NIAGARA ESCARPMENT BIOSPHERE NETWORK BLOG

Periodic Review and Self-Study Tour

26/08/2024

With Plenty Canada’s assistance the Niagara Escarpment Biosphere Network recently completed the 2024 Niagara Escarpment Biosphere Self Study, a significant milestone in the periodic review process and in the Network’s ongoing conservation efforts. Every ten years, UNESCO designated biospheres undergo a comprehensive review of the biosphere, ensuring they meet the criteria for conservation, development, and logistical support. This process involves detailed reporting on the biosphere’s ecological health, community involvement, and sustainable development initiatives. Following the format provided by UNESCO, the 2024 Self-Study Report shares research findings, case studies and insights from our network partners to describe ecological, cultural, and developmental changes and significant moments in our biosphere over the past ten years. The 2024 Self-Study Report is now available on both the Network and Plenty Canada websites. The review provided the Network with a reflective process to understand how conservation, sustainability, and stewardship looks within our biosphere, and provides a stepping stone to guide our future.

As part of the periodic review, representatives from the Canadian Commission for UNESCO were given an extensive tour of the biosphere, highlighting the unique ecological and historical features of the escarpment. From our start in Neyaashiinigmiing until the end at the Landscape of Nations Memorial, we showcased the beauty of the escarpment and the extensive work of our network partners. During the tour, reviewers interacted with political leaders, local government staff, Indigenous youth, research institutions, parks and conservation agencies, business, advocacy organizations, educators and students and Indigenous cultural educators who shared their insights and experiences in stewarding and preserving the biosphere. The representation present throughout the tour demonstrated how a powerful network might accelerate collaboration to achieve the shared goals for the conservation of the Niagara Escarpment and the communities that are linked by it.

With the contributions of our partners, we were able to demonstrate the diversity and the unique long term commitment of people and organizations working within our biosphere. The tour provided the NEBN with the opportunity to speak to the representatives from the Canadian Commission for UNESCO about our co-governance structure, and the importance of Two-Eyed Seeing and Ethical Space in the work of a biosphere. We heard from the representatives from the Canadian Commission for UNESCO that they were impressed, at times moved, and essentially grateful for all they learned from our community.

The successful completion of the periodic review and the positive feedback from the CCUNESCO tour highlight the Niagara Escarpment Biosphere’s exemplary status as a model for sustainable development, and Two-Eyed Seeing conservation in action. Moving forward, the network aims to continue its efforts in protecting its natural and cultural heritage while fostering sustainable economic activities. The insights gained from the review and tour will guide future initiatives, ensuring that the biosphere remains a vital part of Canada’s natural legacy and a leader in reconciliation. As the NEBN looks to the future, it remains committed to maintaining the delicate balance between human activity and nature, ensuring that this precious landscape thrives for generations to come. Plenty Canada and the Network always welcome and invite our partners to provide us with their insights and input on the future initiatives of the biosphere. Please use the “Contact Us” page on our website to let us know your thoughts!

— Tasha Gunasinghe (Photos © MarkZelinski.com)