The Biosphere Park

For several years we have been working intensively to remodel the Nockberge National Park as the “Nockberge Biosphere Park”.  Our target is to obtain the international UNESCO-rating “Biosphere Reserve” (which is equivalent to the term “Biosphere Park” used in Austria).  

A region that has been awarded this rating is allowed to use the title “Model region for sustainable development”.  The process of recognising a region as a Biosphere Park is conducted internationally by UNESCO’s MAB office.

In these protected areas, the focus is on environmentally-friendly, sustainable development of the region (including economic development), that is consistent with the needs of the people living in the protected area.  Worldwide there are about 550 Biosphere Parks, of which six are located in Austria. The Nockberge Biosphere Park would be the first in southern of Austria.