Southwest Nova Biosphere Reserve 2009

1. Your unique, world class environment and creative rural economy Southwest Nova Biosphere Reserve

2. Definition of a Biosphere Reserve UNESCO & MAB Program Functions of a Biosphere Reserve Structure of a Biosphere Reserve YOUR Southwest Nova Biosphere Reserve Nature, Culture, Industry, Community Projects, Partnerships & Community Involvement Your unique world class environment & creative rural economy Overview :

3. 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 economy What is a Biosphere Reserve ?

4. Biosphere Reserves : A designation of a special area where people practice integrated management of land, water, and biodiversity A 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 environment A good place to live, work and visit Promote “Best Practices” for cultural, social & economic sustainability

5. It is not a form of REGULATION It is not a new level of BUREAUCRACY It is not a World Heritage Site It does not create protected areas It does not restrict the RIGHTS of citizens - aboriginal or non-aboriginal What a Biosphere Reserve is NOT Your unique world class environment & creative rural economy

6. Functions of a Biosphere Reserve Your unique world class environment & creative rural economy

7. United Nations Educational Scientific Cultural Organization Your unique world class environment & creative rural economy UNESCO

8. Man And the Biosphere There 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 located in Canada. Southwest Nova is the only Biosphere Reserve in Nova Scotia Your unique world class environment & creative rural economy MAB Program

9. Assist with balancing economic interests with the needs of conservation Provide opportunity to experiment and share lessons learned Region committed to voluntary participation and the goals of sustainable development Provide for needs of today, while enabling healthy & productive communities in the future Your unique world class environment & creative rural economy Benefits of Biosphere Reserves

10. Help create & maintain a healthy environment for people and their families Maintain productive and healthy landscapes Reduce conflict among people Encourage diverse local economies to revitalize rural areas Increase the involvement of communities in land use decisions and connection to the land Support and facilitate interconnected scientific studies and monitoring Celebrate cultural diversity and provide opportunities to maintain existing traditions and lifestyles Benefits

12. 5 counties of Southwest Nova “Area of Cooperation”

13. Annapolis

14. Digby

15. Yarmouth

16. Shelburne

17. Queen’s

18. “Core Area” of Biosphere

19. Kejimkujik National Park & Historic Site

20. Tobeatic Wilderness Area

21. Areas already protected by provincial and federal governmentsYour unique world class environment & creative rural economy

22. Background for Your Biosphere Reserve In September 2001, the region of Southwest Nova received designation as the UNESCO- MAB Biosphere Reserve Non-Profit Organization Operates with community support, volunteers, project income. No on-going government funding Board of Directors Volunteers from different sectors representing community members, educational institutions, government, non-government organizations, industry class environment & creative rural economy

23. Nomination document was prepared.. Comprehensive Shows how the area is unique and meets the criteria for a Biosphere Reserve Shows public support & cooperation All levels of Government, local communities, businesses, education institutions and others Submitted to the MAB office in Ottawa Ottawa “nominates” the area to UNESCO UNESCO makes the decision How does it happen ? Your unique world class environment & creative rural economy

24. Southwest Nova Biosphere ReserveA Balanced Place for People & Nature Your unique world class environment & creative rural economy

25. 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 economy Mission Statement

26. Acadian forests of Kejimkujik Diverse resource sectors of farming, forestry & fishing Vibrant communities Rich heritage Mi’kmaq use of lands & waters Acadian culture , European Settlers Special place for Nature Iconic Species : Moose, trout & eagle Species at Risk : Rare plants, Southern Flying Squirrel, Blanding’s Turtle, Piping Plover Your unique world class environment & creative rural economy A Unique and Special Area

27. Functions of a Biosphere Reserve Your unique world class environment & creative rural economy

28. 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 Your unique world class environment & creative rural economy

29. 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 Your unique world class environment & creative rural economy

30. 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 Your unique world class environment & creative rural economy

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

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

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

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

35. Research 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 : MTRI Academic partners

36. Community Mapping Creative Annapolis FCDA “ Our History” , Port George NS MTRI Lake Atlas Integrated Community Sustainability Planning (ICSP) Presentations to all Municipal Councils Participation in round table discussions Networks and Partnerships Communications, promotions and market branding Your unique world class environment & creative rural economy Current Projects

37. Creative Rural Economy Youth engagement and Community outreach Integrated Community Sustainability Planning Networks of NGO’s Partnership Development Future Direction Your unique world class environment & creative rural economy

38. Partners of SNBRA Community Mersey Tobeatic Research Institute (MTRI) Tusket River Environmental Protection Agency (TREPA) Tobeatic Wildneress Area Friends of Keji Nova Forest Alliance Fundy Community Development Association (FCDA) Team Annapolis Home & Land Owners Youth & Schools Government Parks Canada NS Department of Environment NS Department of Natural Resources Municipal and Town Councils Destination Southwest Nova ADEDA Canadian Biosphere Reserve Association (CBRA) UNESCO & MAB

39. Your unique world class environment & creative rural economy Partners of SNBRA Academic Applied Geomatic Research Group (AGRG) Acadia University Dalhousie University Nova Scotia Community College Industry Nova Scotia Power Bowater Mersey / abitibi bowater Culture & History DesBrisay Museum Macdonald Museum Acadia First Nations Bear River First Nations

40. Your unique world class environment & creative rural economy Sustainable Development

41. Please visit our website : www.snbra.ca Your unique world class environment & creative rural economy Contact