M.Sc. Biosphere Reserves Management (BIOM)
About
Biosphere reserves are model regions for sustainable development. The international Master's programme in Biosphere Reserve Management (BIOM) addresses contemporary sustainability issues from an integrative perspective. We think about how to reconcile competing land-use interests at the landscape level. We analyse both innovative and traditional land use practices. We compare different management and land use systems. In short: We look for local solutions to global problems.
The Master's course is guided by the current strategy of UNESCO's Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme and the Lima Action Plan, focusing on three areas of competence:
→ Ecological and social systems
→ Governance and management
→
Cooperation, communication, learning
Goal
The goal of the study programme is to consistently teach theoretical, methodological, and practical knowledge and skills in biosphere reserve management.
Students learn to develop sustainability strategies by applying participatory and cooperative approaches. They gain knowledge on ecosystems and different concepts of land use in a context of unprecedented loss of biodiversity and natural resources under accelerated climate change and the resulting uncertainty. Cultural and socio-economic challenges as well as opportunities are identified and reflected upon.
Graduates can implement the UNESCO Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme and sustainably improve the World Network of Biosphere Reserves (WNBR).
Contacts
General Information about the BIOM study program
General questions regarding application process
Entry qualification, admission and language requirements
Study with us
Why study BIOM?
This is what our students say:
I very spontaneously switched to the BIOM programme and never regretted it
The novel study course and its interdisciplinary approaches gave me the opportunity to deepen my understanding of many interconnected parts of the natural and social world while still being able to focus on my preferred research fields, as well as the possibility to get involved on an organisational level. I believe that the efforts made to involve practitioners in lectures and diverse practical parts make BIOM a very attractive study course that you may tailor to your own specific interests.
Lisa Sharif, BIOM-2020
The BIOM course broadened my spectrum of learning
The BIOM course provides a diversity of modules that broadened my spectrum of learning, including practical experiences with visits to biosphere reserves in different countries and expert insights. In addition, the course was well-structured, especially as this was the first batch, and the right environment provided to support students, including learning resources and personnel. I also enjoy diversity of students, backgrounds and experiences, all providing a very open and warm environment in and out of the confines of our academics into wonderful connections in our personal lives.
Prince Owusu Bonsu, BIOM-2020
I am grateful for the chance to learn from my classmates
BIOM students are a mixed group of people (over 12 nationalities and languages) with a wide set of skills and cultural backgrounds. Learning in heterogeneous adult groups is about challenging assumptions about others and exercising curiosity. Our resilience, that is, our capacity to adapt and change, is one of our strengths. During my time in this programme, I realised that the better group we are, the further I advance. I am grateful to this master's programme for giving me the chance to meet my classmates and learn with and from them.
Daniel Ojeda di Vicente, BIOM-2021
