Experts Gather in Rhön to Tackle Biodiversity and Conservation Challenges

How diverse research and conservation efforts have become in Germany's protected natural areas was on full display at this year's conference of the Research & Monitoring Working Group of the National Natural Landscapes Association (NNL) in the UNESCO Rhön Biosphere Reserve.

December 12, 2025

Guest Contribution by Lea Hohmann

The annual meeting of the Research & Monitoring Working Group of Germany's National Natural Landscapes Association (NNL) in the UNESCO Rhön Biosphere Reserve showcased just how diverse conservation and scientific efforts have become across the country's protected areas.

Over 60 experts from biosphere reserves, national parks, nature parks, and wilderness areas gathered in Bavaria's Rhön region to exchange insights on current projects and monitoring approaches.

Topics ranged from biodiversity tracking and citizen science to visitor management and the health benefits of nature, offering a rich and up-to-date overview of the field.

Presentations, field excursions, and workshops provided opportunities to showcase projects, share experiences, and refine collaborative strategies.

The event opened with an introduction to the goals, projects, and tasks of the UNESCO Rhön Biosphere Reserve, presented by Dr. Doris Pokorny, head of the Bavarian administrative office. She emphasized that biosphere reserves operate under a scientific framework established by UNESCO.

"Key questions arise: What impact do humans have on the biosphere we inhabit and depend on? Where do conflicts emerge—for wildlife, for our resource supply? What sustainable solutions exist, and where are they already being implemented as models?"

Held at the Oberelsbach Environmental Education Center, the conference featured engaging lectures, hands-on excursions, and dynamic workshops.

Key themes included biodiversity monitoring, citizen science, public acceptance of large protected areas, and innovative monitoring techniques.

Notable contributions included a presentation on Germany's 20-year butterfly monitoring program, led by the Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research with the help of volunteers, as well as the use of environmental DNA (eDNA) in tracking noble crayfish populations.

Participants also gained insights into ongoing research within the Rhön Biosphere Reserve. Staff from the Bavarian, Hessian, and Thuringian sections of the Rhön team provided updates on current monitoring projects in core zones and open landscapes.

Local citizen science initiatives were highlighted, along with a look at research conducted at the Rhön Nature Experience Center in Hammelburg, where studies examine how stargazing tours influence participants' connection to nature.

Excursions and Thematic Deep Dives

On Thursday morning, excursions to the LIFE meadows, the Red Moor, the Green Belt, and the seed garden in Hausen offered fascinating firsthand perspectives on conservation work in the field.

Beyond nature protection, participants explored visitor guidance strategies, regional marketing, and the psychological benefits of nature.

Afternoon workshops facilitated professional exchanges on topics such as managing invasive species. The day concluded with a stargazing tour on the outskirts of Oberelsbach, part of the Rhön Dark Sky Park.

At -5°C under a crystal-clear sky, attendees experienced firsthand why the Rhön has earned its designation as an international dark sky reserve.

A Valuable Nationwide Exchange

All participants agreed that the annual meeting served as a vital platform for professional dialogue, networking, and advancing joint monitoring and research initiatives across Germany's national natural landscapes.

Sabine Klenk, who oversees cross-state research and monitoring for the UNESCO Rhön Biosphere Reserve at the Bavarian administrative office and organized this year's conference, also offered a positive assessment:

The annual conference fosters in-depth exchange and networking among experts, making a vital contribution to advancing research and monitoring in Germany's National Natural Landscapes. We were delighted to have the opportunity to host this year's event.