Reconciling governance for conservation and sustainable development in biosphere reserves

Aiming for the reconciliation of nature and human development Biosphere Reserves (BR) have to fulfill multiple functions for which effective governance would be needed. However, there are indications that many BRs face severe governance challenges, and little is known about the governance models currently in place. REGO aims to provide actionable knowledge on how existing novel governance formats BR could be developed to help BRs fulfil their multiple functions. Researchers will work closely together with the Austrian BRs and the Swiss BR Engiadina Val Müstair (EVM). First, academic literature is reviewed to create an analytical framework for feasible BR governance. Second, a comparative case study will be conducted between all Austrian BRs plus EVM. Document analysis, expert interviews, and an analysis of the legal context will be carried out to provide detailed descriptions of governance models in case study BRs. This includes strengths and weaknesses and crucial governance challenges. Third, based on the findings of the comparative case study, a co-creative workshop will be organized with researchers and case-study BRs. The aim is to explore how the BRs can learn from each other in order to refine their governance models, and to create recommendations for higher-level decision-makers (e.g., UNESCO MAB). Recommendations will be checked for legal ramifications to ensure their feasibility. Finally, the learnings will be put into practice by establishing two 'living labs' in the BR Großes Walsertal and EVM. Each BR will select governance challenges that are highly relevant. Novel governance formats will be co-developed with researchers, and evaluation criteria will be defined. Then governance formats will be tested and evaluated. Findings of REGO will help create a better understanding of the types of governance models needed to reconcile nature conservation and regional development and support BRs in refining their governance to meet UNESCO goals.