Noosa Biosphere Reserve is undergoing a review of its achievements over the past ten years and aspirations for its future.

In 2017, the Noosa Biosphere Reserve celebrates 10 years’ designation as a world class biodiversity zone.

The Noosa Biosphere Reserve Foundation is required to submit its ten-year review to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), in meeting the guiding principles under the Man and the Biosphere (MaB) Programme.

Chair of the MaB Programme Working Group in Australia, Professor Peter Bridgewater is visiting Noosa this week to meet with local environmental groups and support the review process.

The current Adjunct Professor in Terrestrial and Marine Biodiversity Governance at the University of Canberra explains not only are biosphere reserves special places for both people and nature but also provide important links to other biosphere reserves around the world.

“This is a very important year for biosphere reserves as the new global plan of action starts,” says Professor Bridgewater.

“Every ten years, biosphere reserves need to complete a review of the past decade and fore shadow developments seen for the next decade.”

There are 14 biosphere reserves in Australia, and more than 600 across 120 countries globally.

These ‘zones’ are significant for their combination of outstanding environments and active communities working towards living sustainably.

Professor Bridgewater will take a trip down Noosa River to view beach clean-up projects and visit a reforestation site at Kin Kin.

Foundation chair, Dick Barnes says it has been a privilege to show Professor Peter Bridgewater some of the Noosa Biosphere Reserve’s current projects and areas of significance.

“We are delighted the Professor is offering his expertise to assist with the review process.

“This review reminds us how significant our biosphere reserve status is and that investment into its long-term protection is critical for Noosa’s future prosperity.”

The Noosa Biosphere Reserve Foundation is currently calling for the community’s next Big Ideas to fund projects that will deliver long-term sustainability for Noosa.

“One of the priority areas we are committed to is the long-term health of Noosa’s waterways,” says Dick Barnes, chair of the NBRF.

“Becoming plastic-free is one example of an issue that is important to the community. The big ideas grants round is an opportunity for the community to come forward with an idea to make this change.”

Expressions of interest for the grants round closes 25 August.

Tags: periodic review