The UNESCO Rhön Biosphere Reserve is celebrating 35 years. The region is looking optimistically into the future with new projects and awards. There is a diverse program in the anniversary year 2026.

Hilders – The Rhön Biosphere Reserve is celebrating its 35th anniversary. This provides an opportunity to look back on the successes in nature and habitat protection. “For 35 years, the Rhön Biosphere Reserve has shown how successful nature and habitat protection can be achieved together with the local people,” explains Dr. Doris Pokorny from the Biosphere Reserve.

The UNESCO Rhön Biosphere Reserve will celebrate its 35th anniversary in 2026

“This anniversary is an opportunity for us to look back gratefully on what we have achieved and at the same time to look forward with confidence,” says Doris Pokorny, who heads the administrative offices in Bavaria, Hesse and Thuringia. “The Rhön stands for active collaboration, sustainable development and a special connection with our unique landscape.”

In 1991, on March 6th, the three-country Rhön received the status of a UNESCO biosphere reserve. Since then, the region has been considered a role model for how nature, regional economy and quality of life in rural areas can be harmoniously combined, in line with the UNESCO goals, says the Rhön Biosphere Reserve.

Education for sustainable development, the preservation of the unique cultural landscape, research and monitoring as well as the protection of biodiversity have been among the central tasks of the reserve for over three decades. As part of the UNESCO “Man and the Biosphere” program, the work of global biosphere reserves is reviewed every ten years. The third international evaluation of the biosphere reserve took place in autumn 2025.

The International Coordination Council confirmed the extension of UNESCO recognition for the transnational Rhön Biosphere Reserve for a further ten years. This decision recognizes the region's continued development as a model for sustainable living and business. A comprehensive evaluation report submitted in 2024 by the environment ministries of the three participating countries formed the basis for this recognition.

Numerous partners from agriculture, business, nature conservation, science and society were involved in the process. Over the past 35 years, the Rhön has established itself as an internationally recognized example of sustainable regional development. Projects to protect biodiversity, maintain the cultural landscape, promote regional products and strengthen nature-friendly tourism characterize the region.

Education for sustainable development also remains a central part of the work. We have succeeded in making the Rhön known as a biosphere reserve in Germany and worldwide. In the biosphere reserve, sustainability is understood as a common path that connects nature, economy and society. The aim is to preserve living spaces, strengthen regional cycles and at the same time secure prospects for local people.

In the anniversary year 2026, the three administrative offices in Bavaria, Hesse and Thuringia are offering a diverse program. The cross-border Rhön Biosphere Prize is being awarded for the second time, recognizing special commitment to sustainable projects in the region. The cross-border annual conference will take place on October 30th under the motto “Changing Landscape”, which offers space for professional exchange.

Throughout the year, the three administrative offices and their partners organize a wide range of events with guided tours, action days and information formats for different target groups. A current overview can be found on the homepage of the Unesco Rhön Biosphere Reserve www.biosphaerenreservat-rhoen.de to find.