Evaluation of UNESCO Biosphere Reserves

In order to check how the Biosphere Reserves develop and whether they fulfil the criteria for UNESCO recognition in the long term, they are evaluated every ten years by the MAB National Committee.

The evaluation of the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve Schaalsee has been carried out in 2010 and 2020 since its recognition by UNESCO in September 2000.

MAB Nationalkomitee vor dem PAHLHUUS. — A group photo of the MAB national commitee in Germany in front of the Pahlhuus in Zarrentin am Schaalsee.

In September 2019, the MAB National Committee visited the Schaalsee and, among other things, held talks with stakeholders in the region. Furthermore, they gained an impression of the work in the areas of nature conservation, sustainable development of the region as well as education and research in numerous discussions with employees of the office.

Evaluation report for the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve Schaalsee 2011 - 2020

The basis of the review is an evaluation report, which must be prepared by the biosphere reserve office according to a UNESCO questionnaire. In addition, the MAB National Committee visits the area for several days.

In the evaluation, the National Committee makes recommendations for the further development of the biosphere reserve and identifies deficits that need to be remedied. If deficits are not eliminated and the criteria according to the guidelines for a UNESCO biosphere reserve are not met, the UNESCO title may be withdrawn.

The decision for the further recognition of the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve Schaalsee by the International Coordinating Council (ICC, based in Paris) is expected in September 2021.