UNESCO Biosphere Reserves in Sweden: Ideal concept for development or inefficient decorative label?

Abstract: UNESCO’s Biosphere Reserve model reflects a shift from segregating towards more integrating area protection. This is attempted to be achieved through combining environmental protection with sustainable development, acknowledging hereby also human interests. The model is conceptually appealing and gaining popularity, which is indicated by the growing number of reserves worldwide. However, to successfully implement the desired goals in practice is challenging and substantial evidence of the concept’s effects is scarce. The aim of this thesis is, therefore, to investigate on the basis of the Swedish Biosphere Reserves what actual effects they have on local development, with a special focus on tourism. This was accomplished through analysis of general development indicators and a negative binomial regression to investigate the effect of Biosphere Reserves on the number of guest nights in the municipalities. In addition, to determine if stakeholder perceptions and the obtained results coincide, a survey amongst stakeholders in the lodging sector of Kristianstad has been carried out. The results suggest that being a municipality with a Biosphere Reserve may have no effect on general development regarding the chosen key variables and no effect on tourism development in terms of guest nights. Regarding stakeholder perceptions in Kristianstad, the Biosphere Reserve did not seem to be perceived as such an important asset, rather the single tourist attractions located in the Biosphere Reserve area were of interest. Overall, the standpoint that Biosphere Reserves are an ideal concept for sustainable development has been challenged in regard to the studied aspects and an objective view in the future on the matter is advised.