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Southwest Nova Biosphere Reserve

Definition of a Biosphere ReserveUNESCO & MAB ProgramFunctions of a Biosphere ReserveStructure of a Biosphere ReserveYOUR Southwest Nova Biosphere ReserveNature, Culture, Industry, CommunityProjects, Partnerships & Community

Involvement

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Overview :

Areas of terrestrial and coastal ecosystems recognized by UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere (MAB) program as being uniquely important culturally and ecologically while promoting solutions to reconcile the conservation of biodiversity with its sustainable use.

They are places for promoting and demonstrating a balanced relationship between people & nature“Living Laboratories for people & nature”

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What is a Biosphere Reserve ?

A designation of a special areawhere people practice integrated

management of land, water, and biodiversityA reward and international recognition

for activities currently going on within the area that promote economic and human development in harmony with nature

World wide recognition :Distinct ecosystems which showcase how

people work WITH their environmentA good place to live, work and visitPromote “Best Practices” for cultural, social &

economic sustainability

Biosphere Reserves :

It is not a form of REGULATIONIt is not a new level of BUREAUCRACYIt is not a World Heritage SiteIt does not create protected areasIt does not restrict the RIGHTS of citizens -

aboriginal or non-aboriginal

What a Biosphere Reserve is NOT

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Functions of a Biosphere Reserve

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UnitedNations

EducationalScientificCultural

Organization

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UNESCO

Man And the BiosphereThere are 531 biospheres distributed

between 105 countries all working toward a common purpose : Reduce loss of biodiversity Improve quality of Life Enhance environmental sustainability

15 biosphere reserves are locatedin Canada. Southwest Nova is theonly Biosphere Reserve in Nova Scotia

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MAB Program

Assist with balancing economic interests with the needs of conservation

Provide opportunity to experiment and share lessons learnedRegion committed to voluntary participation

and the goals of sustainable developmentProvide for needs of today, while enabling

healthy & productive communities in the future

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Benefits of Biosphere Reserves

Help create & maintain a healthy environment for people and their families

Maintain productive and healthy landscapesReduce conflict among peopleEncourage diverse local economies to revitalize

rural areasIncrease the involvement of communities in land

use decisions and connection to the landSupport and facilitate interconnected scientific

studies and monitoringCelebrate cultural diversity and provide

opportunities to maintain existing traditions and lifestyles

Benefits

International endorsement & recognition, UNESCO MAB

5 counties of Southwest Nova “Area of Cooperation”AnnapolisDigbyYarmouthShelburneQueen’s

“Core Area” of BiosphereKejimkujik National Park &

Historic SiteTobeatic Wilderness Area

Areas already protected by provincial and federal governments

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Southwest Nova Biosphere Reserve

In September 2001, the region of Southwest Nova received designation as the UNESCO- MAB Biosphere Reserve

Non-Profit OrganizationOperates with community support, volunteers,

project income. No on-going government funding

Board of DirectorsVolunteers from different sectors representing

community members, educational institutions, government, non-government organizations, industry class environment & creative rural economy

Background for Your Biosphere Reserve

Nomination document was prepared..ComprehensiveShows how the area is unique and meets the criteria

for a Biosphere ReserveShows public support & cooperation

All levels of Government, local communities, businesses, education institutions and others

Submitted to the MAB office in OttawaOttawa “nominates” the area to UNESCOUNESCO makes the decision

How does it happen ?

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Southwest Nova Biosphere ReserveA Balanced Place for People & Nature

The Southwest Nova Biosphere Reserve Association

( SNBRA) will seek to balance the conservation of natural and cultural heritage with

sustainable resource development to support prosperous local economies and healthy

communities.

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Mission Statement

Acadian forests of KejimkujikDiverse resource sectors of farming, forestry

& fishingVibrant communitiesRich heritage

Mi’kmaq use of lands & watersAcadian culture , European Settlers

Special place for Nature Iconic Species : Moose, trout & eagleSpecies at Risk : Rare plants, Southern Flying Squirrel, Blanding’s Turtle, Piping Plover

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A Unique and Special Area

Functions of a Biosphere Reserve

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Protect and enhance the quality of life enjoyed by citizens of the Southwest Nova Region

Promote increased recognition and understanding of the cultural heritage of Southwest Nova Region

Promote demonstration sites to illustrate traditional sustainable practices of the regional economy

Encourage development of innovative resource use and conservation techniques to explore new approaches to local resource issues

Sustainable Development

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Promote increased recognition and understanding of the natural environment

Preserve the ecological integrity of the protected wilderness of Kejimkujik National Park and National Historic Site and the Tobeatic Wilderness Area though appropriate management and community Stewardship

Support voluntary conservation measures to protect landscapes, habitats, species and genetic diversity in the core, buffer and cooperation zones.

Encourage conservation of species of commercial and traditional importance.

Conservation

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Develop and promote successful local examples of cultural, educational, ecological research and development in the region.

Develop opportunities for participation of students, teachers and community leaders in Biosphere Reserve activities to improve local awareness of cultural heritage and natural environment.

Facilitate citizen participation to inform conservation and development planning and implementation in the Southwest Nova Biosphere Reserve.

Capacity Building

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For nature the Southwest

Nova Biosphere Reserve supports conservation efforts and collaboration for success.Your unique world class environment & creative rural

economy

Nature

For culture, the Southwest Nova Biosphere Reserve helps promote the integrity of cultural resources and heritage in the region of Southwest Nova Scotia

Culture

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For industry we promote and encourage traditional & contemporary resource management It identifies opportunities for enhancement

& innovation.

Sustainable Industry

For communities we encourage people to work together for common goals in new and expanded partnerships.

Community

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Support scientific research and monitoring of ecological systems and socio-economic patterns of the Southwest Nova Biosphere Reserve, to obtain further understanding of environmental conditions to support sustainable resource management. Partners : MTRIAcademic partners

Research

Community MappingCreative AnnapolisFCDA “ Our History” , Port George NSMTRI Lake Atlas

Integrated Community Sustainability Planning (ICSP)Presentations to all Municipal CouncilsParticipation in round table discussions

Networks and PartnershipsCommunications, promotions and market

brandingYour unique world class environment & creative rural

economy

Current Projects

Creative Rural Economy

Youth engagement and Community outreach

Integrated Community Sustainability Planning

Networks of NGO’s

Partnership Development

Future Direction

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Partners of SNBRAGovernment

Parks CanadaNS Department of

EnvironmentNS Department of

Natural ResourcesMunicipal and Town

CouncilsDestination Southwest

Nova ADEDA

Canadian Biosphere Reserve Association (CBRA)

UNESCO & MAB

CommunityMersey Tobeatic Research

Institute (MTRI)Tusket River Environmental

Protection Agency (TREPA)Tobeatic Wildneress AreaFriends of KejiNova Forest AllianceFundy Community

Development Association (FCDA)

Team AnnapolisHome & Land OwnersYouth & Schools

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Partners of SNBRAAcademic

Applied Geomatic Research Group (AGRG)

Acadia UniversityDalhousie UniversityNova Scotia

Community CollegeIndustry

Nova Scotia PowerBowater Mersey /

abitibi bowater

Culture & HistoryDesBrisay MuseumMacdonald MuseumAcadia First NationsBear River First

Nations

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Sustainable Development

Please visit our website :

www.snbra.ca

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