PRIORITIES COMMITTEE MEETING
Meeting Date: February 17, 2015
Agenda Item #: 7.2
Beaver Hills Initiative UNESCO Biosphere Nomination
Report Purpose
To update the Priorities Committee on the efforts underway by the Beaver Hills Initiative
(BHI) to resubmit a nomination proposal to have the Beaver Hills recognized as a Biosphere
Reserve under the Man and Biosphere (MAB) Program of the United Nations Educational,
Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
Council History
August 20, 2010 – Council provided a letter of support and endorsed the original submission
under the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) to
recognize the Beaver Hills Moraine as a Biosphere Reserve.
Strategic Plan Priority Areas
Economy: BHI promotes Strathcona County locally, nationally and internationally.
Governance: BHI is based on a foundation of cooperative partnerships with community,
business, industry and neighboring governments.
Social: BHI supports the foundation of strong, healthy and active communities.
Culture: BHI works to strengthen the community’s heritage and identity.
Environment: BHI values the region for its natural beauty, quality of life, and supports
cooperative efforts to sustain the quality of water, land, air, natural resources and community
development.
Other Impacts
Policy: n/a
Legislative/Legal: n/a
Interdepartmental: BHI Working Group, Executive Committee and Board draws on
Strathcona County resources from the Planning & Development Services Department.
Summary
In September 2012, and following almost four years of preparation, the Beaver Hills Initiative
(BHI) submitted its nomination proposal to have the Beaver Hills recognized as a Biosphere
Reserve under the Man and Biosphere (MAB) Program of the United Nations Educational,
Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The BHI is extremely grateful for the
assistance and encouragement that you provided during this period and for specifically
signing and/or providing written support for the final nomination document.
In accordance with UNESCO’s prescribed procedures, the nomination was reviewed by
members of the Canadian Man and Biosphere (MAB) Committee and its recommendations
tendered to the Canadian Commission for UNESCO. The BHI received the Commission’s
decision and observations on the proposed nomination.
Document: 6889320
Page 1 of 2
Overall, the Canadian Commission was very impressed with the work and accomplishments
that have been achieved by the BHI and the way in which the biodiversity and ecological
integrity of the Beaver Hills is included as part of a broader sustainable growth perspective
involving multi-jurisdictional governance. In addition, the Commission affirmed its conviction
that the Beaver Hills has strong potential to become an outstanding Biosphere Reserve.
However, and based on the recommendations made by Canadian MAB, the Commission
considers it essential that the BHI address three important elements before the submission
can be supported as a Canadian proposal to the UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserve
Reserves. These elements are:
1. a more meaningful discussion and engagement of local First Nations through the
Biosphere Reserve structure and initiatives;
2. evidence of stronger engagement and contributions from the general public and
citizens, including the involvement of younger generations and emerging local leaders;
and
3. a clearer explanation of the values and inspirational forces driving the local willingness
to become a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and the contribution and benefits to be
derived from being part of the global network.
Not surprisingly, the BHI was disappointed that its Beaver Hills Biosphere Reserve nomination
proposal was not accepted on its first submission. However, subsequent and more detailed
communication with the Canadian Commission and Canadian MAB has provided direction and
encouragement for the BHI to prepare a re-submission. Both the BHI Board and Executive
Committee have reviewed the comments provided by the Commission and Canadian MAB and
are confident that the concerns have been addressed and are anxious to commence the
necessary work to re-submit a Beaver Hills proposal.
Regarding the time frame for the necessary work to take place, the next Canadian submission
deadline for Biosphere Reserve proposals is May 1, 2015.
The Protected Areas Working Group within the BHI will continue as the lead and coordinating
Working Group for the preparation of the re-submission. This important undertaking will,
however, require the cooperation and committed involvement of all members of the BHI and
other interested parties. The BHI is hopeful that it can count on your continued support in this
important and potentially globally significant undertaking. New signatures and letters of
support are required prior to the re-submission of the Beaver Hills Biosphere Reserve
proposal.
Communication Plan
Letter
Newspaper Advertisement
Meeting
Other: website, special events
Enclosure
1
Municipal Partner Presentation 2015 (Document: 6891227)
Author: Jocelyn Thrasher-Haug, Planning & Development Services
Director: Stacy Fedechko, Planning & Development Services
Associate Commissioner, Division: Kevin Glebe, Infrastructure & Planning Services
Date: February 4, 2015
Document: 6889320
Page 1 of 2
ENCLOSURE 1
Municipal Stakeholder Presentation
February 2015
Glen Lawrence, Chair
Jocelyn Thrasher-Haug, Acting Executive Director
Dr. Guy Swinnerton, Chair Protected Areas Working Group
Document: 6891227
www.beaverhills.ca
Communication Objectives
1. Greater understanding of the ecological and cultural
significance of the Beaver Hills Moraine.
2. Greater awareness of the Beaver Hills Initiative and its
activities and benefits to the communities within the moraine.
3. Introducing the Biosphere nomination process and soliciting
feedback and on-going support for the Biosphere designation.
4. Establishing the foundation for on-going support and
involvement in the BHI and the UNESCO Biosphere.
www.beaverhills.ca
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Beaver Hills Moraine
www.beaverhills.ca
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Beaver Hills Moraine
www.beaverhills.ca
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Beaver Hills Initiative
• Catalyst – 2000: Proposed
development in proximity to Elk
Island National Park
• Recognition of the need to
develop a collaborative strategy
that would develop a proactive
and long term approach to landuse planning within the Beaver
Hills Moraine
• BHI – 2002: Stakeholder workshop
results in a vision and mission
statement and partner
commitments
www.beaverhills.ca
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Vision & Mission
Our Vision
• The Beaver Hills Initiative values
the region for its natural
beauty, quality of life, and
supports co-operative efforts to
sustain quality of water, land,
air, natural resources and
community development
Our Mission
• Working together for a
sustainable region, through
shared initiatives and
coordinated action
www.beaverhills.ca
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BHI Partners - 2015
Government
The Public
(3 levels)
3 Counties
4 Provincial Depts.
2 Federal
(including EINP)
NGOs
10 Groups:
DUC
AFG
NCC
NSWA
BH Dark Sky
Preserve …
Industry
Academia/
Research
University of Alberta
(Main & Augustana Campus)
Alberta Innovates
Technology Futures
Local communities
Fort Air Partnership
Strathcona Industrial
Association
EXECUTIVE
COMMITTEE
FISCAL AGENT
WORKING GROUPS
LOCAL COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT &
REPRESENTATION
COMMUNICATION &
OUTREACH
COUNCILLORS
EXECUTIVE
DIRECTOR
RESEARCH &
MONITORING
PROTECTED
AREAS
PLANNERS
BHI Organizational Chart
BOARD
UNESCO Biosphere Reserve
• United Nations Educational, Scientific
and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)
• Biosphere Reserves are the only global
designation or accreditation for an area
demonstrating excellence in
sustainable development in practice.
• Global network: 631 Biosphere
Reserves in 119 countries [16 in
Canada]
www.beaverhills.ca
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Biosphere Reserves:
Structure & Function
Three inter-connected
functions:
1.
2.
3.
Conservation: protecting
landscapes, biodiversity,
ecosystems, and cultural
diversity
Logistic support (Capacity
building): facilitating
research, monitoring,
education, training, and
demonstration projects
Development: fostering
sustainable economic and
human development
www.beaverhills.ca
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UNESCO Criteria
1. Encompasses a mosaic
of ecological systems
representative of major
bio-geographic regions,
including a gradation of
human interventions.
Dry Mixedwood Boreal Forest
Beaver Hills
Central Aspen Parkland
www.beaverhills.ca
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UNESCO Criteria
2. Should be of significance
for biological diversity
conservation.
www.beaverhills.ca
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UNESCO Criteria
3. Provide an opportunity to
explore and demonstrate
approaches to sustainable
development at a regional
scale.
www.beaverhills.ca
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UNESCO Criteria
4. An appropriate size to
serve the three functions
of biosphere reserves
 conservation
 development
 logistic support
www.beaverhills.ca
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UNESCO Criteria
5. Include the three functions
– conservation,
development, and logistic
support through
appropriate zonation:
 core
 buffer zone or zones
 outer transition area
www.beaverhills.ca
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UNESCO Requirements
• The establishment of local governance
arrangements for developing
collaborative capacities to address local
and regional issues associated with
conservation and sustainable
development.
• Focus on a multi-stakeholder approach
that involves local community
involvement.
• This international designation does not
intrude on property rights, Aboriginal
rights, jurisdictional authorities, or on
the responsibilities of elected bodies
www.beaverhills.ca
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2012 Nomination
 Overall positive feedback from the Canadian
Commission for UNESCO
“We encourage the continued regional efforts that embrace a vision of
sustainable development.”
“Impressive accomplishments and strong potential to become an outstanding
Biosphere Reserve.”
 Following to be addressed with resubmission:
1) First Nations engagement and Treaties honored
2) General public and citizen engagement
3) Clear explanation of why we want to become a
UNESCO Biosphere
www.beaverhills.ca
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2015 Resubmission
Change of emphasis in criteria
Demonstrate how we’ve addressed the initial
submission comments:
1) Develop and implement an Aboriginal Strategy
2) Develop and implement a Communications and
Public Involvement Plan
3) Clearly explain and demonstrate the values and
inspirational forces driving the local willingness to
become a UNESCO Biosphere
www.beaverhills.ca
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Biosphere Benefits
 Fosters the region’s environmental,
economic, and social sustainability.
 Expands the capacity of residents and
local communities to direct their future.
 Provides a “brand name” to improve and
diversify the local economy.
 Gains access to information and support
through national and international
networks.
 Attracts research activity that addresses
local & global issues.
 Increases national and international
recognition.
www.beaverhills.ca
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Biosphere Benefits
Sustainable management approaches
• Land use policy
• Diversification of economic opportunity
Collaboration capacity
• West End Area Structure Plan
• Miquelon Growth Management Plan
• Protected Areas Cooperation Plan
Public – private collaboration
• Stewardship engagement
• ENGO – municipal partnering
www.beaverhills.ca
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Biosphere Benefits
International
recognition as a
unique brand
Promoting
environmental
education and
stewardship
Promoting
local & regional
economies
Promoting
biodiversity &
cultural heritage
Sustainable
development:
Living and working in
harmony with people
and nature
Research/science
management
& local knowledge
Inter- agency &
inter - jurisdictional
cooperation
Active involvement
of local & regional
communities
Promoting
international
cooperation &
networking
2014 Partner Funding
• 2014 Partnership Funded ($136,243.50)
• Strathcona, Beaver, Lamont Counties
Operational costs
• ED salary & benefits
• Catering, printing, telephone, mileage,
equipment, professional development
• Business promotion (website
development)
• Consulting
Updated website went
live on September 18!
www.beaverhills.ca
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2015 Operating Budget
• Increased by 3%
• Partnership
contributions will be
consistent with 2014
– Re-engage Leduc and
Camrose Counties in
early 2015
• Continue to pursue and
leverage grant funding
www.beaverhills.ca
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BHI
Biosphere
• Why?
• Vision and mission of BHI mirrors
aims of Biosphere program
• BHI has allowed us to link research
science with applied conservation
and land use planning
• MDP, LUB, municipal policies
• Tourism opportunities
www.beaverhills.ca
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BHI
Biosphere
• What if we’re successful?
• International recognition of the
commitment and success of the BHI
in applying innovative approaches to
sustainable development and
addressing environmental global
issues.
• Contribute to and benefit from being
a member of a globally recognized
network of Biosphere Reserves.
www.beaverhills.ca
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BHI
Biosphere
• How can you help?
• www.beaverhills.ca
• Click on the UNESCO BEAVER HILLS
BIOSPHERE
• Letter of Support
• Be a Board Member!
www.beaverhills.ca
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BHI
Biosphere
Key to the success of a Biosphere Reserve
nomination for the Beaver Hills is the
continuing support and commitment of all BHI
members and the local community, and their
conviction that the BHI and Biosphere Reserve
designation is important and beneficial.
www.beaverhills.ca
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Thank you!
[email protected]
www.beaverhills.ca
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