Engaging stakeholders for successful Biosphere Reserve governance in the Balkans

15min | 05/23/2025

Description

In this episode, we head to the Balkans to explore how inclusive governance practices are shaping the future of UNESCO Biosphere Reserves. We focus on two sites: the Central Balkan Biosphere Reserve in Bulgaria and the Vjosa Valley in Albania, an aspiring UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Both of these landscapes are showcasing how participatory governance can not only protect nature but also empower local communities.

We hear from two experts in the field: Petr Čupa, a Biosphere Reserve Manager from the Czech Republic, and Anna Kovbasniuk, an expert on youth engagement and nature conservation from Ukraine. They discuss the pivotal role of stakeholder—local communities, youth, scientists, and government bodies—in ensuring the success of Biosphere Reserves and driving innovative conservation efforts.

Tune in to learn how participatory governance is paving the way for a sustainable future in the Balkans and beyond.

An episode hosted by Katharine Lovatt and produced by Ilse Campos and Emmanuel Rudowski.

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

About UNESCO Earth Network

The UNESCO Earth Network Podcast series explores how UNESCO’s iconic designations — from Biosphere Reserves and Global Geoparks to World Heritage sites and living heritage practices — play a critical role in protecting biodiversity and building peace with nature.

In this five-episode series, we give voice to the scientific experts involved in this global initiative, sharing vital environmental knowledge to support local communities and national governments in achieving their biodiversity goals.

Because biodiversity conservation is about life. And to safeguard life, we must engage both society and science. This podcast places local communities at the centre — as knowledge-holders and key drivers of conservation and sustainable development.

Produced by UNESCO, with the support of the Government of Italy.

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

About UNESCO Earth Network

The UNESCO Earth Network Podcast series explores how UNESCO’s iconic designations — from Biosphere Reserves and Global Geoparks to World Heritage sites and living heritage practices — play a critical role in protecting biodiversity and building peace with nature.

In this five-episode series, we give voice to the scientific experts involved in this global initiative, sharing vital environmental knowledge to support local communities and national governments in achieving their biodiversity goals.

Because biodiversity conservation is about life. And to safeguard life, we must engage both society and science. This podcast places local communities at the centre — as knowledge-holders and key drivers of conservation and sustainable development.

Produced by UNESCO, with the support of the Government of Italy.

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Description

In this episode, we head to the Balkans to explore how inclusive governance practices are shaping the future of UNESCO Biosphere Reserves. We focus on two sites: the Central Balkan Biosphere Reserve in Bulgaria and the Vjosa Valley in Albania, an aspiring UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Both of these landscapes are showcasing how participatory governance can not only protect nature but also empower local communities.

We hear from two experts in the field: Petr Čupa, a Biosphere Reserve Manager from the Czech Republic, and Anna Kovbasniuk, an expert on youth engagement and nature conservation from Ukraine. They discuss the pivotal role of stakeholder—local communities, youth, scientists, and government bodies—in ensuring the success of Biosphere Reserves and driving innovative conservation efforts.

Tune in to learn how participatory governance is paving the way for a sustainable future in the Balkans and beyond.

An episode hosted by Katharine Lovatt and produced by Ilse Campos and Emmanuel Rudowski.

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

About UNESCO Earth Network

The UNESCO Earth Network Podcast series explores how UNESCO’s iconic designations — from Biosphere Reserves and Global Geoparks to World Heritage sites and living heritage practices — play a critical role in protecting biodiversity and building peace with nature.

In this five-episode series, we give voice to the scientific experts involved in this global initiative, sharing vital environmental knowledge to support local communities and national governments in achieving their biodiversity goals.

Because biodiversity conservation is about life. And to safeguard life, we must engage both society and science. This podcast places local communities at the centre — as knowledge-holders and key drivers of conservation and sustainable development.

Produced by UNESCO, with the support of the Government of Italy.

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

About UNESCO Earth Network

The UNESCO Earth Network Podcast series explores how UNESCO’s iconic designations — from Biosphere Reserves and Global Geoparks to World Heritage sites and living heritage practices — play a critical role in protecting biodiversity and building peace with nature.

In this five-episode series, we give voice to the scientific experts involved in this global initiative, sharing vital environmental knowledge to support local communities and national governments in achieving their biodiversity goals.

Because biodiversity conservation is about life. And to safeguard life, we must engage both society and science. This podcast places local communities at the centre — as knowledge-holders and key drivers of conservation and sustainable development.

Produced by UNESCO, with the support of the Government of Italy.

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

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