Rhön celebrates UNESCO recognition: Unique natural treasure is preserved!

Rhön celebrates UNESCO recognition: Unique natural treasure is preserved!

A few days ago, the Rhön Biosphere Reserve in Bad Brückenau celebrated a special award: UNESCO has once again confirmed its recognition as a model project for sustainable development. Prominent personalities such as Andrea Schallenkammer, spa director of the Bad Brückenau state spa, and the environment ministers Thorsten Glauber from Bavaria and Tilo Kummer from Thuringia took part in the ceremony. Hesse's Environment State Secretary Michael Ruhl was also there, while Thuringia's representatives did not appear in large numbers.

The Rhön Biosphere Reserve, which extends across the federal states of Thuringia, Hesse and Bavaria, has established itself not only as a unique natural treasure, but also as a hotspot of biodiversity. There are over 10,000 recorded species here, and the region is known for its diverse habitats, including mountain meadows, raised bogs and valuable beech forests. As bio-rhoen.de reports, the popular initiatives also include the Rhön apple initiative and the Rhön sheep, which are very popular.

A committed network

As part of the event, Thuringia's Environment Minister Tilo Kummer emphasized the importance of local people identifying with sustainable development. This reflects the importance of involving the population in protecting and promoting natural resources. Hesse and Bavaria have also praised the cross-state cooperation within the MAB program. The “Man and the Biosphere” program is intended not only to ensure the protection of biological diversity, but also to promote social and economic development.

In the Rhön Biosphere Reserve, 71 institutions work together in the network of biosphere daycare centers and schools to support education for sustainable development. Overnight guests have the opportunity to visit the environmental education center in Oberelsbach, and information centers such as the “Long Rhön House” and the “Rhön Star Park” help spread the idea of ​​sustainable development.

A look at the future

According to Wikipedia, biosphere reserves are important model regions for sustainable development that were established by UNESCO. The UNESCO guidelines require that three percent of the total area be designated as a use-free core zone. This is just part of the concept, which also includes educational modules in schools and daycare centers.

With the continuation of the Rhön Biosphere Reserve, the federal states involved are on the right track to meet the ecological, social and economic challenges of the future. The commitment shown here could serve as a model for other regions. It remains to be hoped that the Rhön will continue to be a shining example of sustainable development and will also inspire others.

For more information about the Rhön Biosphere Reserve and its initiatives, read the full article at insuedthueringen.de.