This paper explores the potential of intergenerational practice (IP) for encouraging participation of youth and elderly women in biosphere reserve implementation. IP is a growing area of interest for promoting the interaction of youth and the elderly and is based on the understanding that the related benefits apply, not only to the youth and elderly involved, but to the larger community, as well.
The term “biosphere reserve” was introduced by UNESCO to refer to model regions for sustainable development. A key element of the biosphere concept is the involvement of the local population in managing the reserve. Certain groups, including youth and the elderly, remain underrepresented in the process. The involvement of diverse population groups in local planning and development of the reserves is recognized as a critical environmental justice and equity issue.
Results of a case study are used to frame a discussion about motivations for and barriers to the participation of youth and elderly women in the management of a biosphere reserve in Austria. Seventy-five individuals participated in interviews for this study: 25 elderly women; 40 youth; 5 middle-age women; 3 biosphere reserve managers; and 2 process facilitators. The interviews were designed to address the following three questions: “(1) What are the perceptions of the biosphere reserve among the elderly women and youth, as well as the obstacles to and motivations for them to engage in biosphere reserve-related activities? (2) What are the elderly and younger residents' perceptions of the other generation and intergenerational practice? (3) Are the biosphere reserve managers aware of the potential held by the involvement of youth and elderly, and to which extent are they familiar with IP?”
Results support the idea of applying IP as an effective way to increase the involvement of youth and elderly women in biosphere reserve activities, including activities focusing on sustainable development. While results revealed some obstacles to the involvement of these marginalized groups, the application of IP could play a role in overcoming these obstacles. Both the young and old interviewees expressed interest in an exchange with the other group.
The authors present ideas on how solutions from the intergenerational field might be used to overcome identified participation obstacles. They also offer suggestions for future research. This research supports the idea of management initiating and supporting IP projects as part of biosphere reserve implementation. Ways in which intergenerational activities might be used include providing more information about the reserve, building trust between the local population and the management of the reserve, and making connections with the reserve a part of the local identity.
Research Partner