Dispute over the biosphere: opportunities or tax waste in Upper Swabia?

Dispute over the biosphere: opportunities or tax waste in Upper Swabia?

In Upper Swabia, the debate about the creation of a new biosphere area is becoming increasingly heated. Strong headwinds come from farmers, forestry and landowners who have put up protest posters in the region. These posters can be found in the communities of the western district of Ravensburg and demonstrate concern about possible new restrictions that could come with a biosphere area. The former mayor of Ostrach, Christoph Schulz, has been heading the nature conservation center in Wilhelmsdorf since September 2023 and sees great opportunities for the project in the moor areas of the Pfrunger-Burgweiler Ried. He is a supporter of the idea that the region could act as a model region and founded the Pro Biosphere association in the summer.

But there are also concerned voices: Schulz understands the concerns of farmers who are concerned about the potential restrictions caused by FFH (flora-fauna-habitat) areas. Ravensburg district administrator Harald Sievers, on the other hand, underlines the advantages of a biosphere area for regional development and points out that there is an exit clause for the communities. This could allow communities to withdraw from the process if conditions change. Schulz, in turn, calls for a holistic debate to take all social perspectives into account and criticizes the fact that “Upper Swabia” is not perceived as a brand like “Allgäu” or “Bodensee”.

A shared image

There is disagreement in the region about the added value of a biosphere area. The Chamber of Commerce and Industry shares the view that there is no benefit, while the stumbling block is the financial aspects. Opponents of the project argue that creating a biosphere reserve would be a waste of taxpayer money. Proponents, however, see this differently: Schulz argues that biosphere areas offer better placements for funding, which could benefit the region.

The Pfrunger-Burgweiler Ried, the second largest moor in Baden-Württemberg, also has a prominent supporter: Mercedes-Benz AG is investing five million euros in rewetting the area. Many believe this project is important for climate protection, as drained moors can produce harmful greenhouse gases. Despite these successes, the communities of Bad Wurzach and Wolfegg have withdrawn from the process, which illustrates the resistance to the biosphere area. Schulz still sees opportunities and believes that the project can work without Bad Wurzach.

Upcoming decisions

The decision about the biosphere area now lies with the local councils of the participating municipalities. They were informed in several meetings about the planned zones, which are classified differently (core zone, care zone, development zone). Despite an informative campaign entitled “Reason instead of bureaucracy”, uncertainty remains about the various aspects of the project. Many communities, including Bad Waldsee and Königseggwald, have already submitted applications to exit.

Some criticize the current process as not being open-ended and criticize the clear uncertainties that remain even after votes. The IHK Bodensee-Oberschwaben warns of unclear costs and framework plans for the communities. These uncertainties burden both farmers and landowners and rob the region of valuable planning security for future investments.

Finally, the question remains: Will the vision of a successful biosphere area for the Allgäu-Upper Swabia region become reality, or will it remain a dream that fails due to people's fears and insecurities? The coming months will be crucial.

For more information you can refer to the articles from Swabian and the platform Biosphere Upper Swabia be resorted to. The Federal Agency for Nature Conservation also offers comprehensive information about various biosphere reserves on its website bfn.de.