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Aerial view over Kristianstads Vattenrike
Biosphere Reserve with the town Kristianstad surrounded by wetlands. Photo
Patrik Olofsson
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There are biosphere reserves all over the world. These protected areas,
officially recognised by the UN agency UNESCO, demonstrate how to tackle the
practical challenges of combining nature conservation with development.
 Kristianstads
Vattenrike Biosphere Reserve, established in 2005, includes the greater part of
the Municipality of Kristianstad, from the forests to Hanöbukten Bay with the
rich wetlands of the River Helge å and the town of Kristianstad at its heart.
Extent: Greater part of the Municipality of Kristianstad.
Area: 104,375 ha. (Land and lakes, 90,515 ha; marine area, 13,860 ha.)
Population: approx. 71,000, incl. 30,000 in the Kristianstad urban
region.
Species worthy of preservation: There are some 20 globally red-listed
species, including corncrake and great raft spider, and some 60 EU listed
species, including thick-shelled river mussel and Dianthus arenarius. In
all, there are around 700 nationally red-listed species of flora and fauna. This
figure is high compared to other areas of Sweden.
Around 30% of the red-listed species in the province of Skåne occur in the
biosphere reserve. The wetlands are home to 120–130 regularly breeding species
of bird. In all, some 260 species have been recorded. At least 38 different
species of fish have been caught in the inland waters: 32, including European
catfish and loach, spawn in fresh water.
Development projects: There are numerous local projects, such as biogas
for municipal buses, wetlands ecotourism and the development of products from
the wet grasslands.
Zoning: The area’s status as a biosphere reserve has not resulted in any
new rules or directives. Zoning is a tool for prioritising and creating
resources for working together with local residents, financial backers, etc. to
avert threats and develop the natural values of the core areas and buffer zones.
Theme areas: Ten theme areas with high natural values have been
identified. Work will gradually extend to all ten themes, but to date the main
focus for conservation, development and support has been on the wetlands. Now,
however, projects on the sandy grasslands formerly managed under a rotational
system of cultivation and fallow have also commenced in earnest. |
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