Protected areas and regional development: conflicts and opportunities - presented on the example of the UNESCO biosphere reserve Bliesgau

Abstract

All over the world, UNESCO biosphere reserves are designated in order to protect regionally distinctive landscapes. This designation represents a significant upvaluation of nature reserves and landscape conservation areas, forests and other mostly rural landscapes. In cases where biosphere reserves include urban areas, additional objectives are established such as the development of urban-ruralrelationships. The Biosphere Reserve Bliesgau which is a sustainable model region responds to this challenge. Located in a rural part of Saarland, the biosphere Bliesgau is still facing further challenges which are connected to the designation as a UNESCO biosphere reserve. This designation entails many obligations that are conditions and restrictions for the actors on the one hand and that provide opportunities for key personalities to make progress in achieving their aims concerning nature conservation on the other. Hence, not only prospects but potential for conflict emerged which complicates regional development in rural Saarland. A primary survey in the biosphere reserve allowed for the identification of the presented conflicts.

Nature Parks as instruments for sustainable integrated regional development: Review of a survey of opinions from stakeholders in Luxembourg

“…The park also aims to attract small and medium-size enterprises to diversify traditional agricultural processes, which have been characterized by monocultures. The processed food and non-food products are derived from natural products (Field, 2008), and include products such as tea, cosmetics and household detergents. The Our Nature Park was initiated by a local association (SIVOUR -Inter-communal Syndicate for the Our Valley) in 2005, as a means to represent the best interests of the region and beyond.…”

Between Global Expectations for Sustainability and Local Feasibility—A Comparative Analysis of Three Biosphere Reserves in Germany and France

“…In contrast to the two areas outlined above, which present a high level of forest diversity, the Bliesgau is known for its meadow orchards, species-rich orchid meadows, and old beech woods. A special feature is the town of St. Ingbert, the area around which was recognized by UNESCO in 2009 as of special ruralurban interest [52,53]. Conflicts arose particularly in the context of the planned construction of the reserve due to a rather top-down procedure.…”

Challenges of Controlling Foot-and-Mouth Disease in Pastoral Settings in Africa

“…Four key categories cover most reported conflicts. The first category involves struggles within pastoral communities [32,43]; the second involves struggles between pastoralists and the farming communities [44,45]; the third involves pastoralists being affected by rebellion groups [46,47]; and the fourth is between pastoralists and government authorities [45,48]. Access to grazing lands and pastures, water sources, and animal theft often lead to conflicts [49][50][51].…”