Bel Phos – “The Biosphere Reserve Rhön”, Germany, May 2006

Bel Phos – “Wheatgrass and rapeseed field”, Rhone Biosphere Reserve, Germany

And some of my Rodin “Eternal Idol” variations on the Biosphere Reserve Rhön, “Variation Rapeseed” and “Variation Wheat 2″:

These two works represent the Spring. Green wheatgrass and rape seed in early spring at the Biosphere Reserve Rhön is encrusted into “The Eternal Idol”. A biosphere reserve is a natural monument, enduring seasonal changes. A sculpture is a human artistic achievement, eternal as indicated by its name. By mixing them, I attempt to endow the Rhön Reserve with an aspect of stability and eternity and to give the Rodin sculpture chameleon qualities. The result is a harmonic relation, where Human Nature embraces Mother Nature and vice versa.

What are biosphere reserves?

Biosphere reserves are sites recognized under UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere Programme which innovate and demonstrate approaches to conservation and sustainable development. They are of course under national sovereign jurisdiction, yet share their experience and ideas nationally, regionally and internationally within the World Network of Biosphere Reserves. There are 529 sites worldwide in 105 countries.

Biosphere reserves are much like laboratories where new and optimal practices to manage nature and human activities are tested and demonstrated. They outpace traditional confined conservation zones, combining core protected areas with zones where sustainable development is fostered by local dwellers and enterprises. Their governance systems are often highly innovative. In some cases, new legislation can be introduced. Biosphere reserves have three inter-connected functions:
* Conservation: landscapes, ecosystems, species and genetic variation
* Development: economic and human and culturally adapted
* Logistic support: research, monitoring, environmental education and training

They generate knowledge and experience which can be used in the wider land and seascape. They are tools to help countries implement the results of the WSSD and in particular the Convention on Biological Diversity and its Ecosystem Approach. They are “learning sites” for the UN Decade on Education for Sustainable Development.

© UNESCO (Text found in official Unesco site on January 3, 2008)

In Germany there are today 13 biosphere reserves:

1. Flusslandschaft Elbe
   [site is in German, More information on Unesco site]
2. Vessertal-Thüringen Forest
   [More information on Unesco site]
3. Berchtesgaden Alps
   [More information on Unesco site]
4. Wadden Sea and Hallig Islands of Schleswig-Holstein
   [site is in German, More information on Unesco site]
5. Schorfheide-Chorin
   [site is in German, More information on Unesco site]
6. Spreewald
   [More information on Unesco site]
7. Rügen
   [site in German, More information on Unesco site]
8. Rhön
   [More information on Unesco site]
9. Waddensea of Lower Saxony
   [More information on Unesco site]
10. Waddensea of Hamburg
    [More information on Unesco site]
    
11. Oberlausitzer Heide- und Teichlandschaft
    [site is in German, More information on Unesco site]
    
12. Schaalsee
    [site is in German, More information on Unesco site]
13. Vosges du Nord / Pfälzerwald, transboundary reserve France/Germany
    [More information on Unesco site or on official French site]

Buy this green calendar with photos of the Rhone Biosphere Reserve:

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