Die Unesco-Biosphäre Entlebuch und ihre Nachhaltigkeitsstrategie | The Unesco Biosphere Entlebuch and its strategy of sustainability

The Unesco Biosphere Entlebuch (UBE) is situated in the southern part of the canton of Lucerne and covers the valley of “Kleine Emme”, parts of the Napf region and of the first alpine mountain chains. Officially certified by the Unesco Committee in autumn 2001, it is the first Swiss Biosphere Reserve following the Unesco Sevilla Criteria, published in 1995. As the UBE was, in worldwide context, also the first Biosphere Reserve based on a public election, participatory work is still the main driving action in its development. Main targets in the protection of ecosystems are peat lands – especially raised bogs, fens, karst biotopes and forest communities. Following national obligations from 2007, the UBE is converted now into a regional park of national importance (Regionaler Naturpark). This might produce conflicts in some cases, especially in the development zone or in connection with activities enhancing the economic sustainability.