Lake Vänern Archipelago Biosphere Reserve
Country | Sweden |
Region/Province/ or State | Vastra Gotaland |
Web Address | http://vanerkulle.org |
Date Founded | 2010 |
Size (hectares) | 278,600 |
Distinguishing Features | Lake Vänern is the largest lake in Sweden and the third largest lake in Europe. |
Main Industries (in terms of employment) | silviculture, hunting, fishery, silviculture, industry, agriculture |
In autumn 2004, the three municipalities to conduct a feasibility study on the possibility of forming a biosphere reserve in the region along the southeastern shore of Lake Vänern. The area’s high natural and cultural values and local commitment was the basis for this work. The pilot study was successful and the area was approved as a biosphere candidate of the Swedish MAB committee on 1 July 2006. This meant that the process of application to UNESCO was launched, that the future of the area of organization and geographical distribution was investigated and the possible approaches were examined.
On June 2, 2010, we were officially proclaimed by UNESCO as a Biosphere Reserve and became part of the UNESCO world network of biosphere reserves.