone. How- to make the entire population inside a bio- ever, the initial interest and impetus to sphere reserve aware of,” comments Pedro form the committee had come from local Gamboa. stakeholders involved in conservation and sustainable production initiatives. “Had The German-Peruvian cooperation project this not been the case, nothing would have ProAmbiente provided advisory services to been achieved,” explains Pedro Gamboa, the technical committee and supported the Director of SERNANP. The technical com- consultations with local stakeholders and au- mittee then helped with familiarising more thorities to discuss and approve the proposal. 64 Biosphere Reserves – inspiring action for Agenda 2030 Biosphere Reserves – inspiring action for Agenda 2030 65

 HOW DO BIOSPHERE RESERVES  Of course, the management of a nation-  A management model that HELP TO MAKE THE ECONOMIC al park is quite different from that of a ASPIRATIONS OF LOCAL biosphere reserve. However, it is clear strengthens partnerships COMMUNITIES COMPATIBLE WITH that there, too, our work must involve the CONSERVATION OF BIODIVERSITY? buffer zone, which is where the problems and illegal activities originate from and function in synergy. In that context, we  I think they’re a great opportunity in this find their way into the protected area. But have improved our relationship and work respect. For instance, we are starting to also inside protected areas, management with our major allies: local populations. use the distinction of Biosphere Reserve to plans include an inner zoning for different promote products as “nature-friendly”. We sustainable uses of the land and resourc-  WHAT ARE THE SPECIFIC have some examples of producers’ associ- es with varying levels of restrictions. In CHALLENGES? ations that now understand and compre- Peru, in several cases, people were living hend this process, orienting their work to inside national parks long before they  Issues like coordination between different specialised market niches not seeking mass were established, which is why the use of institutions (local, sub-national and production items but handmade, organic, natural resources has to be monitored case national as well as international nature-friendly products. In short, we have by case, even for parks with indirect use cooperation, private sector and society producers who respect nature. category. as a whole) can be a headache. And we need innovative ideas to help producers  HOW CAN LESSONS BE TRANSFERRED Granting rights of use inside protected ar- and managers secure markets for ELSEWHERE? eas involves the participation of authorities their products. In this field, we are in the at different levels. The case of Pacaya- Pedro Gamboa, Director of Peru's National Service for process of consolidating existing partner-  We have applied the same approach in Samiria National Reserve, for example, has Protected Areas SERNANP ships with local universities, research and protected areas, in which sustainable use allowed us to coordinate closely with re- training institutes as well as strengthening is part of the management regime, like source management groups, the Regional private sector participation. Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve. The local Bureau of Production, the Regional Bureau  WHAT ARE THE MAIN LESSONS THAT resource manager groups who use native of Environment and Natural Resources and BIOSPHERE RESERVES CAN PROVIDE  WHICH SPECIAL OPPORTUNITIES species such as the Amazonian fish arawana even the Loreto Region Office of Planning AS MODEL REGIONS FOR SUSTAIN- ARISE? or a river named taricaya follow man- and Budgeting. ABLE DEVELOPMENT? agement plans which require, for instance,  Our assets include our great biological di- creating artificial beaches for the and So there are similarities and transferable  The working model of biosphere reserves versity, local ancestral knowledge and the having a closed period for fishing. This helps lessons. In fact, SERNANP is in the process has helped to reinforce our approach in willingness to work hand in hand with local to maintain people’s local food supply, pro- of applying the biosphere reserve planning, in which we develop and sub-national governments. In recent vide products to the market and repopulate management model, with minor ad- our activities mainly within the protected years, interest has grown in assessing the the species in question. justments, throughout its entire state area while taking the larger landscape into value of our food and culinary products our protected area system. In my opinion, this account as a strategy for land manage- biodiversity provides. This is a wonderful  IN WHAT WAYS DOES YOUR ROLE AS management model is one of the most ment with an integral vision. Our protect- opportunity to strengthen ties between A PROTECTED AREA AGENCY DIFFER important contributions to realising and ed areas have a role to play like any other biological and cultural diversity. They are BETWEEN A BIOSPHERE RESERVE AND strengthening partnerships and our work area with a specific category of use in the like two sides of the same coin, and are the OTHER PROTECTED AREAS SUCH AS with local authorities and neighbours. wider territory, and together they must main characteristic of our country. NATIONAL PARKS? 66 Biosphere Reserves – inspiring action for Agenda 2030 Biosphere Reserves – inspiring action for Agenda 2030 67

MAYA BIOSPHERE RESERVE, GUATEMALA I REGIÓN DE CALAKMUL, MEXICO Inclusive planning processes and cross-border cooperation in the Selva Maya

Situated in the border region between Be- Development and Deutsche Gesellschaft für lize, Guatemala and southeast Mexico, Selva Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ). Maya is the most extensive area of tropical forest north of the Amazon and to One approach to address this challenge many threatened animal and plant species. was the participatory development of a Water and other ecosystem services it pro- masterplan for the buffer zone of the Maya vides to the three countries are becoming biosphere reserve coordinated by the Gua- increasingly important. temalan National Protected Area Agency (CONAP) and subsequently integrated into Covering a total of almost 30,000 km², two the updated overall strategic plan of the biosphere reserves, Maya in Guatemala, reserve. Unlike with previous planning and bordering it to the North, Región de processes CONAP this time involved the Calakmul in Mexico, are at the heart of the ministries of planning and of agriculture as Selva Maya. The advancing agricultural well as a number of NGOs. This has raised frontier, driven mainly by large-scale live- acceptance of the plan and enhanced the stock raising, is putting increasing pressure image of the protected area agency among Cross-border collaboration: park rangers from the Maya and Calakmul Biosphere Reserves at a planning meeting on the forest. Other threats include fires, other stakeholders, an important aspect illegal logging and illegal trade in plants and given that the reserve covers more than a animals, as well as expansion of oil exploita- tenth of Guatemala’s total land area. The tion, leading to degradation and fragmenta- plan enhances coherence among different to cooperate. Efforts to protect them are ing programme for key species in specific tion of the ecosystem. The key challenge is government agencies involved in land use. parallel rather than coordinated. Change threatened areas. To boost environmental to find ways to harmonise different land use has come about with a trilateral exchange of governance and cooperation at an institu- and economic interests while protecting Cross-border cooperation is another ‘must’ park rangers and technical staff initiated by tional level the three countries have set up a biodiversity. This is the focus of the to achieve long-term conservation for the the programme. With specific trainings in Strategic Coordination Group consisting of trilateral Programme Conservation and Selva Maya. The protected areas making its wake park rangers have improved their their respective protected area agencies. sustainable use of the Selva Maya which is up the core zones of the biosphere reserves capacities and developed common strategies implemented jointly by the Central Amer- on either side of the border face the same to combat illegal hunting, fires and illegal ican Commission on Environment and challenges but lack the legal framework logging. Another spin-off is a joint monitor- 68 Biosphere Reserves – inspiring action for Agenda 2030 Biosphere Reserves – inspiring action for Agenda 2030 69

action. Every six months, the ECOCHAVOS man-Mexican cooperation project a wel- groups gather at regional level and exchange come inter-generational dimension. “These their best practices. young people ask the right questions, even SIERRA GORDA BIOSPHERE RESERVE, MEXICO though they may be uncomfortable, and In the eco-corridor of Sierra Madre, the they have a genuine interest to look 50 Spreading the word ECOCHAVOS initiative gives the Ger- years ahead,” Modley comments.

The Ecological Corridor of the Sierra Madre their parents and other people living in the Oriental in Mexico stretches across five region, acting as “environmental ambas- federal states from San Louis Potosí to Vera- sadors”. Supported by Mexico’s National cruz. Covering an area larger than Commission of Natural Protected Areas Switzerland, it was conceived to eventually (CONANP), the Volkswagen company and link up several conservation areas in the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale region. How can people become more Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) , ECOCHAVOS aims aware of the eco- to get a total of system services “I was really surprised about 10,000 youths, also their environment the quality and the scope of in other parts of the provides? And how corridor, to partic- can environmental the projects. ipate in environ- education best be mental protection provided in this vast The students can help us to and biodiversity area? reach our conservation goals conservation over a three-year period. Secondary school on community level.” colleges in the Sierra “GIZ input above all Gorda biosphere focuses on enhancing reserve, which forms Victor Alvarado, Minister of Environment of the quality of the part of the eco-corri- Veracruz, said when a 15- year-old told him about education activities,” dor, already intro- how they had teamed up to monitor and save an German technical endangered crocodile species in the wetlands duced programmes cooperation official behind their village, and immediately offered on the environment Richard Modley ex- additional support. in their curricula in plains. “ECOCHAVOS 2005. They are now isn’t just about collect- running the project ECOCHAVOS, which ing garbage. Young people will soon notice stands for “eco youngsters”. It seeks to if a measure is merely symbolic or if it really involve young people in practical conser- serves a purpose.” The project trains pupils to vation measures familiarising them with understand how everything is connected in an the role of ecosystems and biodiversity. ecosystem – water, forests, wildlife, food, fresh The youths then spread the word among air, biodiversity – and then to take meaningful

Learning about nature and taking action - youngsters of the ECOCHAVOS initiative. 70 Biosphere Reserves – inspiring action for Agenda 2030 Biosphere Reserves – inspiring action for Agenda 2030 71

YASUNI BIOSPHERE RESERVE, ECUADOR Forest for cocoa trees

But they recognise the advantages once things are put into concrete terms involving the local communities in the management decisions of the area.” One of the ways sustainable production and conserva- tion are balanced in Yasuní is to combine agriculture with forestry. Ecuador is an important cocoa -growing country, and in the biosphere reserve, various ancestral varieties are planted into mixed agricultural farms together with manioc, banana and other food crops. Timber trees left in these farms and little patches of forest provide shade that coffee and cocoa thrive in. The Yasuní biosphere reserve in the North- ern Amazon region of Ecuador is one of the Initial processing steps such as cocoa fer- world’s most species-rich areas and also has mentation and transformation into differ- extraordinary cultural diversity. However, ent chocolate products are also carried out illegal hunting and deforestation along the locally, creating value added. In those com- access roads to the oilfields has resulted munities which enjoy substantial tourism, in massive degradation in some areas. The the cocoa is turned into bars of chocolate German-Ecuadorian Project Conservation of in a Yasuní wrapping. In one of the villages, Biodiversity, Forests, and Mitigation and Ad- 3,000 bars were sold to tourists in 2015. aptation to seeks to support the local population in contributing to the Local tree species provide ingredients for protection and sustainable development of medicine and quality timber. In the “Trees Yasuní biosphere reserve. for Your Pension” scheme that is run in some of the communities, families plant “Inevitably, conflicts do arise when a high-quality timber trees in their farms that biosphere reserve is set up,” says Project yield a good income after about 15-20 years, Manager Karin von Loebenstein. “People which contributes to afforestation and may see their livelihoods in jeopardy at first. provides social benefits.

A harvest of cocoa beans - turned into chocolate bars by a women cooperative. 72 Biosphere Reserves – inspiring action for Agenda 2030 Biosphere Reserves – inspiring action for Agenda 2030 73

both at government and at local level have  WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT  It all depends on partners to take the reins and make a substantial YOUR WORK? contribution for a project to be sustainable taking the reins and successful for them. We must adapt to  Experiencing how even a small impulse local rhythms and be aware that changes can change things. Take the chocolate bars take time. in Yasuní. The locals handled most of this on their own, while the project merely  WHY DO GERMAN DEVELOPMENT EX-  WHO ARE THE PEOPLE YOU WORK helped with a bit of equipment and train- PERTS REGARD BIOSPHERE RESERVES WITH IN THE YASUNÍ PROJECT? ing to get a good quality of the chocolate AS AN IDEAL CONCEPT FOR BIODIVER- and to support the management of the SITY CONSERVATION?  Apart from communities and government women group, who produced the bars. institutions, we also cooperate with various  Biosphere reserves bear a huge potential NGOs, such as the Wildlife Conservation I enjoy working for conservation with col- to make nature conservation sustainable Society, who do scientific research and leagues from all over the world, the people thanks to their integrated approach fo- training for conservation and offer addi- in the villages, and also the government cusing on protected areas while involving tional expertise to the project. Universities officials. It is often challenging and occa- communities living in their vicinity right are heavily engaged in research in Yasuní sionally, the reality of conservation can be from the start. This isn’t simple, though. National Park, in the biosphere’s core a bit disheartening. So seeing things work Often, conservation organisations set zone and also in the rest of the biosphere out is all the more rewarding. their priorities in protection targets, and reserve as well. local communities only come in later. At first, people therefore fear they won’t be allowed to hunt or gather forest products or will be subject to other restrictions. In Yasuní, for example, the response was Karin von Loebenstein, you have worked great once the development activities got in German development cooperation for underway. more than 30 years and advised partners on protected area policy and management  WHAT ARE THE CRUCIAL SUCCESS in Africa and Latin America. You supported FACTORS OF YOUR WORK? the biosphere reserve Bosawas in Nicaragua for a number of years, and at present, you’re  Working in line with institutions relevant coordinator of the German-Ecuadorian Pro- for conservation and development and ject Conservation of Biodiversity, Forests, and with the local population and identifying Mitigation and Adaptation to Climate Change potentials to improve the use and pro- in the northern Amazon, including Yasuní tection of biodiversity is what counts. We Biosphere Reserve. are in an advisory role, and our partners 74 Biosphere Reserves – inspiring action for Agenda 2030 Biosphere Reserves – inspiring action for Agenda 2030 75

KIEN GIANG BIOSPHERE RESERVE, VIETNAM Mangroves to protect the coast and its

The coastal province of Kien Giang in the enforcement, these measures helped to Mekong Delta, Vietnam, was recognised as make fisheries more sustainable and raise a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in 2006. It local incomes. contains one of the country’s last remain- ing peat swamp forest areas, in U Minh Another key area of activity was the Thuong National Park, a top priority site rehabilitation of mangrove forests. Whereas for wetland conservation. The rich fisheries only two species of mangrove were known in the region are an important source of to occur in the area in the past, with the food, although they have been threatened help of the project, a further 27 were by . Furthermore, the Melaleuca identified. Now, forest administration staff forest in the Park’s core zone provides vital are using nine different species, so that ecosystem services such as maintaining soil more resilient mangrove forests can grow and in the buffer zone of the for coastal conservation. Also, a different biosphere reserve. Kien Giang’s design of Melaleuca fences has been 200 km coastline contains a mangrove belt developed to effectively protect newly that is essential for mitigating the effects of planted mangroves and allow for natural climate change. re-establishment. Vietnam’s Department of Agriculture and Rural Development is The German Vietnamese Kien Giang now applying this design in sediment and Biosphere Reserve Project, which was deposition building for control co-financed by the Australian government, measures also elsewhere. supported provincial agencies to develop mechanisms to effectively manage and protect the area, thus making the Biosphere Reserve operational. One of the manage- ment approaches was the establishment of marine protected areas and no-take zones in the mangrove belt enabling fish populations to regenerate. Together with The next generation - mangrove seedlings and their the introduction of catch quotas and their future caretakers. 76 Biosphere Reserves – inspiring action for Agenda 2030 Biosphere Reserves – inspiring action for Agenda 2030 77

Inspiring action for Agenda 2030

Learning from each other – As this brochure’s examples show, both in Good coordination between authorities terms of lessons and inspiration, biosphere with different mandates at various levels worldwide reserves indeed have a lot to offer on how poses one of the biggest challenges. Where sustainable pathways of development, as set investments are being made in enhanced out in the Agenda 2030, can be created. collaboration, such as in the local manage- ment councils in Comoé or in the multi- One crucial element is to build on and stakeholder planning process in the Maya strengthen local initiatives such as the biosphere reserve, results are promising. cocoa growers and chocolate manufacturers Joint practical initiatives across borders, as in Yasuní. As managers, in the Selva Maya, help pave the way for entrepreneurs and knowledge-bearers, local improved institutional cooperation. and indigenous communities are integral to the concept of balancing production Huge potential lies in identifying, assess- and consumption with conservation needs. ing and harnessing the ecosystem services Moreover, involving young people is key, as which the zones with no or only limited hu- can be seen in Sierra Gorda. man intervention provide for economic de- velopment in their surrounding landscapes.

Huascarán Biosphere Reserve, Peru

Experts of German development cooperation in a stimulating exchange with representatives of the biosphere reserve South-east Rügen during a seminar co-organised by the Federal Agency for Nature Conservation (BfN), Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) and KfW Development Bank.

The biosphere reserve concept developed work of Biosphere Reserves fosters such an by the UNESCO MAB Programme is im- exchange between the individual reserves. plemented with the same objective and the German development cooperation supports same guiding principles all over the world. mutual learning through study tours, part- This is an ideal situation to cross-fertilise nerships and trainings between biosphere ideas and solutions through mutual ex- reserves in different partner countries and change and joint learning. The World Net- also with biosphere reserves in Germany. 78 Biosphere Reserves – inspiring action for Agenda 2030

Imprint Whether it is higher water infiltration rates, (Goal 13) and conservation and sustainable as in Gran Pajatén, or protection of fish use of biodiversity (Goals 14 and 15). But it PUBLISHED BY THE nurseries in Kien Giang, these services help also involves other areas such as poverty Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH us understand the significance of biodiver- eradication (Goal 1), education (Goal 4), and Registered offices sity for our development and well-being partnerships and cooperation (Goal 17). Bonn and Eschborn, Germany and to take appropriate action. “To make tangible contributions to Agenda Project “Implementing the Biodiversity Convention” Biosphere reserves fulfil their role as “open- 2030, innovations and solutions from Dag-Hamarskjöld-Weg 1-5 air labs” and provide motivation to achieve biosphere reserves need to be replicated 65760 Eschborn, Germany the Sustainable Development Goals. This and scaled-up elsewhere,” Dr Tiomoko Ali applies particularly to areas such as food sums up. “And they need to be shared with [email protected] www.giz.de security and sustainable agriculture national level decision-makers with a view (Goal 2), sustainable water management to including them in national development IN COOPERATION WITH (Goal 6), sustainable production and con- agendas.” KfW Entwicklungsbank sumption (Goal 12), climate change action AS AT March 2016 “The Huascarán Biosphere Reserve is an outstanding example PRINTED BY regarding food security and nutrition improvement. Here, Nanuk Eirl, Lima, Peru a rural community has recovered 111 native potato varieties. DESIGN AND LAYOUT Nowadays, these native potatoes are used first to feed local fami- MediaCompany – Agentur für Kommunikation GmbH

lies and second for sale in a very special market niche. This PHOTO CREDITS community has understood the importance of regaining part of © GIZ/Karin von Loebenstein Cover, p. 6-7, 10-11, 13, 32; © GIZ/Lisa Steurer p. 2; © GIZ/Harald Fran- zen p.5, 35; adapted from: German National Committee for the UNESCO MAB Programme (1996) p. 9; its cultural heritage, and is now committed to the conservation © Station de Recherche en Ecologie du Parc National de la Comoé/Prof. Dr. Karl Eduard Linsenmair p. 16; © Station de Recherche en Ecologie du Parc National de la Comoé/Prof. Dr. Stefan Poremski p. of its natural surroundings to ensure a reliable water supply from 17; © GIZ/Ursula Meissner p. 18 (top and bottom); © GIZ p. 20; © OIPR p. 21; © SERNANP p. 23, 24; © GIZ/Jorge Uribe p. 27; © GIZ/Jaime Carcamo p. 29; © GIZ/Oliver Hölcke p. 30; © GIZ/Sylvia Reinhardt the to irrigate its crops within the biosphere reserve. p. 30 top; © Johanna Kirchner p. 30 bottom; © Fiona Maisels p. 31; © Tobias Garstecki p. 36; © Walter Wust p. 37; “All this forms a virtuous circle in which resources are utilised, TEXT Michael Gardner, Barbara Lang an economic future is built, the community’s heritage is pre- GIZ is responsible for the content of this publication. served and care is taken of the protected areas, which in turn provide ecosystem services such as water.” ON BEHALF OF German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) Division Environment; Sustainable use of Natural Resources; Marine Conservation and Biodiversity

Pedro Gamboa, Director of SERNANP, Peru www.bmz.de