UNESCO designates Møn as Denmark first biosphere reserve

Move expected to be a boon for tourism, business and sustainability

The UN organisation UNESCO has unveiled the chalk-white cliffs of Møn and its surrounding islands and waters as Denmark’s first biosphere reserve.

According to UNESCO, biosphere reserves are learning places for sustainable development where the aim is to reconcile biodiversity conservation and the sustainable use of natural resources.

“This reserve consists of a series of islands and islets in the southern Baltic Sea, over approximately 45,118 hectares [in size]. Its landscapes include woodlands, grasslands, meadows, wetlands, coastal areas, ponds and steep hills,” UNESCO wrote.

“This biosphere reserve includes a number of small villages, scattered farms and residential areas with a total population of some 45,806 inhabitants. The main activities are trade, agriculture, fishing and tourism.”

READ MORE: Greenland landscape could become UNESCO Heritage site

‘Mon the Møn
Møn, which is already a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a big draw for locals and tourists alike with its varying post-glacial landscape of hills, cliffs, beaches, valleys and islands.

Vordingborg Municipality, where Møn is located, is understandably pleased with the designation – the first in the Danish Commonwealth since northeast Greenland was accepted in 1977.

“We who live in Vordingborg Municipality have always known that the nature in the area is something special, and now UNESCO has confirmed it,” said Michael Seiding Larsen, the mayor of Vordingborg.

“The designation will benefit tourism, business and the locals, but the nature will always take centre stage. The biosphere project will co-operate with the people who live and run businesses in the area based on national legislation. The area also shows the way forward for the future development of the rural districts from a sustainable perspective.”

Møn was one of 23 new sites designated as a biosphere reserve by UNESCO yesterday. See the others here.

Earlier this year, Denmark submitted Greenland’s Inuit hunting grounds ‘Aasivissuit – Nipisat’ to become a UNESCO’s World Heritage site.




  • Tunø: An island running out of time

    Tunø: An island running out of time

    The island of Tunø harbors a community of 74 adults and one child. There are no cars and only one connection to the rest of the world. Now, climate change threatens it

  • Cross-border moves on the rise in the Øresund region

    Cross-border moves on the rise in the Øresund region

    The number of relocations across the Øresund Region is rising. As highlighted by 2023 numbers, Sweden benefits from a growing interest, especially among younger generations.

  • In conversation with Conrad Molden: The man behind the mic

    In conversation with Conrad Molden: The man behind the mic

    He’s tickled our funny bone with countless wisecracks and clever wordplay, and in the process, made Denmark feel a little more personable to many expats. An international import himself, funny man Conrad Molden has successfully carved out a niche for himself on the Danish stand-up scene, but it’s taken a solid 13 years, much trial and error, and heaps of Danglish

  • Here Comes The Sun…

    Here Comes The Sun…

    I escaped from Denmark this winter to the south of France, where I was convinced that the sunshine would inspire me to write this year’s Crazy Christmas comedy show.

  • Volunteer Night 2025: when volunteering rhymes with integrating

    Volunteer Night 2025: when volunteering rhymes with integrating

    On Wednesday, April 30, from 17:00 to 20:00, Studenterhuset will host Volunteer Night 2025, a free event organized by the organization International House Copenhagen, which goal is to ease the relocation process for newcomers in Denmark

  • The international who shaped Copenhagen

    The international who shaped Copenhagen

    Anna Maria Indrio is one of the most important architects in Denmark, having contributed to shaping Copenhagen into what it is today. Among her best-known projects are the extension of SMK and Arken, as well as the Natural History Museum and the Darwin Centre in London. She moved here 60 years ago, when “Copenhagen was gray and dormant. Predictions suggested it would become depopulated. But putting people at the center changed everything,” she said

Connect Club is your gateway to a vibrant programme of events and an international community in Denmark.