The Black Forest biosphere area
In the middle of the southern Black Forest is the enormous biosphere area, which was recognized as a large protected area by UNESCO in 2017. It offers a very special kind of coexistence between humans, nature and animals.
Size, communities and climate in the Black Forest
28 communities in three different districts belong to the Black Forest biosphere area. Also a certain part of the city Freiburg belongs to this area. Municipalities that participate in this nature reserve include the districts of Waldshut, Lörrach, Freiburg im Breisgau and the Breisgau-Hochschwarzwald district. The area of the biosphere area is around 630.000 km². The climate ranges from a typical fruit tree climate to a subalpine mountain climate.
The different landscapes
Landscape maintenance on the mountainside
In the southern Black Forest there are important natural areas such as Ballon, the little meadow valley, Schauinsland, Schluchsee, Schwarzatal, Albtal and the Mittlere and Obere Wiesental. Hardly any other mountainous landscape in Germany shows differences in altitude ranging from around 310 to over 1420 meters and this in a very small space.
The Black Forest biosphere area can be divided into five different landscapes:
Small meadow valley
This landscape is mainly characterized by numerous forests, meadows, small settlements and stream valleys and is part of a true cultural landscape.
Great meadow valley
This area is one of the main meeting places for Allmendwiesen, which can only be seen in this way in a biosphere area. The Große Wiesental is located between Zell and Feldberg.
Upper Alb Valley
This part of the area was mainly shaped by high valleys and the last ice age.
The Upper Hotzenwald
With its numerous moors and flat knolls, the Upper Hotzenwald shows the diversity of the Black Forest.
Dreisamtal
This valley is known for its mountain landscapes, slopes and rocks.
Capture the biosphere in the picture
In the biosphere reserve, visitors will find countless breathtaking photo opportunities. To make the picture unique, Nicola Lederer has put together a helpful article “Photography for beginners" created.
Flora and fauna
Flora and fauna
Allmendweiden are an important characteristic of the Blackland biosphere area. By this one understands certain pastures, which are used by farmers and reach up to very high elevations in the mountains. Due to the natural cultivation of the farmers, a unique landscape has been created, which contains a wide variety of flora and fauna. Rare plant species such as gorse or arnica thrive on these pastures. Among other things, the striking willow beeches grow on the Allmendwiesen, which immediately catch the eye with numerous overgrown trunks and branches, as well as a wide crown.
In addition, forests and pastures characterize some areas of the biosphere area. The forests are crossed by beech, spruce and fir trees. The biosphere area is a true natural spectacle, especially for nature lovers.
Coined over centuries
The southern Black Forest was created over the centuries through human cultivation. Today around 38.000 people live in this area. Since the landscape has been in decline over the years, the cooperation of the actors in the various areas is very important.
There are great opportunities, especially in sustainable tourism, as well as in traditional and modern businesses such as B. Craft. Thus, the people living there are offered a future, as maintaining a certain quality of life is often not easy, especially for farmers.
History of life in the southern Black Forest
Typical Black Forest house
For many people, life in this area back then was hard and involved a lot of work. The gardens of some Black Forest farm owners were mostly used for growing vegetables and berries. The steep slopes were mowed with scythes and ditches had to be repeatedly improved to irrigate the numerous pastures. The income from farming alone was not enough to feed the whole family. For this reason, many local traders moved to the city.
Even nowadays the customs continue in the areas, because almost every village has its own costumes. Even Alemannic words are still used. It is therefore an unparalleled cultural heritage, as certain traditions are still preserved. That is why the Black Forest is highly recommended not only for nature lovers, but also for history lovers.
Tasks and goals of the biosphere area
An important goal of the biosphere area is the protection of animals and nature. In addition, research, education and projects are used in this area. To protect the area, sustainability is the main focus. Therefore, attempts are made to bring tourism, economy, environment and land use into harmony and to develop them further.
Other goals include the development of attractive tourism offers that are not harmful to nature. Furthermore, the keeping of this landscape open is maintained and economically secured in order to preserve the natural reservoir.
