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MAN AND THE BIOSPHERE PROJECT

Project Title: Man and the Biosphere Project Project Code:  N/A
Funding Source: Generously provided by Alcoa World Alumina Australia
Start: July 2005 End: On-going Project Officer: Kim Wilson and Craig Perry

Think globally, act locally – Living in ‘our’ Biosphere…exploring the concept

Biosphere reserves offer working examples that encapsulate the ideas of the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED) for promoting both conservation and sustainable development.

This UNCED program develops the basis, within the natural and social sciences, for the sustainable use and conservation of biological diversity, and for the improvement of the relationship between people and their environment globally.

Biospheres perform three main roles:

  • Conservation in situ of natural and semi-natural ecosystems and landscapes, as well as the diversity there within.
  • The establishment of demonstration areas for ecologically and socio-culturally sustainable (land and) resource use.
  • The provision of logistic support for research, monitoring, education, training and information exchange related to conservation and sustainable development issues.

These roles are linked through different zones:

  • Core area(s) – what we need to protect/preserve
  • Buffer zone(s)
  • Area of co-operation –(flexible transition) greatest human impact

This project is exploring the concept of a Biosphere in the Peel Harvey. A Biosphere will promote the region’s uniqueness as most existing Biosphere Reserves are simple, static systems.

The Ramsar listed Peel-Yalgorup System and the broader catchment is a complex and dynamic system with tremendous urban growth and a changing agricultural landscape. The south-west of Australia is also one of the first places in the world experiencing the impacts of climate change.

What will a local Biosphere achieve?

  • Provide a framework for the sustainable use and conservation of biological diversity, and for the improvement of the relationship between people and their environment
  • Lead to greater acknowledgment of the Peel-Harvey for its biodiversity values (at a national and international level).
  • Create improved partnerships where stakeholders collaborate to find innovative solutions to better manage our natural resources in a sustainable way.
  • Support the conservation and restoration of our environmental assets through a linked conservation estate across the region’s various landscapes and habitats.
  • Provide marketing benefits for the Peel-Harvey.
  • Sense of Place - gives us all something tangible to attach our pride and ownership to, for our area’s natural, social and cultural assets.
  • Encourage innovative styles of urban and rural development.

For more information on the PHCC investigation into the feasibility of a Biosphere nomination for the Peel-Harvey please contact Kim Wilson via ctb@southwest.com.au or by phoning (08) 9733 2577.


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