Unesco Man & Biosphere area KempenBroek

The UNESCO Man & Biosphere Area KempenBroek is a cross-border collaboration spanning Belgian and Dutch Limburg and North Brabant. This little-known region stretches across the municipalities of Bocholt, Bree, Kinrooi, Maaseik, Cranendonck, Weert, and Nederweert. It’s a hidden gem, full of secrets waiting to be uncovered—charming, mysterious, and quietly beautiful.

The landscape is incredibly diverse, offering something for everyone. You’ll find untouched trails winding through mysterious wetlands, stream valleys, heathlands, and farmland. It’s the perfect place to experience open space and the sound of silence. Whether you prefer walking, cycling, mountain biking, or horseback riding, there’s a path for you.

Many rare plant and animal species thrive here. Did you know that KempenBroek is one of the richest areas in the Benelux for dragonfly species? In recent years, beavers have made a comeback, and with a bit of luck, you might even spot a red deer.
On July 5, 2024, UNESCO officially recognized KempenBroek as Belgium’s first Man & Biosphere Reserve, the second in the Netherlands, and the first cross-border reserve in the Benelux!

UNESCO Man & Biosphere Areas are places where people and nature coexist in harmony. These regions serve as living laboratories for sustainable development—testing local solutions to global challenges like biodiversity loss and climate change.
Each Man & Biosphere Area focuses on three interconnected core missions:

1. Protect: We work together to safeguard nature, landscapes, and heritage. This not only preserves local flora and fauna but also the vital benefits nature provides to us all.
2. Develop: We aim to build a sustainable local economy and society, with a focus on supporting eco-friendly agriculture and tourism.
3. Learn and Inspire: We conduct research to guide our actions and monitor progress. The knowledge we gain is shared through schools, educational programs, and with the wider community.

Naturbasierte Lösungen

• Nutzung der Natur/natürlicher Prozesse, die die biologische Vielfalt unterstützen, um die Herausforderungen im Zusammenhang mit dem Klimawandel, der Wasserwirtschaft (einschließlich Hochwassermanagement) und der Bodendegradation zu bewältigen;
• Die besonderen ökologischen Merkmale des Gebiets (z. B. Topographie, Landschaftstyp, örtliche Pflanzen- und Tierwelt usw.) sind zu berücksichtigen und/oder zu verbessern;
• Einbindung dieser natürlichen Prozesse in die Umgebung und die Umwelt;
• Umsetzung dieser natürlichen Prozesse in einer Weise, die mit anderen Maßnahmen zur Bewältigung dieser Herausforderungen vereinbar ist (z. B. Wiederherstellung einheimischer Pflanzenarten in der Nähe von Wasseranlagen, die zur Verbesserung der Wasserbewirtschaftung eingerichtet wurden, ...);
• Stärkung des ökologischen Verbunds zwischen naturbasierten Lösungen und den umliegenden Naturgebieten.

Ökologische Konnektivität

• Erleichterung der sicheren Wanderung von Tier- und/oder Pflanzenarten durch die verschiedenen Zonen des grün-blauen Netzes;
• Verwenden Sie einheimische Arten und ggf. Unterarten, die widerstandsfähiger und resistenter gegen den Klimawandel sind;
• Wiederherstellung und/oder Förderung artenreicher Landschaftselemente (z. B. Bäume, Hecken, Blumen, Flüsse) entlang linearer Infrastrukturen (z. B. Straßen, Bahnlinien);
• Die ökologischen Merkmale des Gebiets zu respektieren und/oder zu verbessern;
• Integrieren Sie diese Annehmlichkeiten in die Umgebung und die Umwelt;
• Bewirtschaftung der Annehmlichkeiten nach ökologischen Gesichtspunkten (z. B. kein oder rationeller Einsatz von Pestiziden).

The restoration of natural areas and biodiversity aims to better connect nature reserves within the UNESCO Man & Biosphere Area, as well as with the surrounding regions. An increasing number of nature reserves are applying the principles of rewilding or process-based nature management, where human intervention is reduced to a minimum.

The projects carried out by the partners in this collaboration consistently draw on the natural system —ecosystem restoration is the guiding principle in biodiversity initiatives— and make maximum use of nature-based solutions. In recent years, significant investments have been made in restoring the water system and former wetlands —not only to support biodiversity, but also to create more space for water, which is urgently needed in times of climate change. These investments and efforts will continue in the coming years, ensuring long-term resilience and impact.

Collaboration in the area is structural and guided by a Master Plan with a long-term vision. The various partners working on ecosystem restoration and biodiversity consider this their core business, ensuring the long-term continuity and sustainability of these measures.