The new campaign invites residents and those who visit to take shared responsibility in caring for the unique environment and lifestyle that make Noosa one of the world’s most recognised biosphere reserves.
“Living like you love it means recognising that Noosa’s natural beauty and lifestyle don’t happen by accident,” Anna Macklin, General Manager of the Noosa Biosphere Reserve Foundation said. “They are the result of generations caring deeply about this place and acting to protect it.”
“As we begin working towards redesignation of our UNESCO status in 2027, we’re inviting community and visitors to be mindful about living with biosphere values and respect for our natural limits,” said Ms Macklin.
The campaign encourages people to think about how their everyday choices — from how they explore nature to how they support local businesses, move about, and care for place — contribute to the natural limits and long-term health of the Noosa Biosphere.
“Live Like You Love It will share information and resources for residents, business and visitors to encourage everyday behaviours that protect and respect the Noosa Biosphere.”
Residents can view the resources online at noosabiosphere.org.au/love-it or follow the Noosa Biosphere Reserve on Facebook or Instagram.
As part of the campaign, the Foundation held a series of free Noosa Biosphere Workshops and Talks at the Noosa Festival of Surfing (16, 17, 19 March). These sessions inspired a deeper connection to our blue biosphere (the ocean and waterways within the Noosa Biosphere Reserve), exploring themes of surf, culture and connection; youth and our blue biosphere; and marine research. View the program
“The blue biosphere workshops were an opportunity for all ages to learn, share ideas and be inspired by local leaders, environmental experts and our connection to the ocean,” said Ms Macklin.
Participants learnt about surf culture in biospheres around the world, safe surf practices and shark smart drone technology, iconic marine species and Noosa’s marine research program with UniSC, and the human connection to the sea.
The program included Year 7 school students and children’s workshops, and a community art installation where people pinned their pledge to the ocean.
“The program was an opportunity to connect around protecting our beautiful blue biosphere, connecting community and conservation within our real-life living laboratory, our UNESCO Noosa Biosphere Reserve,” said Ms Macklin.
Presenters included: Professor Ian Lowe AO, Tom Wegener, Whalesongs Noosa Charters, Noosa World Surfing Reserve, Surfrider Sunshine Coast Foundation, Surf Life Saving Qld, Dept of Fisheries, UniSC researchers Javier Leon, Dr Bonnie Holmes, Melina Keane and Dr Alexis Levengood, Coolum & Northshore Coastcare, Plastic Free Noosa, and Beverly Hand Walking Talking Country Tours.
For more information, visit noosabiosphere.org.au/love-it.