The UNESCO Biosphere Entlebuch Municipal Association provides the backing for the biosphere reserve. A participation and cooperation model has grown up around the association. In the UNESCO Biosphere Entlebuch, collaboration means a joint and ongoing process of searching, learning and structuring, thereby creating opportunities for current and future generations.
The municipalities of Doppleschwand, Entlebuch, Escholzmatt-Marbach, Flühli, Hasle, Romoos and Schüpfheim belong to the Association. The process of participation is maintained by means of a special cooperation model.
In accordance with article 2 of its articles of association, the purpose of the Municipal Association is to run the biosphere reserve of the UNESCO Biosphere Entlebuch. According to article 1 of the Zoning and Building Act for the canton of Lucerne (SRL no. 735), the Municipal Association is responsible for regional planning.
It takes account of the ‘criteria governing the recognition and review of UNESCO biosphere reserves in Switzerland’ (SAEFL, amended 2002) and UNESCO’s Seville Strategy for biosphere reserves while observing the principles stated in article 3 of the Swiss Federal Regional Planning Act.
The participation process is maintained through a special cooperation model which promotes sustainable development and the prosperity of Entlebuch. Moderated networks (known as forums and supported by the biosphere management team) ensure business and wider society are incorporated into the process. Joint activities and goals are discussed within the Cooperation Council, and targets are defined. This participatory approach, combined with experiences from the Entlebuch process, allows other regions to reproduce the model. Entlebuch today is a model region of international importance, especially in terms of communication, participation and cooperation.
All municipalities of the region are represented in the Delegate Assembly for the UNESCO Biosphere Entlebuch Municipal Association. Seats are apportioned according to a formula that takes account of both the population figures and the size of each municipality.
The Delegate Assembly appoints a Management Board to take responsibility for strategic management of the UNESCO Biosphere Entlebuch.
The Management Board of the UNESCO Biosphere Entlebuch Municipal Association has a maximum of 11 members, whereby each of the seven municipalities plus the Freunde der Biosphäre Entlebuch association is entitled to one seat on the Management Board. Another two members can be freely appointed by the Delegate Assembly.
Current members of the Management Board
Tanja Bieri, Entlebuch
Beat Duss, Escholzmatt-Marbach
Hans Felder, Doppleschwand
Pius Felder, Hasle
Fritz Lötscher, Escholzmatt-Marbach (President)
Willi Pfulg, Romoos
Carolina Rüegg, Freunde der Biosphäre Entlebuch
Hella Schnider, Flühli Sörenberg
Hanspeter Staub, Schüpfheim
An interest group dubbed «NaturGärten in der Biosphäre» (‘wildlife gardens for the biosphere’) was established on 23 November 2016. The central principle of the group is to upgrade the residential zone of the biosphere with wildlife gardens. Over the long term, this will create a sustainable space where people are equally at home with plant and animal life. Members of this interest group are motivated to volunteer by an appreciation of unspoilt nature in their own gardens. The interest group is based on networking and social exchanges between like-minded individuals.
We maintain numerous partnerships at regional, national and international level.
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