Your unique, world class environment and creative rural economySouthwest 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 InvolvementYour unique world class environment & creative rural economyOverview :

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”Your unique world class environment & creative rural economyWhat is a Biosphere Reserve ?

Biosphere Reserves :A designation of a special areawhere people practice integrated management of land, water, and biodiversityA reward and international recognitionfor activities currently going on within the area that promote economic and human development in harmony with natureWorld 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

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-aboriginalWhat a Biosphere Reserve is NOTYour unique world class environment & creative rural economy

Functions of a Biosphere ReserveYour unique world class environment & creative rural economy

UnitedNationsEducationalScientificCulturalOrganizationYour unique world class environment & creative rural economyUNESCO

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 ScotiaYour unique world class environment & creative rural economyMAB Program

Assist with balancing economic interests with the needs of conservationProvide 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 futureYour unique world class environment & creative rural economyBenefits of Biosphere Reserves

Help create & maintain a healthy environment for people and their familiesMaintain 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 lifestylesBenefits

Southwest Nova Biosphere ReserveInternational endorsement & recognition, UNESCO MAB5 counties of Southwest Nova “Area of Cooperation”AnnapolisDigbyYarmouthShelburneQueen’s“Core Area” of BiosphereKejimkujik National Park & Historic SiteTobeatic Wilderness AreaAreas already protected by provincial and federal governmentsYour unique world class environment & creative rural economy

International endorsement & recognition, UNESCO MAB

5 counties of Southwest Nova “Area of Cooperation”

Annapolis

Digby

Yarmouth

Shelburne

Queen’s

“Core Area” of Biosphere

Kejimkujik National Park & Historic Site

Tobeatic Wilderness Area

Areas already protected by provincial and federal governments

Background for Your Biosphere ReserveIn September 2001, the region of Southwest Nova received designation as the UNESCO- MAB Biosphere ReserveNon-Profit OrganizationOperates with community support, volunteers, project income. No on-going government fundingBoard of DirectorsVolunteers from different sectors representing community members, educational institutions, government, non-government organizations, industryclass environment & creative rural economy

Nomination document was prepared..ComprehensiveShows how the area is unique and meets the criteria for a Biosphere ReserveShows public support & cooperationAll levels of Government, local communities, businesses, education institutions and othersSubmitted to the MAB office in OttawaOttawa “nominates” the area to UNESCOUNESCO makes the decisionHow does it happen ?Your unique world class environment & creative rural economy

Southwest Nova Biosphere ReserveA Balanced Place for People & NatureYour unique world class environment & creative rural economy

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. Your unique world class environment & creative rural economyMission Statement

Acadian forests of KejimkujikDiverse resource sectors of farming, forestry & fishingVibrant communitiesRich heritageMi’kmaq use of lands & watersAcadian culture , European SettlersSpecial place for NatureIconic Species : Moose, trout & eagleSpecies at Risk : Rare plants, Southern Flying Squirrel, Blanding’s Turtle, Piping PloverYour unique world class environment & creative rural economyA Unique and Special Area

Functions of a Biosphere ReserveYour unique world class environment & creative rural economy

Protect and enhance the quality of life enjoyed by citizens of the Southwest Nova RegionPromote increased recognition and understanding of the cultural heritage of Southwest Nova RegionPromote demonstration sites to illustrate traditional sustainable practices of the regional economyEncourage development of innovative resource use and conservation techniques to explore new approaches to local resource issuesSustainable DevelopmentYour unique world class environment & creative rural economy

Promote increased recognition and understanding of the natural environmentPreserve 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 StewardshipSupport 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. ConservationYour unique world class environment & creative rural economy

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 BuildingYour unique world class environment & creative rural economy

For nature the Southwest Nova Biosphere Reserve supports conservation efforts and collaboration for success.Your unique world class environment & creative rural economyNature

For culture, the Southwest Nova Biosphere Reserve helps promote the integrity of cultural resources and heritage in the region of Southwest Nova ScotiaCultureYour unique world class environment & creative rural economy

Sustainable IndustryFor industry we promote and encourage traditional & contemporary resource management It identifies opportunities for enhancement & innovation.

For communities we encourage people to work together for common goals in new and expanded partnerships. CommunityYour unique world class environment & creative rural economy

ResearchSupport 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

Community MappingCreative AnnapolisFCDA “ Our History” , Port George NSMTRI Lake AtlasIntegrated Community Sustainability Planning (ICSP)Presentations to all Municipal CouncilsParticipation in round table discussionsNetworks and PartnershipsCommunications, promotions and market brandingYour unique world class environment & creative rural economyCurrent Projects

Creative Rural EconomyYouth engagement and Community outreachIntegrated Community Sustainability PlanningNetworks of NGO’sPartnership DevelopmentFuture DirectionYour unique world class environment & creative rural economy

Partners of SNBRACommunityMersey 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 & SchoolsGovernmentParks CanadaNS Department of EnvironmentNS Department of Natural ResourcesMunicipal and Town CouncilsDestination Southwest NovaADEDACanadian Biosphere Reserve Association (CBRA)UNESCO & MAB

Your unique world class environment & creative rural economyPartners of SNBRAAcademicApplied Geomatic Research Group (AGRG)Acadia UniversityDalhousie UniversityNova Scotia Community CollegeIndustryNova Scotia PowerBowater Mersey / abitibi bowaterCulture & HistoryDesBrisay MuseumMacdonald MuseumAcadia First NationsBear River First Nations

Your unique world class environment & creative rural economySustainable Development

Please visit our website :www.snbra.caYour unique world class environment & creative rural economyContact