Assessing governance of biosphere reserves in Central Europe

The biosphere reserve (BR) concept, developed within UNESCO's Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme, represents a hallmark in seeking to reconcile conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity. The MAB Programme functioning mechanisms leave the responsibility for the translation of its BR objectives to the management authorities of the participating countries. While a shift to broad social and livelihood perspectives is emerging in the BR Programme, reflecting contemporary requirements for the sustainable management of larger territories including protected areas, it suffers from implementation deficits at the local level. This study analyses BR governance structures to highlight the relevance of social and institutional interaction for the successful application of the BR concept. We assess BRs from Central Europe using qualitative interviews with stakeholders and relevant local actors. The purpose is to test the effectiveness of the MAB vision and business plan at the local level. Data were systematised to identify strengths and weaknesses as well as opportunities and threats pertinent to the institutional and management arrangements for the case studies. The assessment shows that institutional and structural flaws in the system of MAB institutions are amplified by governance weaknesses in the three case study countries. The governance deficits revealed the relevance of national governance matrices, professional expertise, national communication efforts and active participation for successful BR management. There is a lack of both vertical integration regarding the MAB institutions and national authorities, as well as sufficient and appropriately trained personnel, funding and political back-up in local implementation. We conclude that existing weaknesses in the implementation of the BR concept in the three case study regions can be corrected by enhancing communication among stakeholders, fostering active participation and pushing capacity development. Despite these efforts in the national context, the MAB Programme should consider to strengthen the role of MAB National Committees as communication hub and facilitator of a national dialogue on sustainable development. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.