The process of creating Biosphere Reserves- An ... - Naturvårdsverket

SWEDISH ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY REPORT 6563
The process of creating Biosphere Reserves
In a rural context it is not for example unusual that non-profit making powers are
encouraged to take over certain tasks when the public sector withdraws. This
means that the issue of power, struggle with meaning and interpretation, legitimacy
and not least the question of responsibility, become important to manage when the
issue is brought down to another social level. This has its advantages and disadvantages.
This can mean that the conflicts, which were earlier dealt with at other
administrative levels, are engaging local communities in a new way, without there
actually being scope for manoeuvre or mandate to deal with them (such as in the
case of the establishment of wind power in Lake Vänern Archipelago and Mount
Kinnekulle and the Eastern Slopes of Lake Vättern, as well as the mosquito problem
in Nerde Dalälven). There can also be a risk that the Biosphere work develops
into an area-specific “mini-authority” with responsibility but without powers. But
this can also lead to developing new contexts which deepen dialogue, seem conflict-resolving,
and where different stakeholders widen their network and where
their local identity is clarified in a positive way amongst those involved (cf. Waldenström,
2008). Where the five Biosphere Reserves studied are concerned, we see
it as urgent that in the future, Biosphere work allows scope for critical reflection,
which is able to support discussion on authority, responsibility, power, legitimacy
etc. seen in relation to the future Biosphere work. This is urgent now, when a number
of areas have entered a more operational phase of their work.
Against a background of the above reflections and the conclusions that emerged in
chapter 4, we summarise briefly below in bullet point form, some of the requirements
that we believe are urgent for continued Biosphere work.
There is a requirement for arenas that explicitly and recurrently reflect on
and discuss questions that affect power aspects, responsibility, legitimacy
etc. seen in relation to Biosphere Reserve’s future development and in a
broader social context.
There is a requirement for research initiatives and creation of research
environments, designed so that they on one hand meet the Biosphere Reserve’s
specific needs, but also research efforts of longitudinal character
that have the capability to follow developments for several years into the
future in the different Biosphere Reserves.
There is a requirement for projects, studies etc. that highlight in more detail
the urban role in Biosphere work and its interaction with the surroundings.
There is a requirement to continue experience exchange between the different
Biosphere Reserves, but also with similar projects within and outwith
Swedish borders.
There is a requirement for continued financial support of Biosphere work
from central levels. From a power and collaboration perspective, a full-
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