The region

De Wijers candidate UNESCO Man and the Biosphere

Frequently asked questions

1. What does UNESCO Man and the Biosphere mean?
UNESCO Man and the Biosphere (MAB) is an international programme that supports areas where people and nature coexist sustainably. It focuses on regions that promote nature and landscapes, while also supporting living, working, entrepreneurship, agriculture, recreation, education, and research.

2. Is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve the same as a nature reserve?
No. A biosphere reserve is not a traditional nature reserve, nor is it a new form of legal protection. It is a recognition for areas that demonstrate how nature conservation, sustainable development, research, education, and collaboration can strengthen one another.

3. Why is De Wijers applying for UNESCO Man and the Biosphere status?
De Wijers is a unique landscape of ponds and cultural heritage where nature, water, agriculture, housing, recreation, and economic activities have been interconnected for centuries. The candidacy aims to recognise these qualities, strengthen cooperation within the area, and position De Wijers internationally as a model region for sustainable development.

4. Will the UNESCO label introduce new rules or restrictions?
No. The recognition does not create any new legal protection and does not impose additional regulations, permits, or restrictions on residents, landowners, farmers, entrepreneurs, or local authorities. Existing Flemish, provincial, and local regulations will continue to apply.

5. Will anything change regarding my property or land?
No. The UNESCO label does not affect property rights, usage rights, or existing obligations. Private land remains private. Anyone who currently owns, uses, or manages a parcel of land will continue to do so if recognition is granted.

6. What do the zones of core area, buffer zone, and transition area mean?
UNESCO uses a three-zone model. Core areas are existing high-value natural areas that are already protected. Buffer zones surround these areas and support nature conservation, research, education, or sustainable use. Transition areas are places where people live, work, and do business. The zoning system helps explain the area and organise cooperation; it does not replace existing regulations.

7. What are the benefits for residents?
For residents, the label can contribute to a stronger shared story for De Wijers, greater attention to the quality of the living environment, improved cooperation among partners, and more opportunities for projects related to nature, landscape, heritage, education, recreation, and sustainable development.

8. What does this mean for farmers, entrepreneurs, and other stakeholders?
The label does not create additional obligations, but it can offer new opportunities. It provides a stronger framework for cooperation on sustainable agriculture, short supply chains, regional identity, tourism, water management, biodiversity, entrepreneurship, and innovation. The aim is to better connect existing activities to the long-term ambitions for De Wijers.

9. Does the UNESCO label automatically bring funding opportunities?
No. Recognition does not automatically provide funding. However, it can strengthen applications for Flemish, European, or international project programmes. The label confirms the quality of both the area and its partnerships, which can enhance the credibility and visibility of project proposals.

10. Who decides on the application?
The application is prepared by the partners of De Wijers in consultation with local authorities, Flemish administrations, organisations, knowledge institutions, and other stakeholders. The final recognition is granted by UNESCO after an assessment of the application dossier.

11. Are residents and local stakeholders involved?
Yes. The application builds on an extensive participatory process and more than twenty years of collaboration within De Wijers. Even after a possible recognition, the involvement of residents, associations, landowners, farmers, entrepreneurs, volunteers, researchers, and local authorities will remain essential.

12. Why is international recognition important?
UNESCO recognition would place De Wijers within a global network of biosphere reserves. This network offers opportunities for knowledge exchange, cooperation, research, education, and international visibility. It also demonstrates that De Wijers is part of a broader movement of regions working on solutions for climate challenges, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable development.

13. What happens if De Wijers is recognised?
If recognised, De Wijers will officially become part of the worldwide network of UNESCO Biosphere Reserves. Existing cooperation will continue within the framework of the De Wijers Master Plan 2026-2050 and its successive operational plans. Recognition is therefore not an end point, but a lever for continued collaboration on the future of the area.

14. Where can I go if I have questions?
Anyone with questions about the application or about what UNESCO Man and the Biosphere means for De Wijers can contact the De Wijers area management team and the participating local authorities. They oversee the process and can explain what the recognition does and does not mean.
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