Kozjansko and Obsotelje biosphere area
In Slovenia, four biosphere sites are part of the UNESCO Man and Biosphere (MAB) programme: Julian Alps, Karst, Kozjansko and Obsotelje, and Mura.
Brochure on the importance of UNESCO biosphere areas in Slovenia
Slovenia acceded to UNESCO on 27 May 1992 as its 167th member state. The Government of the Republic of Slovenia has established the Slovenian National Commission for UNESCO, whose office operates within the ministry responsible for higher education and science.
Biosphere reserve status is granted by the International Coordinating Council of the “Man and the Biosphere” Programme, based at UNESCO headquarters in Paris.
The World Network of Biosphere Reserves currently has 738 sites in 134 countries.
The Kozjansko and Obsotelje biosphere area joined the global network on 2 June 2010, becoming the third biosphere area in Slovenia. The operator became the Kozjanski Park Public Institute, based in Podsreda.
The Kozjansko and Obsotelje region is a mosaic landscape between the Sava, Savinja and Sotla Rivers, where hills, mountains and lowlands intertwine. It covers 11 municipalities. The central area is 140km2, the peripheral area 360km2 and the transition area 447km2. Half of the central and border area of the biosphere reserve is covered by the Kozjansko Regional Park. Almost 230km2 are Natura 2000 sites.
The biosphere area is an important co-creator of cultural and social life. Events and gatherings are always a good opportunity to meet, exchange experiences, and weave new networks.
Life in a biosphere area is characterised by partnership, a spirit of exploration, innovation, sustainability and environmental approaches.
Film on the importance of the Kozjansko and Obsotelje biosphere area