UNESCO Biosphere Reserves Biosphere Reserves should strive to be sites of excellence to explore and demonstrate approaches to conservation and sustainable development on a regional scale. Statutory Framework for Biosphere Reserves, 1995
BIOSPHERE RESERVE ZONATION Three zones, one biosphere reserve! Biosphere reserves have three interrelated zones that aim to fulfil three complementary and mutually reinforcing functions:
Biosphere Reserves are About PEOPLE, by people, for people CONNECTING culture, nature and economy UNDERSTANDING heritage, create future Explore better SOLUTIONS in practice Ways of LIVING, not only ways of conserving SHARED values and language Fuelled by PASSION
UNESCO World Network of Biospheres
UNESCO Biosphere Reserves
History of the UNESCO Biosphere Programme 1971: The Man and Biosphere (MAB) Programme is established 14 Project Areas 1984: Action Plan for Biosphere Reserves 243 Biosphere Reserves (65 countries) 1995: Seville Strategy & Statutory Framework for the World Network of Biosphere Reserves (WNBR) 324 Biosphere Reserves (82 countries) 2008: Madrid Action Plan for Biosphere Reserves 2008 13 531 Biosphere Reserves (105 countries) 2016: Lima Action Plan for Biosphere Reserves 2006 25 669 Biosphere Reserves (120 countries)
UNESCO Biosphere Reserves Our Responsibilities 10 year Periodic Review Progress Reporting Set strategic priorities to achieve MAB strategies locally Collaborate and Communicate with our National and International BR communities GOOD NEWS! 2016: The MAB International Coordinating Council concluded that the Niagara Escarpment Biosphere Reserve meets the criteria of the Statutory Framework of the World Network of Biosphere Reserves.
Evolving Global Context for World Biosphere Reserves Global change in climate, biodiversity, population, and industrialization Sustainable Development Rio 1992; Johannesburg 2002; Rio 2012; 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (2015) Convention on Biological Diversity Rio 1992, Nagoya (Aichi) Protocol 2014 Paris Climate Agreement (2015 16)
New Direction for World Biosphere Reserves MAB Strategy 2015 2020 Overarching GOAL: Develop a world network of biosphere reserves as models of sustainable development, by improving governance, collaboration and networking New Action Plan ratified at the 4 th World Congress on Biosphere Reserves in Lima, Peru in March 2016
Lima Action Plan 2016 25: Content Vision and mission (from MAB Strategy) Link to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its 17 Sustainable Development Goals Implementation: MAB National Committees and MAB networks encouraged to prepare strategies and action plans founded in national and regional realities and imperatives contribute to addressing these and to implementing the Lima Action Plan at the global level Mid term evaluation in 2020
NIAGARA ESCARPMENT The big shift needed CHALLENGE The biosphere is too often seen as restricting progress rather than creating opportunity. SOLUTION Connect individuals and industry to the benefits of being part of a biosphere.
The big shift Broadcast Explain Conversation Inspire Place People Facts Stories Regulation Opportunity
NIAGARA ESCARPMENT BIOSPHERE RESERVE ENGAGEMENT STRATEGY How will we connect people to the benefits of the biosphere reserve?
Biosphere reserves are about connection Life is an amazing series of connections. Between people, between people and nature, between knowledge and action, across time and place. If these connections break, we put our collective quality of life at risk. If we keep them strong, we build a future that inspires us. UNESCO biosphere reserves connect people and nature to inspire a positive future today.
What s Next for the Niagara Escarpment Biosphere Reserve? We all have responsibility for the Niagara Escarpment Biosphere Reserve! Together we will develop a work plan to support the Lima Action Plan Work to find innovative, inter disciplinary projects that connect us Encouraging collaboration and partnerships through a more formal Network