Which landscape narratives shape the discourse and perception of biosphere reserves – and how do they integrate their sometimes contradictory dual mission of nature conservation and sustainable development? This question is addressed in a study by Prof. Erik Aschenbrand and co-authors, which was recently published in Tourism Geographies.

Based on a comparative analysis of communication strategies in nine European biosphere reserves in Germany, Italy and Sweden, the study shows that despite major cultural, ecological and socio-economic differences, an overarching narrative of "rurality" dominates. The authors argue that the portrayal of biosphere reserves as rural idylls largely ignores processes of urbanisation – even though these are central to sustainable development and should be more firmly anchored in the MAB programme.

Aschenbrand, E., Cisani, M., Meneghello, S., & Chance, J. (2025).
Heritage and landscape narratives: How rural stereotypes are shaping UNESCO biosphere reserves. Tourism Geographies, 1–18.
https://doi.org/10.1080/14616688.2025.2581191