Participatory governance for people and nature in multifunctional landscapes — insights from Biosphere Reserves

Participatory approaches are put forward to ensure that governance for the well-being of humans and nature is legitimate and effective, particularly responding to global challenges of ecosystem degradation and climate change. As model areas for sustainable development with explicit goals of participation, the UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves can provide insights on participatory governance arrangements, outcomes of participation, and obstacles for participation. Through a literature review, we found that transparent communication and fair distribution of benefits and trade-offs enhance participation. Early involvement, skilled facilitation, and the capacity to develop shared values among diverse interests improve outcomes. Project-driven participation, deficient capacity to handle conflicting interests, and mechanisms of exclusion hinder participation. Biosphere Reserves (BRs) can leverage already existing actor initiatives, local knowledge, and practices. We identified a need for studies of causal links between participation and BR outcomes, including unpacking the meaning of different modes of participation. • Experts and BR actors consider participation to be key to success in BRs. • Awareness of the BR and its purpose is a necessary first step, but not sufficient. • Fair distribution of benefits and trade-offs enhances participation. • Early involvement of actors and capacity to develop shared values are key. • Studies of causal links between participation and BR outcomes are needed.