Parc Suisse Biosphere Reserve, UNESCO biosphere reserve in Grisons, Switzerland
The biosphere reserve covers alpine meadows, forests, and glacial valleys in eastern Switzerland between Val Müstair and Scuol. The protected area combines different habitats that support varied wildlife and plant life.
The municipality of Val Müstair was formed on 1 January 2009 from the six frazioni Tschierv, Fuldera, Lü, Valchava, Sta. Maria and Müstair. Since 2011 it has constituted the Regional Nature Park Biosfera Val Müstair, which together with the Swiss National Park and the Scuol development zone forms Switzerland's first high-alpine UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
The park's charter names Romansh, in its local Jauer variant, as the valley's cultural space, and works to keep local traditions, historic village centres and everyday culture visible. It coordinates cultural events and involves residents and guests, while the six frazioni Tschierv, Fuldera, Lü, Valchava, Sta. Maria and Müstair keep their own village life.
The park perimeter covers the whole municipality of Val Müstair, whose six frazioni are Tschierv, Fuldera, Lü, Valchava, Sta. Maria and Müstair. The valley is reached from the rest of Switzerland over the Ofenpass; from Müstair you can cross to Taufers or over the Umbrailpass into Italy. The valley floor drops from the Ofenpass at 2149 m to Müstair at 1247 m.
Scientists conduct long-term research within the reserve to monitor how alpine ecosystems change due to climate shifts. This research provides valuable data about impacts on mountain wildlife and plant populations.
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