D’AGUILAR BIOSPHERE PROPOSAL Nov09
(“Mimburi Biosphere”)
The proposal is to seek UNESCO recognition and support for community efforts at improved regional sustainability in the Greater Brisbane Region by listing as an international Biosphere. Why?
To enhance urban sustainability e.g. the Samford community on Brisbane’s outskirts has initiated the largest solar neighbourhood program in Australia to date, fitting some 150 houses with solar power. With recognition and support, considerably more initiatives can be developed.
To enhance rural sustainability e.g. beef and wine producers in the north and west of the proposed Biosphere area are seeking to develop a value-adding “sustainable produce label” – Biospheres abroad have implemented such Biosphere labelling … we can too.
To improve conservation outcome e.g. the Mt Nebo and Mt Glorious community built and manages one of the most sophisticated weed-control partnerships in the State, involving all significant land managers in the area and helping protect our National Park estate. With recognition and support, more conservation projects can be extended across the Biosphere in urban and rural areas.
To improve environmental education and research e.g. schools in the Biosphere area are seeking ways to link students and their environmental programs with similar schools across Australia and abroad; Universities in the Biosphere area are seeking ways to develop research and student programs that improve natural area management. Joining the Biosphere network provides such linkages.
Why not? Objections might come from the following concerns:
“UNESCO listing will further limit what I can do on my land” – No. Biosphere projects are voluntary, based on available opportunities. Biosphere listing brings no legislation or new laws.
“UNESCO listing is purely symbolic” – No. Listing provides important recognition, focus and marketability for sustainability and other Biosphere initiatives. Local communities are calling for this international support.
To enhance rural sustainability e.g. beef and wine producers in the north and west of the proposed Biosphere area are seeking to develop a value-adding “sustainable produce label” – Biospheres abroad have implemented such Biosphere labelling … we can too.
To improve conservation outcome e.g. the Mt Nebo and Mt Glorious community built and manages one of the most sophisticated weed-control partnerships in the State, involving all significant land managers in the area and helping protect our National Park estate. With recognition and support, more conservation projects can be extended across the Biosphere in urban and rural areas.
To improve environmental education and research e.g. schools in the Biosphere area are seeking ways to link students and their environmental programs with similar schools across Australia and abroad; Universities in the Biosphere area are seeking ways to develop research and student programs that improve natural area management. Joining the Biosphere network provides such linkages.
Why not? Objections might come from the following concerns:
“UNESCO listing will further limit what I can do on my land” – No. Biosphere projects are voluntary, based on available opportunities. Biosphere listing brings no legislation or new laws.
“UNESCO listing is purely symbolic” – No. Listing provides important recognition, focus and marketability for sustainability and other Biosphere initiatives. Local communities are calling for this international support.
