Government of Canada’s investment in Canadian biosphere reserves celebrated in Parry Sound

August 28, 2009

PARRY SOUND, Ont. – On behalf of Canada’s Environment Minister Jim Prentice, Canada’s Industry Minister and Member of Parliament for Parry Sound-Muskoka, Tony Clement, joined representatives from the Georgian Bay Biosphere Reserve today to celebrate the recent announcement of funding to support Canada’s Biosphere Reserves, which will provide the Georgian Bay Biosphere Reserve with $57,000 per year through 2013.

“This investment reflects the importance the Government of Canada places on protecting our rich biodiversity across the country,” said Minister Prentice. “Canada’s biosphere reserves are excellent examples of community-based initiatives that protect our natural environment while ensuring the continued growth of the local economy in an ecologically sustainable way.”

Biosphere reserves are areas designated and recognized internationally by UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization) for demonstrating practical approaches to balancing conservation and development. Biosphere reserves are comprised of one or more core protected areas, a buffer area in which activities compatible with conservation occur, and a large area of co-operation where sustainable resource management practices are promoted and developed. The world network consists of 553 biosphere reserves in 107 countries.

Located on the eastern coast of Georgian Bay, encompassing what is considered the world’s largest freshwater archipelago, the Georgian Bay Biosphere Reserve covers 347,000 hectares of shoreline ecosystem stretching from the Severn River to the French River, including national and provincial parks. It contains over 100 species of animals and plants that are at risk in Canada and Ontario, including unique reptiles and amphibians.

“By fostering sustainable resource management practices, the Georgian Bay Biosphere Reserve enhances the conservation value of Canada’s protected areas,” said Minister Clement. “The Government of Canada is proud to support an organization that shares its commitment to land conservation and preserving biodiversity.”

On June 16, the Government of Canada announced that it is providing $5 million in funding over five years to 14 of the 15 biosphere reserves in Canada and the Canadian Biosphere Reserves Association.

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The Government of Canada’s investment will facilitate activities and projects within the biosphere reserve related to conservation, sustainable development and capacity building.  Additionally, it will help co-ordinate projects such as environmental monitoring, promoting sustainable tourism, facilitating sustainable agriculture, and raising public awareness on sustainable development and promoting sustainable economic activities.