GBA Update Fall 2024

GEORGIAN BAY BIOSPHERE

& Becky Pollock, Executive Management Team Georgian Bay Mnidoo Gamii Biosphere By Greg Mason

H ow well does the Georgian Bay Biosphere (GBB) region contribute to the conservation of biodiversity? And how can development be shaped to support biodiversity values? These are just some of the questions that partners are trying to answer through an emerging initiative facilitated by the GBB called Natural Asset Management Planning (NAMP). Natural assets are defined as elements of nature that Natural Asset Management for Eastern Georgian Bay

provide value and benefits to humans and the environment. They provide essential ecosystem services for nature and people, such as drinking water, air quality, flood management, and carbon storage. Beyond these critical services, they support ecological health and climate resilience, have cultural significance, and provide recreational opportunities and economic benefits. NAMP directly helps to uphold the requirements for a UNESCO biosphere designation by helping to assess and evaluate the condition of biodiversity throughout the region in core, buffer, and transition zones.

The UNESCO World Biosphere Program uses a zonation model to ensure quality ecological functions are balanced with human development. Founded in 1970, the world network has more than 730 biosphere regions in 134 countries striving for people and nature to exist in balance. Within each biosphere, there are three zones that work together within existing jurisdictions and treaties to protect and enhance core ecological areas, integrate sustainable land, balance quality ecological functions and resource use, and support human livelihoods. These zones include: ≥ Core areas : comprise a strictly protected zone that contributes to the conservation of landscapes, ecosystems, species, and genetic variation (e.g., national and provincial parks). ≥ Buffer zones : surround or adjoin the core area(s) and are used for activities compatible with sound ecological practices that can reinforce scientific research, monitoring, training, and education (including conservation reserves and Crown lands). ≥ Transition areas : where communities foster socio-culturally and ecologically sustainable economic and human activities (i.e., community and private lands).

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GBA UPDATE Fall 2024

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