PART 3:
EXAMPLES OF GOOD PRACTICE TO SUPPORT THE GBF
To inspire further local actions, we present selected activities conducted in Nordic Biosphere Reserves that stand out as good practices in supporting the GBF. This is an important contribution to the Nordic Cooperation and UNESCO’s efforts for the GBF and highlights the role of Biosphere Reserves as model regions, where innovative actions drive positive change.
The aim of the collection of good practises is to demonstrate:
- The range of local actions already contributing to the GBF goals.
- The Biosphere Reserves’ strength to connect people and nature, using the local resources.
- The Biosphere reserves’ value to create important knowledge to policy makers and planners.
This part of the report is based on a sample collection of good cases in Nordic UNESCO Biosphere Reserves work with biodiversity and related initiatives for the GBF.
You can see all the samples in the MAB-LAB II report "Nordic UNESCO Biosphere Reserves contribution to Global Biodiversity Framework – An inspiring catalogue on local actions for biodiversity from the Nordic UNESCO Biosphere Reserves" .
This project and publication are supported and funded by the Nordic Council of Ministers – Nordic Working Group for Biological Diversity.
Biosphere Reserves that have contributed to this collection: | |
Denmark | Møn UNESCO Biosphere |
Finland | North Karelia Biosphere Reserve |
Archipelago Sea Area Biosphere Reserve | |
Sweden | Voxnadalen Biosphere Reserve |
Kristianstads Vattenrike Biosphere Reserve | |
Vindelälven-Juhttátahkka Biosphere Reserve | |
Lake Vänern Archipelago and Mount Kinnekulle Biosphere Reserve | |
Iceland | Snæfellsnes Regional Park (Biosphere Reserve candidate) |
Norway | Nordhordland Biosphere Area |
This part of the report is based on a sample collection of good cases in Nordic UNESCO Biosphere Reserves work with biodiversity and related initiatives for the GBF.
You can see all the samples in the MAB-LAB II report "Nordic UNESCO Biosphere Reserves contribution to Global Biodiversity Framework –
An inspiring catalogue on local actions for biodiversity from the Nordic UNESCO Biosphere Reserves" .
An inspiring catalogue on local actions for biodiversity from the Nordic UNESCO Biosphere Reserves" .
This project and publication are supported and funded by the Nordic Council of Ministers – Nordic Working Group for Biological Diversity.
The examples presented are organized into the 6 main potential contributions outlined in the translation completed as part of MAB-LAB I. By fulfilling these roles and objectives, UNESCO Biosphere Reserves can effectively support and enhance the implementation of the GBF, working towards a more sustainable future for biodiversity and ecosystems worldwide.
Biosphere Reserves that have contributed to this collection: | |
Denmark | Møn UNESCO Biosphere |
Finland | North Karelia Biosphere Reserve |
Archipelago Sea Area Biosphere Reserve | |
Sweden | Voxnadalen Biosphere Reserve |
Kristianstads Vattenrike Biosphere Reserve | |
Vindelälven-Juhttátahkka Biosphere Reserve | |
Lake Vänern Archipelago and Mount Kinnekulle Biosphere Reserve | |
Iceland | Snæfellsnes Regional Park (Biosphere Reserve candidate) |
Norway | Nordhordland Biosphere Area |
Land of epic poetry
North Karelia Biosphere Reserve
Main goal: The main goal is basin-wide catchment restoration based on traditional knowledge and science, aimed at re-establishing connectivity through the creation of aquatic and forest corridors and restoring up to 1,000 hectares of boreal peatlands. The project also aims to stimulate a resurgence of traditional knowledge, oral histories, and local governance in villages along the river.
Content: The project aims to restore several key features of the Koitajoki watershed to ecological health. By the end of the project, created wetlands, ecological corridors, and restored peatland marsh mires will protect waters downstream and enhance biodiversity, restoring carbon and water cycles. Webs of life will begin to re-establish what industrial land use has removed—the interconnected aquatic and terrestrial matrix of Koitajoki. Restored hydrological interconnectivity will benefit whitefish, trout, grayling, and land-locked Atlantic salmon, addressing issues that have affected the basin for over 70 years. Restoration and increased conservation around terrestrial "core areas" will be established as a model for the restoration of similar areas in the boreal forest suffering from ecological fragmentation.
Results / effects: The project has a wide range of positive effects, including:
- Increasing focus on nature-based activities, eco-tourism, and cultural heritage.
- Increasing the number of people engaged through the River Guardian program.
- Improving pH balance, as well as organic and chemical loading conditions.
- Enhancing vegetation.
- Advancing candidacy for UNESCO World Heritage status.
- Identifying forest patches suitable for protection and natural regeneration.
- Increasing the abundance of endangered fish in restored waterscapes.
- Boosting the abundance of birds through peatland restoration.
Improving habitat for fish and wildlife in small streams of the river Voxnan catchment
Voxnadalen Biosphere Reserve
Main goal: The main goal of the project is to improve wildlife habitats in small streams that were modified by human activity during the early 20th-century timber floating era.
Content: Many small streams in the Voxnan River catchment have been modified by human activity. Until the 1960s, waterways in the catchment were used to float timber from the forests to downstream sawmills. Modifications to facilitate timber floating included the removal of large stones and other obstacles, as well as transforming naturally meandering waterways into straight canals. These modifications had negative impacts on biodiversity in the streams, including the loss of spawning habitats for fish.
In this project, small streams are being restored manually using a set of sorting tools (the Hartijoki method). The Biosphere Reserve has trained both supervisors and several young people (aged 14–16) in the Hartijoki method, providing them with meaningful summer jobs while teaching them about biodiversity.
Results / Effects:
- Improved quality in 2 km of freshwater stream habitat.
- 50 m of spawning ground for fish (trout) restored.
- 6 young people, aged 14–16, have been educated in the Hartijoki method.
Eelgrass planting as a part of the project WWF – Recreating the vitality of the Baltic Sea
Kristianstads Vattenrike Biosphere Reserve
Main Goal: The main goal of the project is to restore 7,500 square meters of eelgrass meadows and strengthen the coastal ecosystems in affected areas.
Content: The Baltic Sea Project focused on restoring and increasing knowledge about underwater ecosystems in three geographically selected areas: the High Coast World Heritage Site, the Stockholm Archipelago, and the Kristianstad Vattenrike Biosphere Reserve. These selected environments serve as spawning and nursery grounds for many marine species and as migration routes for fish.
One part of the project focused on marine conservation efforts in shallow coastal bays from northern to southern Sweden. In the Kristianstad Vattenrike Biosphere Reserve, this involved planting new eelgrass meadows in Hanöbukten (Hanö Bay). Eelgrass meadows are an essential part of Hanöbukten’s ecosystem, serving as nurseries for many fish species and providing shelter for both fish and small invertebrates. By transplanting plants from healthy eelgrass meadows to new areas or sites with low coverage, valuable underwater environments have been created. Existing eelgrass meadows in Hanöbukten were also connected into a larger ecological unit through the new plantings. This seagrass planting has contributed to strengthening the green infrastructure in the sea.
Results / Effects:
- 7,500 square meters of eelgrass meadows restored across three sites.
- Short- and long-term improvement of conditions for biodiversity in Hanöbukten.
- Improved conditions in and connectivity between eelgrass meadows.
- Various indirect environmental benefits, including mitigating climate issues through erosion reduction and increased carbon dioxide absorption.
Leaving no Trace
Møn UNESCO Biosphere Reserve
Main goal: The aim of the project is to raise awareness about the importance of "Leave No Trace" principles for everyone traveling in nature and within the biosphere reserve. The aim is to foster a mindset and ethical approach that encourages responsible behavior to preserve nature. Additionally, the project seeks to develop a concept or brand that effectively communicates and embodies this knowledge.
Content: The project ‘Leaving No Trace’ has explored how both residents and visitors can care for Møn's nature through responsible behavior. As a result, Møn has gained valuable insights into the specific challenges related to human activity in its natural areas. The project identified 10 key areas of intervention and over 60 concrete actions that can help increase awareness of how to experience nature while leaving no trace.
Tourism and nature conservation are not inherently at odds, and the first step in implementing ‘Leaving No Trace’ initiatives was a campaign targeting both locals and visitors. When tourists arrived on Møn during the summer of 2024, they were greeted by the new campaign HARMØNI. Its message is clear: guests on Møn must care for the island's nature and leave no trace of their visit.
HARMØNI is a friendly nudge aimed at raising awareness among both Møn residents and tourists about the importance of protecting the nature we all cherish. It introduces a code of conduct and a manifesto for everyone visiting Møn and its natural areas.
Results / effects:
- Raising awareness among residents and visitors about how to experience nature responsibly.
- Supporting the development of regulations and infrastructure that promote nature restoration within the biosphere reserve.
- Encouraging behavioral change by maintaining a strong focus on nudging communication.
- Building a local sustainable tourism profile to attract the right guests.
Strengthened biodiversity along power line streets at Kinnekulle
Lake Vänern Archipelago and Mount Kinnekulle Biosphere Reserve
Main Goal: The project aims to map the biotopes within power line corridors on Kinnekulle in relation to the surrounding landscape's green infrastructure. Based on this mapping, it will analyze how tailored land management within the power line corridors can enhance conditions for biodiversity across the entire landscape.
Content: The project focuses on promoting biodiversity within power line corridors on Kinnekulle. By mapping the biotopes in these corridors and the surrounding landscape, it aims to establish a solid foundation for creating management plans that optimize conditions for biodiversity in identified areas. Additionally, the project seeks to strengthen the expertise of Kinnekulle Energy employees in nature conservation practices and highlight how their operations align with Agenda 2030 and national environmental quality goals.
Results / Effects:
- Identification of natural values within a power line corridor.
- Development of a management plan to promote biological diversity.
- Analysis of the landscape’s capacity to support biological diversity and the formulation of measures for improvement, based on a biodiversity indicator developed by researchers at the University of Skövde.
- Contribution to the preservation and enhancement of biological diversity through actions by Kinnekulle Energy.
- Creation of a best practice example of how an energy industry actor can take responsibility for sustainable development of the natural environment within their operational area.
- Inspiration for other power companies and municipalities to undertake similar investments
Biosphere Academy is strengthening young people’s sense of belonging
Archipelago Sea Area Biosphere Reserve
Main Goal: The Biosphere Academy aims to develop educational activities focused on nature, the environment, culture, and sustainability, targeting children and young people who live in, visit, or stay in the Archipelago Sea Biosphere Reserve. The program seeks to strengthen young people's sense of local belonging and pride in their environment, providing them and their educators with the knowledge and tools to address climate and environmental challenges. Together, they aim to build a sustainable future. The program also seeks to increase interest in natural sciences, sustainability studies, and job opportunities in the archipelago.
Content: The Biosphere Academy is the educational program of the Archipelago Sea Area Biosphere Reserve. The Biosphere Reserve has long-term goals for the program, strongly linked to strengthening young people’s sense of belonging and fostering their interest in returning to the region after completing their studies. By doing so, the program encourages participation in the local agenda for a sustainable future within the framework of the UNESCO MAB program.
The activities of the Biosphere Academy are coordinated by the Biosphere Office and implemented in schools and early childhood education in collaboration with central partners and stakeholders. Additional activities are organized at the Kid’s Lab of the Archipelago Center Korpoström.
The Biosphere Academy serves as an umbrella for all educational activities in the Archipelago Sea Biosphere Reserve. These include:
- The Kid’s Lab at the Archipelago Center Korpoström.
- The Pike and His Friends, a program for kindergarten children.
- The adventure route The Island Expedition, designed to raise awareness among visitors in guest harbors.
- The Sustainability Path in basic education, a tool for teachers to address sustainability issues.
- Fun and educational activities featuring the imaginary Archipelago researchers Sanna and Emil.
Results / Effects:
- An educational program built on cooperation and closely connected to municipalities and the national curriculum.
- An educational program reaching children and young people of all ages throughout the region, including visitors.
- An increased sense of belonging among participants, fostering young ambassadors for the biosphere reserve and its mission for a sustainable future.
Concrete actions for biodiversity in the villages of NKBR
North Karelia Biosphere Reserve
Main Goal: The goal of the project is to create environmentally conscious and sustainable village communities in rural areas. Carbon wisdom, sustainable development, and practical environmental actions are promoted as strengths and attraction factors for village communities and the countryside.
Content: Villages and other rural communities are actively engaged in planning and implementing concrete actions to conserve species, biotopes, and cultural environments. They are also encouraged and supported in preparing new environmental projects and applying for funding.
Although many solutions and tools already exist to address rural environmental and climate challenges, they need to be better understood and utilized by local operators. Community-based, locally implemented measures to improve environmental conditions help achieve broader environmental and climate goals. Actions undertaken collectively are more easily transferred to individuals and households, integrating sustainable practices into everyday life.
The project organizes workshops on various topics, such as:
- Making biochar.
- Preventing the spread of invasive species.
- Creating habitats for birds and insects.
- Planting seedlings.
- Building traditional wooden and stone fences.
Village-led actions include:
- Creating communal gardens.
- Restoring nature paths.
- Removing invasive species.
Results / Effects:
- Improvement in the environmental condition of the area.
- Participation of villages and other communities within the biosphere reserve, with each participant implementing at least one concrete action.
- Support for communities in project planning to consider environmental aspects, fostering environmentally friendly projects in villages.
- Promotion of sustainable lifestyles through themed events.
- Organization of study visits for local actors to the Archipelago Sea Biosphere and other European Biosphere Reserves, fostering collaboration between actors and biosphere reserves.
Citizen Science Seal project
Snæfellsnes Regional Park (Biosphere Reserve candidate)
Main Goal: The main aim of the project is to contribute to biodiversity conservation, particularly of the grey seal and the harbour seal, and to raise awareness around this topic.
Content: The seal project is a Citizen Science initiative designed to engage the community and tourists in data collection efforts focused on the vulnerable grey seal and the endangered harbour seal. It fosters collaboration between scientists and local stakeholders, such as tourist companies, landowners, and schools.
The project provided an opportunity for tourists to participate in local conservation work. They were invited to map and count seals (following a fixed plan) and record data on time and weather conditions. Participants documented their observations and submitted their findings. A dedicated box for data sheet collection was set up at the seal beach to facilitate this process.
Results / Effects:
- A learning process on how to conduct a Citizen Science project and understanding the role of the regional park (or future biosphere reserve) in involving stakeholders and fostering open communication and exchange.
- Increased stakeholder engagement in biodiversity conservation.
- Enhanced local interest and awareness regarding seal conservation and regenerative tourism.
- Expanded experience in networking and education.
- Improved skills in the practical organization and implementation of a project.
I am part of the Biosphere - promoting shared responsibility and ownership
Archipelago Sea Area Biosphere Reserve
Main Goal: The program aims to enhance a sense of shared ownership, belonging, and empowerment among local communities. It strives to promote both horizontal and vertical cooperation, with a strong emphasis on community involvement and methods to engage people in creating a sustainable future and supporting the Biosphere Reserve.
Content: Engaging people, sharing responsibility, and celebrating collaborative success are key challenges for Biosphere Reserves. Over the past decade, we have focused on strategies to inspire local stakeholders and residents to actively participate in the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and support the archipelago’s sustainable development.
Two key tools were developed:
- The Biosphere Reserve Partners Program: This program engages organizations and companies in sustainable development, rather than evaluating them. Through their efforts, the Biosphere Reserve's goals become more tangible, with shared responsibility enhancing its work.
- The Biosphere Ambassadors Program: This program raises awareness by connecting ambassadors with stakeholders, local residents, and visitors through their networks. Participants attend training to discover their role in the Archipelago Sea Biosphere Reserve.
Results / Effects:
- 17 Biosphere Partners and approximately 60 Biosphere Ambassadors.
- A strong sense of shared ownership among participants.
- Increased visibility of sustainability actions undertaken by Biosphere Partners.
- Spaces for networking and sharing best practices among Biosphere Partners.
- A variety of activities conducted by ambassadors.
- Diversification of the biosphere concept, represented by different people in diverse environments and reaching several target groups.
- Mutual added value for the Biosphere Reserve, its partners, and ambassadors in working toward a sustainable future.
Route to Paris
Vindelälven-Juhttátahkka Biosphere Reserve
Main goal: The Route to Paris project aims to explore the climate change mitigation potential of forests by bridging the gap between science, policy, and practice. Its goal is to integrate sustainable forest land use into the transition toward a carbon-neutral society, as outlined in the Paris Climate Agreement.
Content: The project will analyze carbon flows and wood product consumption under various forest policy scenarios, assessing how different forest management strategies impact carbon sequestration and emissions. This will help identify pathways to overcome barriers in forest policy and support the transition to sustainable forestry practices aligned with carbon reduction goals.
A key component of the project is engaging stakeholders and rights holders, including forest owners, policymakers, environmental organizations, and Indigenous communities. Through inclusive dialogues, workshops, and using the Biosphere Reserve as a living lab, the project will gather diverse perspectives and foster collaboration on sustainable forest management, balancing ecological, social, and economic objectives.
The project explores new financial instruments, market incentives, and policies that promote sustainable land use while rewarding forest owners for their climate mitigation efforts. By aligning economic incentives with environmental outcomes, it aims to create a supportive environment for forest owners to engage in climate action.
Results / effects:
- Advanced tools and knowledge for sustainable forest management, addressing conflicts by examining the social-ecological system.
- Compilation of scientific knowledge to support transparent decisions on trade-offs in forest use across sectors and scales.
- Contributions to policy discussions on sustainability in Europe, supporting Sweden's Environmental Quality Objectives, UN Sustainable Development Goals, the Paris Agreement, and the European Green Deal's climate neutrality goals.
- Identification of knowledge gaps and uncertainties in policymaking and forest management to overcome obstacles to climate-smart forestry and promote broader societal value through stakeholder dialogue in Sweden.
GBF – Nature agreement
Nordhordland Biosphere Area
Main goal: The project has three main aims. First, to map existing knowledge and identify the tools and information needed to achieve the goals outlined in the Nature Agreement. Second, to enhance the competence of municipalities in working toward these goals. Third, to communicate effectively about the Nature Agreement to ensure it is well-known both politically and administratively within the municipalities of Nordhordland.
Content: Norway has recently published its Nature Agreement, outlining the strategy for how the country plans to work with the GBF. A significant portion of the responsibility is placed on municipalities. We will explore how the Nordhordland UNESCO Biosphere Reserve can serve as a valuable tool to assist municipalities in achieving the targets of the Nature Agreement.
Through this collaborative project, we aim to identify good processes and working methods that can be shared among municipalities, fostering collaboration to develop and refine such approaches. In this way, the biosphere reserve acts as a living laboratory for testing and implementing strategies to conserve and restore biodiversity, aligning with the goals of the Kunming-Montreal Framework.
Additionally, the project will raise awareness about the GBF and the Norwegian Nature Agreement.
Results / effects:
- Understanding of what the Nature Agreement means for municipalities.
- Knowledge of how municipalities can contribute to delivering on the Nature Agreement.
- Increased engagement in efforts related to the Nature Agreement.
- Enhanced understanding and awareness of how municipalities can integrate the Nature Agreement into their tasks and address associated challenges.
- Strengthened collaboration between municipalities on issues related to the Nature Agreement.
- Utilization of the Biosphere Reserve as a communication platform.
Supported by nature
Møn UNESCO Biosphere, Biosphere for Baltic
Main goal: The EU Interreg project Supported by Nature aims to increase the understanding of Nature Based Solutions and how they contribute to improved environmental conditions and the promotion of biodiversity in the Baltic Sea.
Content: The project is rooted in the network Biosphere for Baltic, which, in 2023, received funding for the Supported by Nature project through the Interreg Baltic Sea Programme. Biosphere for Baltic offers a unique platform for UNESCO Biosphere Reserves in the Baltic Sea Region to network, exchange experiences and results from local initiatives and projects, and identify new opportunities for collaboration.
The project will establish learning sites across six countries around the Baltic Sea, with participation from nine project partners. Within Møn UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, the project focuses on coastal water habitats. One of the main activities is the creation of an experimental rock reef in the biosphere reserve, which will also serve as one of the project's 17 learning sites. A preliminary investigation will determine potential locations for the test rock reef and propose its size and scope. The future rock reef will function as a learning site with associated communication efforts, aiming to inspire similar initiatives to enhance biodiversity in the Baltic Sea.
The project adopts a multistakeholder approach, involving a broad spectrum of national and local stakeholders to ensure long-term sustainability. Møn UNESCO Biosphere Reserve is working closely with Aarhus University and local organizations, including Møn Sports Fishing Association and Møn Diver Association.
Results / effects:
- Enhanced public awareness of Nature-Based Solutions, conservation, restoration, and the sustainable use of the Baltic Sea and its resources.
- Establishment of a learning site featuring a test rock reef, including informational signs to educate and engage the public.
- A practical guide to build knowledge about Nature-Based Solutions for target groups.
How does nature benefit people?
Vindelälven-Juhttátahkka Biosphere Reserve
Main goal: The project aims to deepen understanding of how people benefit from nature and identify the specific locations where these benefits are received within the Vindelälven-Juhttátahkka Biosphere Reserve.
Content: Stretching from the mountainous Norwegian border in the west, through the forested central region, to the coastal lowlands in the east, the ways in which people in the Vindelälven-Juhttátahkka Biosphere Reserve value nature are highly diverse. Nature supports timber and agricultural production, provides clean water, and offers opportunities to harvest wild berries and mushrooms. It also sustains fishing and reindeer husbandry, while providing spaces for recreation, cultural traditions, and improved mental health through the tranquillity of the outdoors.
This project adopted a transdisciplinary approach to implement participatory mapping of ecosystem services—regulating, provisioning, and cultural—across the Vindelälven-Juhttátahkka Biosphere Reserve. This involved organizing and hosting workshops at local libraries and community halls.
Results / effects:
- Mapping of thousands of ecosystem services based on input from hundreds of respondents.
- Identification of hotspots for various valued services, including cultural heritage, outdoor recreation, biodiversity, mental well-being, and agricultural/forestry values, as perceived by diverse stakeholders.
- Enhanced understanding of how and where people—both residents and visitors—benefit from nature, enabling better preservation, development, and support for the Vindelälven-Juhttátahkka Biosphere Reserve now and in the future.
- Contribution to a broader international effort involving multiple biosphere reserves in Norway, Finland, and Sweden.
