This past October, the Canadian Biosphere Regions Association (CBRA) and the Fundy Biosphere Region hosted a gathering to bring together representatives from Canada’s 19 Biosphere Regions. CBT was represented by Rebecca Hurwitz (Executive Director) and Janessa Dornstauder (Conservation Partnerships Coordinator). The event also welcomed participants from Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC), the Canadian Commission for UNESCO, and the Canadian Commission for MAB (Man and the Biosphere Program). The gathering focused on two shared priorities across the network: supporting biodiversity conservation and ensuring the long-term sustainability of Biosphere Regions.
A highlight of the gathering was the opportunity to connect with colleagues from across the UNESCO network, including Biosphere Regions, Geoparks, and World Heritage Sites. Keynote speakers emphasized Indigenous leadership in conservation and governance, and the importance of approaching land and water stewardship at the local level through relationships and collaboration. Participants discussed a wide range of topics, including Nature-based Solutions, Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas (IPCAs), Other Effective area-based Conservation Measures (OECMs), operational best practices, and natural asset management.
Since 2022, ECCC has strengthened the Canadian biosphere’s capacity to work together as a network to advance National and International biodiversity conservation targets at the local level.
The next time this network gathers together will be to host the European network of Biosphere Regions (which includes Canada and the United States) in our neighboring Mount Arrowsmith Biosphere Region from September 14-18, 2026.
