What is the biosphere?

The UNESCO Biosphere Entlebuch aims to be a blessing for all. UNESCO has given its own blessing, designating the Biosphere Entlebuch a living ‘model region’ and an example to biosphere reserves around the world.

The Biosphere Entlebuch strikes a balance between utilising and protecting. It is a region where humans and nature coexist as equals, each to the benefit of the other. Creating value is good for all the people of Entlebuch. The blessing of the UNESCO Biosphere Entlebuch extends to visitors from near and far – especially when they enjoy the hospitality of this diverse holiday region and its gastronomy. Whether they arrive for a day trip or a relaxing break, the UNESCO Biosphere Entlebuch promises happy times and much to enjoy for guests of all ages. If it stands as a blessing to the world, 

the UNESCO Biosphere Entlebuch is also a blessing to local and regional producers. A whole range of regional products are marketed under the label «Echt Entlebuch» (‘genuinely Entlebuch’). A slice of genuine Entlebuch in the shape of dairy and meat products from around the region, speciality foods and hand-carved wooden items are all there to be discovered and enjoyed in the UNESCO Biosphere Entlebuch.

Vision
The UNESCO Biosphere Entlebuch is an international model region for sustainable development, networking and innovation.

Mission
We are a globally acknowledged centre of excellence for sustainable regional development. We are enhancing the value of regional strengths and expanding value chains, thereby creating and safeguarding jobs. At the same time, we are preserving our natural beauty and upholding our cultural heritage.

Together with the local populace, we think through and shape the process of change. We initiate, develop and coordinate offers and projects with a focus on the future and the market. We encourage innovation and link up key players. We work professionally, to superior standards of quality. We meet challenges, actively and objectively focusing on solutions.

In short, we work with people for the good of nature, and work with nature for the good of people.

General principles

• Maintaining, enhancing and connecting: The UNESCO Biosphere Entlebuch constitutes a region of unique landscapes and a well-connected network of unspoilt habitats. Here, biodiversity is preserved for future generations. Habitats of moorland and karst are typical of the global network of biosphere reserves.
• Initiating, developing and marketing: Through innovation, pioneering spirit and effective cooperation, we initiate and devise authentic offers and products. To this end, we utilise regional resources and consciously operate at the point where the environment intersects with the economy and wider society. We market our products and offers, and our region, with professionalism.
• Raising awareness, learning and researching: We raise awareness among both locals and visitors, thereby motivating them to develop the region with the long term in mind. As a learning organisation, we are committed to the joint process of searching, learning and structuring, thereby applying our experience and knowledge as well as the results of research. We regard change as an opportunity.
• Communication, inspiration and involvement: With passion and conviction, we exemplify the philosophy of the UNESCO Biosphere Entlebuch. Clear communications targeted at specific groups empower people to understand and experience the biosphere. The local population is involved in determining the future of the biosphere; people are proud to be part of the UNESCO Biosphere Entlebuch. The biosphere is truly a blessing for all.

Strategic goals
As a living model region for sustainable development, we accept responsibility for our habitat.

Preserving the diversity of nature and culture

• To maintain and enhance a beautiful and unique natural environment and a cultivated landscape.
• To preserve a high degree of biodiversity (especially in the habitats of moorland and karst).
• To maintain and develop a rich cultural life.
• To create liveable village centres while establishing a culture of sustainable construction. 

Promoting a strong and innovative regional economy.

• To enhance regional value creation.
• To create skilled jobs.
• To establish regional cycles.
• To promote and manage innovation and cooperation.
• To utilise regional resources for the long term.
• To raise awareness of the UNESCO Biosphere Entlebuch and strengthen its profile.
• To promote year-round tourism, with particular emphasis on nature-focused and cultural tourism that adds value.
• To promote agriculture and forestry with a focus on the market and regional resources.
• To utilise regional, renewable energy sources.
• To promote public transport within the UNESCO Biosphere Entlebuch.
• To market high quality products, offers and services, and the region, in partnership.
• To practise professional communications internally and externally while managing the UNESCO Biosphere Entlebuch brand.
• To plan coherent land use according to need and put good basic services in place. 

Facing the future together as a region – and an organisation – capable of learning.

• Ensuring local people and visitors to the region are informed and inspired about the UNESCO Biosphere Entlebuch and the philosophy behind it.
• Generating, communicating and utilising knowledge and insights.
• Shaping the future through proactive participation.
• Establishing and raising the value of specific strategic partnerships.
• Actively maintaining national and international collaboration with regions and institutions that have similar aims (with particular emphasis on other biosphere reserves). 

Under Swiss law, the UNESCO Biosphere Entlebuch is also a Regional Nature Park. The biosphere was recognised as a park of national importance in 2008. In July 2017, BAFU (the Federal Office for the Environment) reviewed and approved a rebranding application from the canton and the park authority. As a result, the UNESCO Biosphere Entlebuch became the first park to enter a second 10-year phase of operation in 2018.

Swiss Parks

Since 2008, regions with high-value natural environments and landscapes have been designated ‘Regional Nature Parks’. According to the Swiss Parks Ordinance (which defines the legal basis and the requirements), these are regions with rare and diverse habitats, landscapes of outstanding beauty and uniqueness and regions with low levels of encroachment on these specific values. Where the preconditions are met, it is possible to set about planning and developing a region, subject to the support of the population and the establishment of a park authority.

Regional Nature Parks aim to promote economic and societal development for the long term (in contrast to national parks, where people do not live within the park perimeters). This can be achieved through nature-based tourism or the development and promotion of regional products. One explicit goal of nature parks is to preserve and enhance both nature and the landscape. Achieving this aim is critical, not least because maintaining an intact environment and preserving landscapes is the most important asset in terms of nature tourism and environmental education. At present, Switzerland can point to a wealth of park projects. This has led to the formation of the Swiss Parks Network, a national umbrella organisation which oversees matters of concern to the various parks, ensures experiences are shared and coordinates public relations. The organisation can provide more information on parks and the current status of all park-related projects in Switzerland.

2021: Award from the Swiss Foundation for the Doron Prize

We are honoured! On 08 June 2021, we were presented with the Doron Prize – undoubtedly one of Switzerland’s biggest and most important business and innovation awards – at Zug town hall.

The Swiss Foundation for the Doron Prize singled out two prizewinners in recognition of their scientific and societal commitment. Professor Didier Pittet is honoured for his outstanding contribution to the field of infectious diseases and epidemiology. The UNESCO Biosphere Entlebuch Municipal Association receives the award for its consistently valuable commitment to the preservation of biosphere reserves in pursuit of the common good.

2019: Recognition award from the Albert Koechlin Foundation

The Albert Koechlin Foundation conferred its recognition awards for the 21st time at a celebratory event held in Lucerne on 09 January 2020. A recognition award worth 60,000 francs is presented to the UNESCO Biosphere Entlebuch (UBE).

2019: Central Switzerland Tourism Award goes to the UNESCO Biosphere Entlebuch

Theo Schnider and Fritz Lötscher accept the prize on behalf of the UNESCO Biosphere Entlebuch at the KKL Luzern Culture and Convention Centre. The UBE is the first biosphere reserve in the world to be founded by means of a referendum and with the participation of the local population. Walter Schmid, Honorary President of the Tourism Forum Lucerne and Chairman of the Selection Committee, honours Director Theo Schnider and his team for their «tireless dedication, creativity and determination». Our heartfelt thanks go to Tourism Forum Lucerne for the award.