Government of Canada invests in Canadian biosphere reserves

July 16, 2009

On hand for the announcement of $5 million in funding for the Canadian Biosphere Reserve Association were, from left to right: David Walden, Secretary-General for the Canadian Commission for UNESCO; Gary Clarke, Chair of FABR and Treasurer of the Canadian Biosphere Reserves Association (CBRA); Karina Mullaly, Executive Director, CBRA; Gord Brown; and Richard Murzin, Chair, CBRA and Executive Director, Niagara Escarpment Biosphere Reserve.


LANSDOWNE – Gord Brown, Member of Parliament for Leeds-Grenville, on behalf of Canada’s Environment Minister Jim Prentice joined representatives from the Canadian Biosphere Reserves Association and the Frontenac Arch Biosphere Reserve today, to announce $5 million in funding over five years to support 14 of the 15 biosphere reserves in Canada and the Canadian Biosphere Reserves Association (CBRA).

“Today’s announcement reflects the Government of Canada’s commitment to protecting our rich biodiversity across the country,” said Minister Prentice. “Canada’s biosphere reserves are excellent examples of community-based initiatives that protect our natural environment while ensuring the continued growth of the local economy in an ecologically sustainable way.”

Biosphere Reserves are areas designated and recognized internationally by UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization) for demonstrating practical approaches to balancing conservation and development. Biosphere reserves are comprised of one or more core protected areas, a buffer area in which activities compatible with conservation occur, and a large area of co-operation where sustainable resource management practices are promoted and developed. The world network consists of 553 biosphere reserves in 107 countries.

The Government of Canada’s investment will facilitate activities and projects within the Canadian biosphere reserves related to conservation, sustainable development and capacity building. It will allow the Canadian Biosphere Reserves Association to build up their organization, raise the profile of biosphere reserves in communities and become self-sufficient models for community-based environmental action. Additionally, it will help them co-ordinate projects such as environmental monitoring, promoting sustainable tourism, facilitating sustainable agriculture, and raising public awareness on sustainable development and promoting sustainable economic activities.

“By fostering sustainable resource management practices, biosphere reserves enhance the conservation value of Canada’s protected areas,” said Gord Brown. “The Government of Canada is committed to land conservation and preserving biodiversity.”