A hierarchically superior framework was needed to govern future cross-border development in the Franco-German Biosphere Reserve to ensure that the sometimes differing objectives of the two Biosphere Reserve Managers tend to coincide, and thus redefining them.

Biosphere reserves include countryside that is exploited in many different ways, from virtually natural ecosystems, through intensive farming, to real estate development, small-scale industry and even the installation of factories. To harmonise the different long-term objectives of protection and development, the land needs to be split into specific areas. This subdivision into zones with differing characteristics, and the preparation of plans for their management with the aim of encouraging various different types of development that vary as each site, will enable each area to be developed intelligently in the light of existing natural conditions.

The framework concept will thus produce an integrated global plan for the development of the entire Franco-German protected area, intended to reconcile the interests of all municipalities, government departments and associations involved. To best achieve this, all socially significant categories need to be involved. In addition, models need to be developed for each type of exploitation covering production, services, training..., and for each area of activity in the biosphere reserve. These need to be accepted as part of a binding framework defining every type of action and the future forms of local administration for all involved.