Allianz defends itself against biosphere reserves in Upper Swabia with posters!

Allianz defends itself against biosphere reserves in Upper Swabia with posters!

In the Ravensburg district there have been conspicuous banners protesting against the planned biosphere area in Upper Swabia for about three weeks. With the slogan “Reason instead of bureaucracy – no to the biosphere area” the “Alliance for Allgäu-Upper Swabia” is drawing attention to the resistance. This alliance is made up of agricultural associations, hunting cooperatives, landowners, private forest owners and family businesses in agriculture and forestry. The banners are mainly found on farmers' fields in the municipalities, which could become part of the protected area. At the same time, a review process is underway to develop the exact framework conditions of the biosphere area, the decision-making process for which should be completed by the end of the year.

As schwaebische.de reports, there has been resistance to the idea since it was stipulated in the coalition agreement of the green-black state government. Franz Schönberger, the chairman of the alliance and the district farmers' association, expresses his concerns about bureaucracy and control. These concerns are shared by many farmers who fear that the requirements could suddenly be drastically tightened following the designation of the biosphere area.

The advantages of biosphere areas

In contrast to the critics' concerns are the state government's plans to create a third biosphere area in collaboration with the Allgäu-Upper Swabia region. According to petrakrebs.de, biosphere areas are model regions that are intended to promote the harmonious coexistence of humans and nature. The existing biosphere areas are viewed as models of success, which is why other municipalities in the Swabian Alb and across borders in the Rhön are showing interest in similar designations.

The goal is to achieve the designation as a “UNESCO Biosphere”. This essentially includes three zones: the core zone, the care zone and the development zone. The core zone, which must make up at least three percent of the total area, is closed to human intervention. An example of potential core zones in the region are the large moors, such as the Pfrunger-Burgweiler Ried and the Wurzacher Ried. The maintenance zone can be managed, but not intensively, while in the development zone there are no special protection requirements.

Criticism and examples from other regions

An example from the Rhön is all the more cause for concern: here, an increase in the core zone area led to resistance from 21 municipalities, but this did not lead to a rethink among the decision-makers. This setback could also be a warning for farmers in Upper Swabia if the requirements are first set. The decision on the biosphere area is expected to be made by the local councils by the end of the year.

For anyone interested, there is extensive information about the development process of the Allgäu-Upper Swabia biosphere area, and questions about the criteria for recognition as a UNESCO biosphere reserve can also be viewed online. A comprehensive understanding of the topic is crucial, especially as the regional discussion about nature and environmental protection is becoming more and more important. Further details can be found on the website of the Federal Environment Ministry and the local initiatives.