Biosphere Reserves Institute
Science and Research
in, for and with
UNESCO Biosphere Reserves
Early career scientists and research managers
working with the World Network of Biosphere Reserves reflected upon research in biosphere reserves and developed strategies for future action.
16. - 20. May 2022
International conference
in the Schorfheide-Chorin Biosphere Reserve, Germany
Focus one (16. - 17.05.2022)
Early career researchers presented their recent results and shared experiences related to scientific work in biosphere reserves. Based on this exchange, they developed proposals on how the framework conditions for research in biosphere reserves could be improved.
Focus two (19. - 20.05.2022)
Funding agencies, research institutions and biosphere reserves shared examples of successful research support. In addition, results from the first part were presented to research managers. Based on these recommendations and best practice examples, future guidelines were developed.
These two parts of the conference were connected by an opening ceremony (17.05.2022) and a day of excursions (18.05.2022).
A joint contribution to the research-related goals of the Lima Action Plan and the achievement of the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Results and Documentation
Selected parts of the event were streamed online from 16.-19. May. They can be watched on Youtube in an unedited version.
The Eberswalde Declaration
UNESCO Biosphere Reserves: Knowledges for a better future together, fostering a new generation
An important result of the conference is the Eberswalde Declaration. This document was finalised and adopted by participants of the conference on May 20th. It summarises key conclusions, proposals and recommendations for action to be taken by the MAB International Co-ordinating Council (ICC), the UNESCO Secretariat, MAB National Committees, Member States, and other relevant stakeholders.
On June 16th, the Eberswalde Declaration was presented by the Biopshere Reserves Institute and members of the Project Advisory Group at the 34th session of MAB ICC. Furthermore, it is part of the corresponding German Report on the national implementation of the MAB Programme (summary of activities since the 33rd session of MAB ICC, July 2021 – May 2022). On June 17th, The MAB-ICC endorsed the “Eberswalde Declaration” and agreed to include it into its final report – a great achievement for all organisers and participants of the conference.
The endorsement can be found formally in the report of the ICC meeting, Item 20, para 305, DECISION: 306: The MAB-ICC endorsed the “Eberswalde Declaration” and agreed to include it into the report (Annex 6). We consider this endorsement by the MAB ICC as a good opportunity and as strategically important for the future of science and research in, for and with UNESCO Biosphere Reserves.
Words of Welcome
Dr. Stefan Luetkes
Chairman of the German MAB Committee
"Dear participants of the conference,
On behalf of the German MAB National Committee, I would like to thank you all for your participation and for your contributions. This international research conference - I have to mention this - was held for the last time in 2011 in Dresden under the motto "For life, for the Future - Biosphere Reserves and Climate Change". Today, after more than ten years, we can build on the results achieved back then and move forward. The aim of our event here is to even better bundle the resources of climate protection and nature conservation and to jointly develop strategies to counter global warming and the loss of animal and plant species and their habitats even more effectively. Let me say that I am particularly pleased that this extremely important research conference can take place here in a UNESCO-recognized biosphere reserve. This is not only inspiring and motivating but will definitely lead to new and goal-oriented results and also to further innovations in the MAB program of UNESCO! I wish you all a successful conference."
Our guiding principles at the conference
The Eberswalde University for Sustainable Development, the associated Biosphere Reserves Institute, and thus the research conference, uphold the following principles: We rely on solidarity and promote the appreciation of each individual. Our guiding principles are based on a systemic understanding of sustainability.
Application and Selection Process
The official application process was open until December 31st, 2021. By the beginning of January, more than 150 people from more than 50 different countries applied for participation. Until the end of January 2022,
an international Project Advisory Group (PAG)
selected the prospective participants and speakers. Throughout this process, the PAG tried to ensure a balanced composition in terms of world region, gender and subjects. To know more, you can download the selection criteria here:
Support and Funding
This project is supported by the Federal Agency for Nature Conservation (BfN)
with funds from the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety and Consumer Protection (BMUV)
and financial support from the Ministry of Science, Research and Culture (MWFK) of the State of Brandenburg.
