Eberswalde, The Biosphere Reserves Institute in Eberswalde, established in 2019, is set to join UNESCO’s global network of centres of excellence, enhancing its role in supporting biosphere reserves towards sustainable development. The institute, part of Eberswalde University for Sustainable Development, focuses on graduate and PhD programs, research, and training related to biosphere reserves management.
According to United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, the Biosphere Reserves Institute offers specialized programs in managing, developing, and evaluating biosphere reserves. It provides short- and medium-term training courses for managers and professionals globally. The institute’s research addresses challenges such as climate change and environmental degradation and is expanding to foster greater collaboration and integration of research results into management practices.
With 748 biosphere reserves in 134 countries, including 17 in Germany, the institute’s global reach extends to biosphere reserves in Eastern Europe and is expanding to Honduras, South Africa, and the Philippines. It attracts students and researchers worldwide and plans to enhance this role further.
Matthias Barth, President of Eberswalde University, emphasized the institute’s role in research, training, and networking at UNESCO’s General Conference. The institute is involved in projects like the Canada-funded Transects, training practitioners in transdisciplinary research for biosphere reserve managers and local authorities.
The institute aligns with UNESCO’s biodiversity protection strategy, contributing to restoring the human-nature relationship, preserving ecosystem harmony, and empowering youth. It supports the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, particularly in achieving area-based conservation targets.
Despite not having its legal personality, the Biosphere Reserves Institute operates with legal autonomy under the Law on Higher Education of the State of Brandenburg. A tripartite agreement will be signed next year by the German Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs, UNESCO, and Eberswalde University for Sustainable Development, formalizing the institute’s affiliation with UNESCO.
The inclusion of the Biosphere Reserves Institute in UNESCO’s network of over 100 centres of excellence underscores its potential to contribute significantly to UNESCO’s agenda and the broader global efforts in sustainable development and environmental conservation.