Bavarian Rhön
The UNESCO Rhön Biosphere Reserve is located in the border region of Bavaria, Hesse, and Thuringia. Covering more than 2,400 square kilometers, it is the fourth-largest biosphere reserve in Germany. Its goal is not only to protect the exceptional low mountain landscape and its natural environment.
More than 200,000 people live in the region. Under the UNESCO program “Man and the Biosphere”, the sustainable use of the natural landscape by humans is being developed and tested here as a model. The well-established network of local stakeholders and decision-makers, along with the area’s special status as a UNESCO reserve, made it a natural choice as an EO4CAM pilot region.
The effects of climate change are already noticeable in the Rhön. In the future, heatwaves and heavy rainfall events are likely to increase, placing stress on agriculture, forestry, nature, and the local population. Crop failures, forest fires, damaged infrastructure, and soil erosion are just a few examples of potential threats.
Press Office of the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve