Blekinge Archipelago Biosphere Reserve

Country	Sweden
Region/Province/ or State	Blekinge
Web Address	https://www.blekingearkipelag.se
Date Founded	2011
Size (hectares)	212,797
Distinguishing Features	The many shallow and highly desalinated bays, lagoons, and estuaries along the coast are important spawning and growth areas for several species of fish while also being internationally significant grounds for stopping and overwintering for several seabird species.
Main Industries (in terms of employment)	hunting, fishery, tourism, agriculture, silviculture, industry

 

In June 2011 Blekinge Archipelago was designated as

a biosphere reserve. Biosphere reserves are nominated by national governments and approved by UNESCO

– UN ́s organisation for education, science and culture. Blekinge Archipelago Biosphere Reserve, that comprises the majority of coastal scenery and archipelago, has unique values that need to be refined and managed.

There are a number of fine qualities and opportunities that make Blekinge Archipelago well suited as a biosphere reserve:

• High conservation values and unique landscapes, such as meadows, small islands and islets, bays and deciduous forests.
• High cultural values like authentic, vibrant craft traditions, the Cultural Reserve Ronneby Brunnspark and the World Heritage Naval Port of Karlskrona
• Small-scale fishery and agriculture
• Opportunity to develop new approaches to
• sustainable development

Intention and cooperation is the model

For approval of the formation of a biosphere reserve by UNESCO a formal application from the government is required. However, the first and most important criterion for success is a strong interest and commit- ment in the area of people, organisations and local government. The biosphere reserve connects actors

in a strategic way so that new collaborations and new ideas will be born.

What are the advantages?

We know of at least nine distinct advantages to being awarded the status of a biosphere reserve:

• Being a role model for sustainable development in the world
• Having an international seal of approval
• Being included in UNESCO’s global network

of biosphere reserves

• Having a unique status in Sweden
• Being an inspirer and opportunity creator
• Having better conditions for economic development • Local participation, being a force in social

development

• Municipal and county-wide collaboration
• Long-term commitment and stability in the work