Biosphere reserve
Kinnekulle

What is a Biosphere Reserve?

The word biosphere describes all living things on Earth and the environments where life exists. The biosphere can also be described as the Earth's shared living space. A biosphere reserve focuses on the interaction between people and nature and demonstrates how natural values, social development and economic development can go hand in hand.

Biosphere reserves are designated by the United Nations and UNESCO and are part of a global network working towards a sustainable future. These areas serve as model regions where new ideas, methods and solutions for sustainable development can be developed and tested in practice.

Local collaboration is the foundation of the work. Each biosphere reserve is shaped by its own conditions and develops through the engagement of people, businesses, associations, researchers and public organisations. Through cooperation and knowledge exchange, opportunities are created to find solutions that benefit both nature and society.

The work within biosphere reserves is based on three main objectives:

• Preserve biological and cultural diversity, as well as valuable ecosystems and landscapes.
• Develop society in a sustainable way over the long term.
• Support knowledge development through education and research.

An important part of the work is sharing knowledge and lessons learned between different biosphere reserves. Through international cooperation, local experiences can contribute to development in other places while new ideas and perspectives are brought back to the local area.

Biosphere Reserve Lake Vänern Archipelago and Mount Kinnekulle

The Lake Vänern Archipelago and Mount Kinnekulle Biosphere Reserve stretches from Sjötorp and Torsö in the north to Kållandsö in the west. The area was designated as Sweden’s second biosphere reserve in 2010.

The Vision for 2030

In 2012, a vision was established for how the area should develop towards 2030. The vision is for the area to be a model of sustainable development based on four core values:

• Collaboration without boundaries
• Sustainable development of communities and living environments
• A business sector that creates value while respecting nature and people
• Increased knowledge of the importance of nature in our lives

The vision is based on the understanding that a balanced natural environment is a prerequisite for both human well being and a strong local economy. Through increased knowledge, stronger collaboration and a long term perspective, the conditions are created for a society that functions well in the future.

At the same time, we are part of an international network where knowledge and experiences are shared between biosphere reserves around the world. Read more about biosphere reserves on UNESCO’s website.