1. Partner-Initiatives in Germanys UNESCO Biosphere Reserves
GUIDO PUHLMANN AND DR. FRAUKE DRUCKREY
Partner-Initiatives in Germanys UNESCO Biosphere Reserves

2. Introduction
Partner-initiatives are cooperations between the administration of a protected area and local companies.
Partner companies see themselves as ambassadors of their protected areas. They are committed to the protection of nature and climate and support the aims of their protected areas. Therefor they are allowed to use the term “Partner” as well as the official logo of the protected area which gives them a benefit in terms of marketing.
EUROPARC DEUTSCHLAND | NATIONALE NATURLANDSCHAFTEN

3. Protected areas with partner-initiatives
In Germany there are 23 partner- initiatives from the wadden sea in the north to the Swabian Albs in the south. In total the protected areas have more than 900 partners such as hotels and restaurants, transportation and excursion companies and numerous other providers of tourist services.  9 of the 16 Biosphere Reserve in Germany are involved in the partner-initiatives.
EUROPARC DEUTSCHLAND | NATIONALE NATURLANDSCHAFTEN

4. High quality and environmental standards
Every officially awarded partner company has to fulfill high quality and environmental standards which are very similar throughout Germany.
For example the standards require that the companies been able to inform their guests about their protected area. They also have to participate in regular trainings and use regional products whenever possible.
©Paul Behrens
EUROPARC DEUTSCHLAND | NATIONALE NATURLANDSCHAFTEN

5. Contact For further questions please contact:
Guido Puhlmann (Director) Biosphärenreservat Mittelelbe Dr. Frauke Druckrey
©Paul Behrens
EUROPARC DEUTSCHLAND | NATIONALE NATURLANDSCHAFTEN