Biosphere Reserves Management (M. Sc.)
Biosphere reserves are model regions for sustainable development. The international Master's programme in Biosphere Reserve Management (BIOM) addresses contemporary sustainability issues from an integrative perspective.
We think about how to reconcile competing land-use interests at the landscape level. We analyse both innovative and traditional land use practices. We compare different management and land use systems. In short: We look for local solutions to global problems.
The Master's course is guided by the current strategy of UNESCO's Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme and the Lima Action Plan, focusing on three areas of competence:
- Ecological and social systems
- Governance and management
- Cooperation, communication, learning
Goal
The goal of the study programme is to consistently teach theoretical, methodological, and practical knowledge and skills in biosphere reserve management.
Students learn to develop sustainability strategies by applying participatory and cooperative approaches. They gain knowledge on ecosystems and different concepts of land use in a context of unprecedented loss of biodiversity and natural resources under accelerated climate change and the resulting uncertainty. Cultural and socio-economic challenges as well as opportunities are identified and reflected upon.
Graduates can implement the UNESCO Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme and sustainably improve the World Network of Biosphere Reserves (WNBR).
