History of the UNESCO Entlebuch Biosphere Reserve (UBE)

In 1987, the adoption of the so-called Rothenturm Initiative enshrined bog conservation in Swiss law. For the Entlebuch district in the canton of Lucerne, which had long been struggling with structural problems, this decision was a turning point, as bogs account for approximately 26% of the district’s land area. There were fears that the conservation measures would lead to economic constraints. In the years that followed, a collaboration among tourism representatives, foresters, scientists, and political stakeholders gave rise to the idea of establishing a strategy for the region’s sustainable development based on international guidelines, with peatland conservation as the foundation. In 2000, all Entlebuch municipalities agreed to co-finance a “biosphere reserve” (the first in Switzerland); this was followed in 2001 by recognition from UNESCO, and in 2008 by designation as the first nature park of national importance by the Federal Office for the Environment (FOEN). The 25th anniversary will be celebrated in 2026.

On behalf of the Biosphere Management, Rahel Wunderli is investigating the history of this remarkable undertaking. The focus is on regional and national processes and dynamics that ultimately led to the establishment of the current form between 1987 and 2008. The study examines lines of conflict and areas of cooperation within the region, as well as external factors that facilitated the consolidation of the UBE.

The final report of the project can be found here.