ACT Biosphere Reserve Proposal

What is a Biosphere Reserve?

'Biosphere Reserve' is an international designation made by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) on the basis of nominations submitted by countries participating in the Man and the Biosphere Program (MAB).  A biosphere reserve is a unique concept which includes one or more protected areas and surrounding lands that are managed to combine both conservation and sustainable use of natural resources.

Each biosphere reserve conserves examples of characteristic ecosystems of one of the world's natural regions, managed for their protection and study.

It is a land and/or coastal/marine area in which people are an integral component, and which is managed for objectives ranging from complete protection to intensive yet sustainable production.

It is a regional centre for monitoring, research, education and training on natural and managed ecosystems.

It is a place where government decision makers, scientists, managers and local people cooperate in developing a model program for managing land and water to meet human needs while conserving natural processes and biological resources.

Finally, each biosphere reserve is a symbol of voluntary cooperation to conserve and use resources for the well-being of people everywhere.

The most recent development in the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve program is an exploration of the how the concept can be applied to urban areas and their hinterlands.  There is a need for raised awareness of urban links to, and impacts on, surrounding regions.  Urban human, political and financial resources also have the potential to lend support to regional initiatives.

The Legislative Assembly Standing Committee is currently undertaking an inquiry into the nomination of the ACT as a Biosphere Reserve.

More information about this inquiry is available here.

Biosphere Reserves in Australia

Australia has twelve biosphere reserves:

• Riverland Biosphere Reserve (SA)
• Croajingalong National Park (VIC)
• Fitzgerald River National Park (WA)
• Hattah-Kulkyne National Park (VIC)
• Kosciuszko National Park (NSW)
• Macquarie Island World Heritage Area (TAS)
• Mornington Peninsula and Western Port (VIC)
• Prince Regent Nature Reserve (WA)
• Uluru - Kata Tjuta National Park (NT)
• Unnamed Conservation Reserve (SA)
• Wilsons Promontory Marine Park & Marine Reserve (VIC)
• Yathong National Park (NSW)