Elbe River Landscape Biosphere Reserve (Brandenburg)

Germany’s third-largest river, the Elbe, is one of the last remaining near-natural rivers in Central Europe. The UNESCO biosphere reserve "Elbe River Landscape" comprises a total of 343,000 hectares (848,000 acres) along 400 kilometres (249 miles) of river through five German federal states.

This historically formed cultural landscape is part of a global network of 738 biosphere reserves in 134 countries that share the UNESCO ‘Man and the Biosphere’ (MAB) programme’s objective to protect and sustainably develop natural areas in harmony with human needs.

The section in the state Brandenburg extends along 70 kilometres (43 miles) of the Elbe, from the border with Saxony-Anhalt to shortly before the gates of Dömitz in Mecklenburg-West Pommerania. The Brandenburg Elbe River Landscape biosphere reserve comprises about 53,000 hectares (131,000 acres).

Further information is available in german.

Our vision

Together with many partners, we preserve and shape the region's shared natural and cultural heritage.

We are committed to preserving and improving the natural foundations of life as a home for all.

We stand for the idea of a UNESCO biosphere reserve as a model region for sustainable development.

We master the balancing act between ecology, economy and social justice by:

  • Finding solutions in fair discussion,

  • Implementing ideas together with committed partners,

  • Enabling knowledge transfer and development through joint learning.