Funding announced for biosphere association

On Wednesday it was announced that $285,000 in federal funding (over five years) would go to support the Southwest Nova Biosphere Reserve Association (SNBRA).

This funding is part of a $5 million commitment by the Government of Canada to support 14 of 15 biosphere reserves in Canada and the Canadian Biosphere Reserves Association. The SNBRA will use the funds to support community-based initiatives aimed at balancing conservation and development, as well as supporting local economies and communities of the region. “Today’s announcement reflects the Government of Canada’s commitment to protecting our rich biodiversity across the country,” said MP Greg Kerr. “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.” “The Southwest Nova Biosphere Reserve has been in place since 2001. With the new Environment Canada funding, we have been able to hire a Project Coordinator and begin to address regional concerns related to youth engagement and the creative rural economy,” said Bob Maher, chair of the Southwest Nova Biosphere Reserve Association. “The new funding will strengthen our national biosphere reserve network as well as the environmental non governmental organizations network in Southwest Nova Scotia.”

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 composed 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 Southwest Nova Biosphere Reserve is comprised of Kejimkujik National Park and Historic Site, the Tobeatic Wilderness Area, as well as the five counties of Yarmouth, Shelburne, Digby, Annapolis and Queens.

The Government of Canada’s investment will facilitate activities and projects within the Southwest Nova region related to conservation, sustainable development and capacity building. Additionally it will help with co-ordination of projects such as community engagement, sustainable tourism, and promotion of other sustainable economic activities.