Reviving rural life in the Swabian Alb biosphere
Social and economic changes in the last decades have put a strain on Europe’s rural areas. Globalisation and urbanisation have contributed to demographic changes and depopulation, while the climate crisis has resulted in more extreme weather events, which disproportionately affect rural areas. Many areas have experienced declining public services and job opportunities.
This goes some way to explaining why the European Commission found that 40% of rural stakeholders feel left behind by society and policymakers. The Interreg Europe project Down to Earth has grasped these challenges to improve the environmental resilience of rural areas in 8 European countries.
Some of these challenges were already visible 20 years ago in the Swabian Alps, a low mountain range in southern Germany, characterised by its orchard meadows, juniper heaths and beech forests. Traditionally reliant on farming, the region was experiencing the abandonment of agricultural businesses and uncertainty regarding farm successions.
A grand plan was hatched to breathe new life into the region, combining regional development with nature preservation, education and tourism. In 2008, the ‘Swabian Alb Biosphere Reserve’ was born.
Home to around 150,000 people, the Swabian Alb biosphere reserve is one of the more densely populated biosphere reserves. It extends over an area of 85 km² and (like all biosphere reserves) is divided into three zones:
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Core areas, consisting mostly of forested areas, where nature is strictly protected
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Buffer zones, where species-rich ecosystems such as heaths and meadows are preserved through careful use
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Transition areas, comprising residential, economic and recreational areas.
Nature conservation by the community, for the community
'What sets us apart is our success in making nature conservation a central part of our community’s fabric' explains Rainer Striebel, Team Leader for Nature Conservation & Land Use, Agriculture and Forestry, and Regional Marketing. 'Currently, several exciting projects are underway within the biosphere reserve, aiming to preserve the region's ecological integrity, promote eco-friendly practices, and enhance the quality of life for its inhabitants.'
One of the primary focuses of the biosphere reserve is the conservation of biodiversity. The Swabian Alb is home to a wide range of flora and fauna, some of which are highly endangered, rare or sensitive. Ongoing projects involve habitat restoration, species monitoring, and the creation of wildlife corridors to ensure the long-term survival of these species.
'For example, we are implementing projects in the forests for saving open woodlands or creating habitat networks for several insects, ' Rainer elaborates. And the outcomes are tangible: 'We've successfully preserved extensive areas of valuable habitats, including large swathes of juniper heathland.'
The biosphere reserve is also committed to promoting sustainable agriculture practices that not only preserve the natural environment but also support local farmers. Rainer goes on: 'Initiatives such as organic farming, permaculture, and agroforestry are being encouraged and implemented across the region. These practices help maintain soil health, conserve water, and reduce the use of synthetic fertilisers and pesticides.'
To encourage sustainable agriculture, a regional brand – Albgemacht - has been developed. Local food producers can apply to sell their products under this brand if they fulfil strict quality and sustainability criteria.
In addition, several eco-tourism projects are being developed to promote the region's natural and cultural attractions while supporting local economies. These include hiking and cycling trails, nature observation tours, and educational programs that highlight the unique features of the Swabian Alb.
'Community involvement is crucial for the success of these projects, ' Rainer explains. The Biosphere Centre in Münsingen hosts a range of educational programmes and workshops for young and old, with additional activities on offer at the 17 satellite 'adventure centres’ dotted around the reserve.
Local schools can follow a program to become Biosphärenschulen (Biosphere schools), where sustainable development is anchored in the school mission, curriculum and extra-curricular activities.
Governance and regional collaboration
The Biosphere Reserve is the result of a unique collaboration between different levels of government. The genesis of the idea came from the abandonment of a military training area, which sits in the centre of the reserve and is owned by the Federal Institute for Real Estate.
The Biosphere Reserve was designated as such by the State of Baden-Württemberg, and continues to be managed by the State Ministry for the Environment, Climate Protection and the Energy Sector.
The regional councils of Stuttgart and Tübingen are involved in the overall administration, and the Swabian Alb Biosphere Reserve Office operates as its own department within the Tübingen Regional Council.
The three districts involved in the biosphere area, Alb-Donau-Kreis, Esslingen, and Reutlingen, play a central role in the organisation, financing, and development, and are represented in all important committees. Last but not least, the 29 cities and municipalities located within the reserve actively shape and finance its development.
A model for sustainable rural living
The Biosphere Reserve was selected as a good practice by the Regional Association Neckar-Alb, a partner in the Down to Earth project, which is tackling depopulation challenges to improve environmental resilience in rural areas.
'With a focus on our region, the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve Swabian Alb was selected due to its high value as a model region for sustainable development, which is combining ecological, economic and social interests in its approach', explains Dr. Alexander Neuberger, EU Project Manager for Regional Development.
The success of the scheme is evident in the numbers: more than 340 projects implemented through the Biosphere Reserve funding programme, the designation of 16 biosphere schools, and 3500 children per year in the ‘Junior Ranger’ programme.
'The initiative is well-known in our region, since it sustains many activities and projects, is often in the news media and has won several prizes. With its sophisticated concept for nature conservation and environmental protection, and its large number of events and local partners, it effectively reduces environmental risks and increases environmental resilience in our region.'