Credit: CBRA/Thomas Porter
This past September, Janessa (Conservation Partnerships Coordinator) and Rebecca (Executive Director), joined colleagues from across Canada’s 19 UNESCO Biosphere Regions for a knowledge-sharing event within the Waterton Biosphere Region. This gathering was made possible thanks to support from Environment and Climate Change Canada and the Canadian Biosphere Regions Association.
The 19 UNESCO Biosphere Regions work together on shared priorities including biodiversity conservation and climate action. Each with different strengths and priorities, we are able to collaborate and support each other’s work.
Before the gathering started, we were welcomed through ceremony by Blackfoot knowledge holders. We are so grateful to have been able to participate in place in such a meaningful way.
The plenary sessions provided us with the opportunity to share updates about successful and emerging projects within the network. Janessa led a session to discuss standards for non-traditional protected and conserved areas within biosphere regions. Other valuable sessions allowed us to discuss the links between climate action and biodiversity conservation and learn how BRs can better support Indigenous-led conservation.
Biosphere Regions are places of global ecological significance, though often the communities within these regions are as vibrant as the environment around them. This was certainly true in Waterton, where we had the pleasure of connecting with community champions over a delicious farm-to-table dinner in the welcoming atmosphere of the Waterton Community Hall.
Thank you Waterton Biosphere Region for your incredible hospitality!
