News Archives

Jim Birtch (Canadian Biosphere Reserves Association, Parks Canada) has developed a proposal for UNESCO ‘Eco-Cities’ (MS WORD DOC) to compliment but not replace the biosphere reserve program, and to encourage the MAB programme to reincorporate an urban component. This proposal was presented in Madrid in February 2008 and Ottawa has agreed to be a pilot city for this project as part of their ‘Choosing Our Future’ planning initiative. See attached documents for review. Jim welcomes comments and suggestions – please email him at james.birtch@pc.gc.ca with your feedback.

This year's annual Canadian Biosphere Reserves Association (CBRA) meeting will be jointly hosted by the Clayoquot Sound and Mount Arrowsmith Biosphere Reserves. Draft agenda

Job posting at the Georgian Bay Biosphere Reserve. Full-time youth intern. More details.

Announcement: The 2008 Federal Budget provides $2 million over two years to Environment Canada to support the operations of the Canadian Biosphere Reserves Association (CBRA). More details

The Brant Wildlife Festival is hosting a Biospheres Around the World presentation at the 18th Annual Brant Wildlife Festival March 7. Events run March through April www.brantwidlifefestival.bc.ca

Wye Marsh Wildlife Centre is a major environmental educator in the Georgian Bay Area and what happens in the watershed directly and indirectly effects what happens in the Biopshpere reserve. Click here to see the Wye Marsh mangement plan.

September 20, 2007:

Ottawa, September 20 , 2007 – Fundy (New Brunswick) and Manicouagan – Uapishka (Quebec) have been designated as Biosphere Reserves by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). A considerable expansion to the size of the existing Frontenac Arch Biosphere Reserve (Ontario) was also approved.

The Fundy Biosphere Reserve is the first in New Brunswick. The designation was supported by a comprehensive participatory process, including the creation of the ‘Fundy Biosphere Regional Network’ stakeholder group, and long-term research. The designated area is distinctive for its spectacular high tidal range and a passage-place for billions of migratory birds annually. The area also includes the City of Moncton, two universities and benefits from the support of a wide variety of partners.

With this designation, Manicouagan – Uapishka (Quebec) becomes the largest Biosphere Reserve in Canada, extending from the St. Lawrence in the south to the Manicouagan crater in the north. In addition to its natural characteristics including the boreal forest and whale feeding grounds, important economic activities in the area include mining, industrial forestry and hydroelectric dams. Participation of the private sector and of the local Innu community, public education and consensus-building have been cornerstones of this sustainable development model area.

The Frontenac Arch Biosphere Reserve (Ontario), designated by UNESCO in 2002, has guided the community to linking conservation organisations, economic and social development groups, as well as the educational and scientific communities located within the Frontenac Arch region. Its newly expanded boundaries now encompass all of the Township of South Frontenac, including the Frontenac Provincial Park.

David A. Walden, Secretary-General of the Canadian Commission for UNESCO stated that he is ‘’confident that the three sites will make significant contributions to inspire others in their pursuit of sustainable development. They represent a promising direction for the evolution of modern Biosphere Reserves, where different groups voluntarily agree to collaborate based on their common vision and desire for the future of their region’’.

The CBRN special session on biosphere reserve research at the 2007 Canadian Association of Geographers meeting in Saskatoon was a success! The four presenters showed just how varied research in and about biosphere reserves can be. The presentations and abstracts have been uploaded here. Thanks again to all of the presenters who took part.

The field trip to the Redberry Lake Biosphere Reserve was also well received. The field trip included a delicious Ukrainian Lunch, a tour of the biosphere reserve interpretive centre, a stop at a local farm, and a trip to see the crooked trees. Many of the participants on the trip were not familiar with the biosphere reserve concept and the trip provided the opportunity to discuss what biosphere reserves are and how they function. Welcome new members! Pictures here.

CBC Radio, along with The National, (Canada's national broadcasting networks), are looking for the top seven wonders in Canada and are asking for nominations.

Ron Taylor, publisher of the Georgian Bay Eco Museum, nominated Georgian Bay as one of the Seven Wonders of Canada. Taylor said, "Georgian Bay is truly a unique Canadian fresh water paradise and is often designated as the Sixth Great Lake. It is a beautiful body of water which is 100% Canadian, when compared to all of the bodies of water in the Great Lakes. Not only does it have the world's largest freshwater island, (Manitoulin Island) it has the world's longest freshwater beach (Wasaga Beach) and it has Canada's only Fresh Water Eco Museum (the Georgian Bay Eco Museum). It is the most pristine of all of the Great Lakes and supports exceptional biodiversity and important wetland habitat. There are two United Nations designated Biosphere Reserves, the Bruce Peninsula and the 30,000 Islands. The 15,000 sq. km. of Georgian Bay is home to three National Parks and provides an entrance to the Trent Severn National Historic waterway."

Additional Georgian Bay features include the historic French River canoe route taken by Samuel de Champlain in 1615, the historic First Nations village in Midland, the Huronia Museum and Ouendat Village pre-dating European visits, the location of Sainte-Marie among the Hurons, Canada's earliest inland settlement, and Martyrs' Shrine.

Numerous Ontario Provincial Parks and protected areas are infused around Georgian Bay. Taylor adds, "This nomination recognizes Georgian Bay as an important icon, and will contribute to the preservation of this pristine environment and protect one of Canada's most significant water resources."

Taylor encourages Georgian Bay lovers to vote for Georgian Bay, or at least get involved and vote for their local favorite wonder by visiting CBC website http://www.cbc.ca/soundslikecanada/features.html?77

If you don't have a computer you can call 1-866-722-2752 and register your vote and why you think Georgian Bay should be in the top seven. Voting and the contest end next Monday, May 7.

At that point judges will begin reducing the list and opening up a voting process to the General Public.

March 20, 2007: Canadian Biosphere Reserve Association annual general meeting. Date: May 31 - June 3, 2007. Location: Georgian Bay Littoral, Parry Sound, Ontario. Contact: Rebecca Pollock, rebeccapollock@trentu.ca. Public meeting details.

March 15, 2007: Thanks to all who have submitted abstracts for our special session at the CAG conference on biosphere reserve research. It looks like it's going to be an interesting session! The abstracts for this session are posted here.

February 2, 2007: Articles from the Environments special issue (Vol 32/3)have just been added to this site. I've also re-arranged the main research database page to (hopefully!) make it a bit easier to navigate. Please send me your comments or suggestions.

Also, a reminder to everyone about the special session on biosphere reserve research to be held at the CAG conference in May. Please submit your abstract by email to Julia McCleave at j2mcclea@fes.uwaterloo.ca by MARCH 1, 2007.

Canadian Commission for UNESCO
Natural Sciences Sector, Att: Dr. Fred Roots
350 Albert, P.O. 1047
Ottawa, ON, Canada K1P 5V8

Le programme de l'Homme et la biosphere (MAB) de l'UNESCO offre 10 bourses pour jeunes scientifiques (40 ans et moins) de 5000 $ US. La priorite est donnee aux recherches entreprises dans les reserves de la biosphere sur le theme des ecosystemes et de l'eau. Toutefois, veuillez noter que les candidatures emanant de pays developpes ne sont retenues que dans des cas exceptionnels. Les candidatures canadiennes ayant des composantes de cooperation nord-sud, de partage des connaissances et de renforcement des capacites sont donc encouragees. Les dossiers doivent etre reus la Commission canadienne pour l'UNESCO au plus tard lundi, le 2 avril 2007 aux coordonnes ici-bas:

There will be a SSHRC-CIDA competition for graduate student research papers that link international development with knowledge-building during the 2007 Congress of Humanities and Social Science. More information here.

CBRN Special Session for the Canadian Association of Geographers (CAG) Annual General Meeting 2007, May 29-June 2, 2007, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan

BIOSPHERE RESERVES: A SOCIAL SCIENCE PERSPECTIVE
Expression of interest deadline: December 14, 2006
Abstract submission deadline: March 1, 2007

Officially recognized by UNESCO as places where people live in harmony with nature, biosphere reserves are protected areas embedded in working landscapes that serve three functions: conservation, sustainable development and capacity building. Creating and implementing biosphere reserves involves the dynamic interaction of complex issues concerning governance, capacity, politics, land use, ecosystem and community health, and resource management.

In recent years, researchers in Canada and abroad have taken a social science approach to examining these and other themes. The objectives of this special session are to provide a platform to share the results of some of this research and to promote discussion and debate among biosphere reserve researchers and members.

This special session is organised by the Canadian Biosphere Research Network (CBRN). Each presentation will be 15 minutes followed by five minutes for questions and discussion. Abstracts should be limited to 200 words with up to five key words and are to be submitted by email to Julia McCleave at j2mcclea@fes.uwaterloo.ca by MARCH 1, 2007. Please email Sharmalene Mendis Millard at srmendis@envmail.uwaterloo.ca with your expression interest by December 14, 2006.

The CBRN will also be organizing an informal gathering for the participants of the session and CBRN members. Please stayed tuned for more information.

Kate Matysek, a biosphere reserve phd student in Tasmania, Australia, has recently had a paper published in the Canadian Geographer entitled "The UNESCO Biosphere Reserve Program in Australia: constraints and opportunities for localized sustainable development". Kate spent 6 months in Canada in 2004 researching Long Point, Clayoquot, Arrowsmith, Niagara Escarpment and the urban BR proposal for New York City. She is currently finishing up her thesis and hopes to submit in Jan '07.

Dr. Maureen Reed at the University of Saskatchewan is embarking on a SSHRC funded research project entitled "Terms of Endearment: The place of Canadian biosphere reserves in community-based ecosystem management". Dr. Reed is seeking up to two graduate students at the masters or Phd level to work on this project. Here is a one page summary of the project. Prospective graduate students are encouraged to email Dr. Reed at m.reed@usask.ca for more information.

“The Clayoquot Field Station is destined to become a centre of international significance and appeal. There is an insatiable curiosity about how to build an economy in a way that respects nature, culture and place. The field station will be a centre of inspiration and inquiry that will further underline Clayoquot Sound's importance to the world.”
Ian Gill, President of Ecotrust Canada

The Clayoquot Field Station will provide affordable accommodations to students, researchers, artists and naturalists – anyone who would like to stay in a learning environment. Guests at CFS will pay $32 per bunk, which includes admission to the Gardens and an opportunity to participate in the twice-weekly Speakers Series.

The 32-bunk dormitory with classrooms, basic lab space and a dining hall is scheduled to open June 1st.

“Our goal is to create a space that will encourage research, education and conversations about how to live in a place without diminishing it”, says George Patterson, Executive Director of Tofino Botanical Gardens Foundation.

The field station will host a range of groups and individuals ranging in age from Kindergarten to Elderhostel. Topics of study will include all areas of arts and sciences with an emphasis on improving our understanding of what sustainability really means. The field station will provide an opportunity for people from many disciplines, with diverse experiences and viewpoints to come together for extended conversations.

# # #

For further information, contact:
Mr. John Platenius, Director of Programming and Development, Tofino Botanical Gardens Foundation
Ph: (250) 725-1220

Fax: (250) 725-2435
Web: www.tofinobotanicalgardens.com
Email: john@tofinobotanicalgardens.com

The schedule for the CBRA AGM and conference has changed. The updated schedule can be seen here.

Hello! Greetings from Redberry Lake Biosphere Reserve, the host of this year's CBRA AGM and conference.

Click here for more information and a tentative schedule for the weekend. Some workshops have not yet been confirmed; others may be added.

Member and non-member conference fees for this year are: $345. This includes: three breakfasts, three lunches and three dinners, three nights accommodation, workshops and the Sunday field trip. The subsidized student fee is $135 and includes the same.

Please confirm attendance with Shannon Fraser by calling (306) 549-4060, Monday to Friday, 9 to 5 Prairie time. You can also email redberrylake@sasktel.net, using the subject "CBRA agm/conference."

We would appreciate knowing if you will be attending by Friday, May 19, 2006, so that we can arrange to have enough accommodation and food!

The CBRN meeting is scheduled for 5 pm to 6 pm on Friday, June 9. Please note that this is the same time as the executive meeting of the board for CBRA.

Any conference registrant is welcome to prepare a poster to display, and this includes researchers.

The annual meeting of the Canadian Biosphere Reserves Association (CBRA) is to be held in the Redberry Lake Biosphere Reserve on 9-11 June 2006. Accommodation in, or around, the town of Hafford (one hour drive NW of Saskatoon) will be affordable. A side meeting of the Canadian Biosphere Research Network (CBRN) is being planned. The agendas are under development, but will likely follow this outline:

Friday 9 June: Board Meeting for CBRA members (AM); Local tour or activity for non-CBRA members (AM); CBRA General Meeting – all welcome (PM); CBRN Meeting (evening)

Sunday 11 June: Tour of Biosphere Reserve: Drive or car-pool to Saskatoon Airport (PM)

If you are thinking of attending, please let us know so that we may plan logistics. CBRA members and volunteers send a note to Jim Birtch. CBRN members contact Julia or Sharmalene.

La réunion annuelle de l’Association canadienne des réserves de la biosphère aura lieu dans la Réserve de la biosphère de Redberry Lake entre 9 et 11 juin 2006. Logement dans ou autour la ville de Hafford (une heure de Saskatoon) sera abordable. Une réunion du Réseau canadienne de recherche sur la biosphère (RCRB) est prévu pour la même place.

On crée actuellement les ordres de jour, mais ils suivront probablement ces grandes lignes :

Vendredi 9 juin: Réunion du conseil de l’ACRB (AM); Visite ou activité pour des non-membres de l’ACRB (AM); Réunion générale de l’ACRB – toutes bienvenues (PM); Réunion du RCRB (soir)

Dimanche 11 juin: Visite de la Réserve de la biosphère; Conduire à l’aéroport de Saskatoon (PM)

Si vous pensez à assister, veuillez nous faire savoir pour nous assister de planifier. Les membres et bénévoles de l’ACRB doivent envoyer une note à Jim Birtch. Les membres de RCRB doivent contacter Julia ou Sharmalene.

February 13, 2006: I have just made another update to the CBRN web site to incorporate several suggestions made by George Francis. However, there are still many areas that require content. I have sub-divided the 'research database' into the following headings:

January 26, 2006: The next annual meeting of CBRA will likely be from June 9-11 in Redberry Lake, Saskatchewan. CBRN has been invited to have our first 'side-meeting' during this time. We will be planning this event in the near future and will keep you posted.

January 25, 2006: Call for papers and posters for Leading Edge 2006: Understanding our Resources, to be held in Burlington, Ontario, Oct 4-6, 2006. Download brochure.