Biosphere reserves as model sites for sustainable … pdf/1Prchalova_Introductory ppt... · Dunaisky. Transboundary BR (Romania - Ukraine) East Carpathians (Transboundary BR between

Biosphere reserves as model sites for sustainable development and key tools for

transboundary cooperation and the co-management of shared ecosystems”

Sub-regional workshop “Strengthening capacities for a sustainable future in Black-

Sea and Caucasus countries: support to an establishment of biosphere reserves (BRs) as model sites for sustainable development and key tools for transboundary

cooperation and the co-management of shared ecosystems”

19-22 May 2014

Chisinau, Republic of Moldova

http://www.unesco.org/venice

By taking advantage of UNESCO ’s mandate in education,

science, culture and communication,

MAB is promoting:

• scientific research and information gathering, as well

as linking with traditional knowledge on resource use.

• involvement of local communities concerned with

conservation and sustainable use of natural

resources. Cultural aspects are also taken into

consideration.


A pivotal role of the MAB Programme in

• effort towards advanced sustainable development.

• bringing together the contributions of the natural, social

and human sciences, as well as engineering.


• it’s World Network of Biosphere Reserves (WNBR) currently counts

621 biosphere reserves in 117 countries all over the world


Country

Biosphere Reserves Year of nomination

BELARUS Berezinskiy Belovezhskaya Pushcha Pribuzhskoye Polesie

1978 1993 2004

RUSSIAN FEDERATION Kavkazskiy Okskiy. Part of Oka River Valley until 2000 Sikhote-Alin Tsentral'nochernozem Astrakhanskiy Kronotskiy Laplandskiy, Pechoro-llychskiy Sayano-Shushenskiy Sokhondinskiy Voronezhskiy Tsentral'nolesnoy Baikalskyi. Part of Lake Baikal until 2000 Tzentralnosibirskii Chernyje Zemli Taimyrsky Ubsunorskaya Kotlovina Daursky Teberda Katunsky Prioksko-Terrasnyi (part of Oka River Valley since 2000) Barguzinskyi (part of Lake Baikal since 2000) Nerusso-Desnianskoe-Polesie Visimskiy Vodlozersky Commander Islands Darvinskiy Nijegorodskoe Zavolje Smolensk Lakeland Ugra Far East Marine Kedrovaya Pad Kenozersky Valdaishy Khankaiskiy Middle-Volga Integrated Great Volzhsko-Kamsky (composed of Raifa, Sarali, Spassky and Sviyazhsky units) Rostovsky Altaisky Volga-Akhtuba Floodplain Bashkirskiyi Ural

1978 1978 1978 1978 1984 1984 1984 1984 1984 1984 1984 1985 1986 1986 1993 1995 1997 1997 1997 2000 1978 1986 2001 2001 2001 2002 2002 2002 2002 2002 2003 2004 2004 2004 2005 2006 2005

2008 2009 2011 2012

UKRAINE Chernomorskiy Askaniya-Nova Carpathian Shatskiy Dunaisky. Transboundary BR (Romania - Ukraine) East Carpathians (Transboundary BR between Poland/Slovakia/Ukraine) Desnianskyi Roztochya

1984 1985 1992 2002 1998 1998

2009 2011

Biosphere Reserves


Biosphere Reserves

are “special places for people and nature”.

are areas of terrestrial and coastal

ecosystems promoting solutions to reconcile

the conservation of biodiversity with its

sustainable use.

are nominated by national governments.

remain under the sovereign jurisdiction of

the countries in which they are situated.


Added Value of Biosphere Reserves

Official recognition by a UN agency.

Participation in a World Network facilitates

sharing of information and experiences.

Serve as demonstration/testing sites to address

issues related to conservation of biodiversity,

sustainable development and globalization.

Can serve as land-use planning and management

tools.


Added Value of Biosphere Reserves

Biosphere reserves can be considered as reflecting

the “ecosystem approach” adopted by the

Convention of Biological Diversity

‘Solving the puzzle - the Ecosystem

Approach and Biosphere Reserves’.

This publication gives some examples.


The Ecosystem Approach

• Aims at reconciling biodiversity conservation and

rural/peri-urban development while enhancing

and supporting cultural values.

• Biosphere reserves can serve as practical

examples of the implementation of this approach.


BRs, AN “OLD CONCEPT” FOR A RENEWED COMMITMENT TO SUSTAINABLE

DEVELOPMENT

Under the UNESCO MAB Programme, the BR concept developed from the idea that natural resource conservation objectives need to better take into account the economic development of the local community, and vice versa.

In essence, it recognizes that the long term viability of both is dependent on the health of the whole.


Furthermore, it asserts that a community’s myriad of economic, social and conservation activities can be planned and coordinated in a truly sustainable manner.

That is why its very simple and flexible basic zoning includes core zones dedicated to biodiversity conservation, buffer zones where sustainable activities can take place in such a way that cores zones are not negatively impacted, and the transition zones where greater activity is allowed and often may be referred to as an area of co-operation.

Thus, the idea of ‘sustainable development’ is integral to biosphere reserves.


DEVELOPMENT -cont.


BRs are also hubs for scientific research and monitoring, education and training contributing to local, national and global goals.

It is important to understand that a biosphere reserve is just as much a concept as it is a defined geographic area.

The BR concept has proved its value beyond protected areas and has been increasingly embraced by scientists, planners, policy makers and local communities to bring a variety of knowledge, scientific investigations and experiences to link biodiversity conservation and socio-economic development for human well-being.


DEVELOPMENT -cont.


BRs also serve as learning and demonstration sites in the framework of DESD.

Moreover, they assist to a documentation and dissemination among key stakeholders/national policy-makers of the best practices and approaches in natural resource management.

A multi-stakeholder approach with particular emphasis on the involvement of local communities in management and fostering dialogue for conflict resolution of natural resource use are integral parts of this concept.


DEVELOPMENT -cont.


Can also transcend political and administrative boundaries, as the concept has proved its value beyond protected areas.

Current working methods of MAB Programme and World Network of Biosphere Reserves must depend more and more on thematic, regional, sub-reg., nat. and local networks for delivery of outcomes as well as for innovating new and green linkages.

BRs also performed their role as learning and demonstration sites for ESD. Thus, education should be mobilized to re-orient society towards more sustainable practices.

Biosphere Reserves


THE BIOSPHERE RESERVE MODEL (AFTER SEVILLE 1995) THREE INTERRELATED FUNCTIONS OF BR

R Research station

or experimental

research site

M Monitoring

E Education/training

R

R

M

E

T

T

• Core area(s)

• Buffer zone(s)

• Transition area(s)

Biosphere Reserve Model

T Tourism

Existing BRs in South-Eastern European (SEE) countries amount to 28. • Most of them (21) established before the Seville Strategy and

the Statutory Framework for BRs were adopted in 1995 and do not comply with their prescriptions (in particular that of having the 3 functions – conservation, development and logistic support – well-developed at each site).

• Those established more recently can be considered good examples of what a BR should be.

Since the beginning of 2012 the focus of the Science team dedicated to ENV&SD extended to include Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, the Republic of Moldova, the Russian Federation and Ukraine, within the regional context which is not excluding other countries of the Black-Sea sub-region. The countries listed above (excluding Georgia and Ukraine) earlier fell under the UNESCO Moscow Office mandate. These 7 countries have 52 BRs in total. • 28 of the existing BRs in this region - all of which were established

after 1995 - partly or fully comply with the Seville Strategy and are therefore ready to play such a relevant role.

Sustainable

use

Conservation

Logistic

support

This scheme can be adapted to

various ecological, socio-cultural and

legal contexts


THE SEVILLE STRATEGY

AND

MADRID ACTION PLAN

Seville Strategy and Statutory Framework (1995) and Madrid Action Plan (MAP - 2008) did not change the rules of the game…

The Seville Strategy calls for BRs being models of Land Management and Sustainable Development, being better structured according to the BR concept…

The MAP attempts to orient the MAB programme and the World Network of Biosphere Reserves activities during 2008–2013 in the face of new challenges in an ever-changing world (four main action areas).

IN COMMON: HOW TO HAVE A GREATER IMPACT?


ON THE WAY TO IMPLEMENT

“THE FUTURE WE WANT”

Biosphere Reserves currently play a key role in the follow-up to Rio+20 as dedicated platforms for sustainable development learning and networking including in the context of climate change, ecosystem services and urbanization; the three key challenges recognized in the Madrid Action Plan (MAP) for Biosphere Reserves (2008-2013).

As the MAP has initiated a long-term process towards the recognition of biosphere reserves as the principal internationally-designated areas of sustainable development in the 21st century, its evaluation shall provide catalyzing instruments in this process.


ON THE WAY TO IMPLEMENT

“THE FUTURE WE WANT ”- cont.

The evaluation of MAP should be considered as a strategic thinking tool to also evaluate the Seville Strategy and to place the WNBR into the context of the follow up to Rio+20, green economy, biodiversity conservation, combating desertification and the challenges imposed by climate change.

http://www.ema-online.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/RIO+20_Logo_FVL1.jpg


1. The pivotal role of the MAB Programme -Designated Sites = Laboratories/models

2. Integration with IHP – Shared Waters

3. ESD as a cross-cutting theme


4 Potential new BRs

Potential new Transboundary BRs

Existing BRs

In SEE: 28

In Black Sea / Caucasus: 52

http://www.google.it/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=eastern+europe&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&docid=qcWT-irsItIzAM&tbnid=x4wRcEuQTnfSGM:&ved=0CAUQjRw&url=http://geology.com/world/europe-physical-map.shtml&ei=Z_uIUYz2LYnWPZzlgbgG&bvm=bv.45960087,d.ZWU&psig=AFQjCNF0G91Tfd5JivmhJs8NWVmMoeJajw&ust=1368018130160166



Transboundary River Basins of interest


Our action: Capacity-building, exchange of experience

At BR level: well established BRs with well working 3rd FUNCTION (education, demonstration projects, exchanges of experience, dissemination of a “model”, etc.)…

At national level: well established National Committee as an interface with Policy Makers (bring societal questions to BRs, extract policy advises)…

At International Level: BRs offering themselves as ground for international projects (Policy-testing, thematic interest such as tourism, green economy, etc.)…

TO HAVE A GREATER IMPACT (to promote SD) =

Our action: Institutional capacity-building, regional network

Our action: Demonstration/thematic Projects, communication

BIOSPHERE RESERVES AS MODEL SITES TO OUTREACH


4 Potential new BRs

Potential new Transboundary BRs

Existing BRs

In SEE: 28

In Black Sea / Caucasus: 52

http://www.google.it/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=eastern+europe&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&docid=qcWT-irsItIzAM&tbnid=x4wRcEuQTnfSGM:&ved=0CAUQjRw&url=http://geology.com/world/europe-physical-map.shtml&ei=Z_uIUYz2LYnWPZzlgbgG&bvm=bv.45960087,d.ZWU&psig=AFQjCNF0G91Tfd5JivmhJs8NWVmMoeJajw&ust=1368018130160166


ACTIVITIES Expected Results

1. Strengthening the BRs’ network to be fully operational: focus on institutional capacity-building (focus: flagship intersectoral activity with CLT)

ER 1 - Professional and institutional capacities enhanced

2. Developing the demonstration and learning potential of UNESCO Designated Sites (focus: green economy and links to ESD activities)

ER 2 - Demonstration sites for SD established and existing BRs reinforced

3. Using BRs to promote the idea of sustainability and orient policies (focus: EXPO 2015; fundable projects generation)

ER 3 - Policy advice on sustainability issues developed and provided through regional cooperative projects


BIOSPHERE RESERVES AS MODEL SITES TO OUTREACH (Man and Biosphere Programme – MAB)

Conservation Sustainable

use

Logistic

support

Strategic focus building up the capacity among local and

national stakeholders in the field of territorial governance of sustainable development, using in particular UNESCO Designated Sites (BRs, WHSs) as models and learning places of great relevance for policy-makers and managers, considering natural and cultural assets of sustainable development in transboundary contexts;

benefiting from a high potential for the establishment and /or re-launching of (Transboundary) BRs, which should finally better comply with the provisions of the Seville Strategy and its Statutory Framework for BRs, and therefore increase their impact in roughly all countries ;

focusing on the enhancement of cooperative management of transboundary water bodies and the related ecosystems in the geographical areas using a unique network of sites for SD.

Aimed to: emphasize BRs’ key role as dedicated

platforms for SD learning and networking;

show practical ways to implement SD in today’s society, from innovative planning and management of territorial systems to the integration of environmental concerns into sectoral development policies;

take advantage of the interdisciplinary and cross-sectoral approach of MAB Programme – in particular

• focusing on the linkages between biological and cultural diversity for sustainability;

• aiming at better integration of scientific information into policy decesions; and hence

• bridging MAB and IHP Programmes.




use

Logistic

support

3 complementary lines/components of activities and implementation modalities: Strengthening the BR network to be fully operational institutional capacity-building

building capacities at national levels; facilitating the designation process; learning from examples of well-established and functioning BRs; seeking funding for the elaboration and submission of cooperative/international projects.

Developing the demonstration and learning potential of these sites BRs as demo sites for SD having potential to develop thematic/demonstration projects on:

knowledge-brokering, sustainable tourism development, shared water resources management, education for SD, natural risk preparedness, application of the ecological footprint in territorial governance, introduction of innovative/green technologies in sustainable mngm. of natural resources, etc.

Using BRs to promote the idea of sustainability and orientate polices and societies policy advice on sustainability issues

contributing to SD in the region by assuring not only a sound management of single sites, but the transfer of innovation to the national and regional levels so that decision- and policy-making processes could be progressively transformed in the direction of true envir. integration and SD.




use

Logistic

support

EXPECTED CONCRETE RESULTS

Biosphere reserves recognized as model sites for outreach Institutional capacity-building will be enhanced

and the capacity of MAB national bodies and BR managers to lead the programme and share lessons learned in their respective countries will be reinforced.

Demonstration sites for SD will be established and existing BRs reinforced in the fulfilment of their third function of providing logistic support for research, monitoring and education, and therefore their impact inside and around these territories is increased.

Policy advice on sustainability issues will be developed and provided through cooperative project development in the region, to expand the impact of the BRs much beyond their borders up to the level of policy-making at national and regional level.

SYNERGIES AND CROSS-SECTORALITY The interdisciplinary nature of the MAB Programme

contributes to a better understanding and strengthening of the vital linkages between biological and cultural diversity, for the promotion of integrated approaches which consider not only ecological parameters but also social, economic and cultural factors.

Scientific information on biodiversity is important to help to build the basis on which to take informed policy decisions. Therefore, promoting a better integration of scientific information into policy making is also a part of the inter-sectoral approach of the MAB Programme.

Bridging biodiversity science and policy is another added-value which the Office may facilitate through targeted activities like

• proposing thematic activities in BRs to be potentially extended to WH sites,

• focusing in particular on the linkages between biological and cultural diversity,

• focusing on specific socio-econ.dev. issues, • more specifically, considering transversal priorities, • dedicating attention to the participatory planning and

management processes.


WATER RESOURCES MANAGEMENT

Our action: Knowledge Brokering in Sediment Management

Our action: SHs involvement in IRBM

Our action: Knowledge Brokering in Biodiversity conservation in IRBM (link with MAB TBR)

Our action: IRBM and Biodiversity conservation (link with MAB TBR)

Our action: Wetlands and Biodiversity conservation (link with MAB TBR)


ACTIVITIES Expected Results

1. Knowledge brokering actions at River basin and local level

ER 1 - Cooperation and dialogue in water sciences and management enhanced (knowledge-brokering strategies with IHP NCs)

2. Transboundary capacity-building workshops (UNESCO Designated sites as platforms for cross-border cooperation and multi-purpose management)

ER 2 - Appropriate and flexible communication and cooperation modalities defined, agreed upon and made operational at various levels and in a context of IRBM.

3. A regional seminar to identify new actions in IRBM in transboundary contexts (strong links with MAB and network of BRs along shared water systems)

ER 3 - New actions defined in IRBM in transboundary contexts in SEE, Caucasus and Black-Sea countries


Networking

•EuroMAB is the largest and oldest (1987) of the MAB Regional

Networks: 52 countries, including Canada and the USA, and 289

biosphere reserves.

• Meetings of the MAB National Committees and biosphere reserve co-

ordinators of EuroMAB have taken place almost every two years since

1986.

•IberoMAB, together with CYTED promoting co-operation amongst the

countries of Latin America, Spain and Portugal.

•REDBIOS (Réseau Est Atlantique des Réserves de Biosphère), a joint

effort of coastal biosphere reserves of Cap-Vert, Morocco, Senegal and

Spain.

• Asia and the Pacific: EABRN


EUROMAB 2013

• Brought together over 190 delegates from 27 European and North American countries.

• Held in Brockville, Ontario, Canada, inside the spectacular Frontenac Arch Biosphere Reserve.

• Organized around several key issues, goals, and priorities:

– building the capacity of Biosphere Reserves to be more self-sufficient,

– promoting the network of Biosphere Reserves, and

– addressing the new strategic direction of the MAB Programme, 2014 – 2021.

• Held under the banner ‘‘Engaging our Communities’’.

• Put particular emphasis on engaging local populations, in addition to partners from first Nations, academia, businesses, non-profits and government.


CORE THEMES ELABORATED ON FOLLOWING DISCUSSIONS

To offer multiple communication opportunities between BRs to allow information sharing, mentoring, and dialogue. In particular, the need to meet face-to-face, and to establish groups that are able to meet regularly (such as EuroMAB or national-level meetings). As well, there is a need for online forums to share relevant documents and information (research, methods), ask questions, and offer opportunities for mentorship.

To develop better communications strategies and expertise to engage broader communities, in particular by engaging communities through citizen science and enticing communities to participate through offering charismatic initiatives and innovative marketing strategies.

EUROMAB 2013


To re-conceive BRs, in order to unify the brand and encourage broader participation, perhaps by developing an international brand that is simple, inspires emotion, and attracts attention.

To have a collaborative relationship of support between the local, national, regional, and international levels of BRs. Specifically, the issue of periodic reviews was addressed and how the process can be better supported and communicated (including timelines and feedback), as well as the way in which the BRs can be better supported in their transition from pre- to post- Seville Strategy.

EUROMAB 2013


To strengthen sustainability in the context of non-renewable resource extraction, such as mining.

To work on BRs’ strengths and move away from being generalists; however, local organizations should find a way to remain connected through the Biosphere networks with a unified message.

EUROMAB 2013


CORE THEMES IDENTIFIED

1. Enhanced communication among Biosphere Reserves improving information sharing, mentoring, and dialogue;

2. More effective communications strategies and expertise to engage broader communities;

3. Branding and participation;

4. Collaborative relationships of support among Biosphere Reserves at local, national, regional, and international levels;

5. Sustainability of non-renewable resource extraction activities such as mining;

6. Biosphere Reserves as local organizations connected to an international network.


RECOMMENDATIONS FOR FUTURE MAB STRATEGY

The future MAB strategy should consider the following elements:

• BRs are well positioned to play key roles at the interface of environmental conservation, research on human environment interactions, sustainable development, cultural identity, and learning for a sustainable future in emerging international forums.

• �At the international level, BRs should be firmly embedded in the science/development arena, linking science, society, and policy.

• BRs should be considered “mini UNESCO’s”, encapsulating the goals of UNESCO regarding education, the natural and social sciences, as well as culture.


BRs and partners developed a better understanding of the MAB Programme and the international network, including their own contributions to these matters ;

• This has solidified the network cohesion and created exchanges that could enhance local capacities.

External groups had an opportunity to familiarize themselves with the Program and to offer more collaboration;

• It provided an opportunity for the EuroMAB community to better understand the Canadian approach and contribution to the MAB Programme.

KEY VALUE OF EUROMAB 2013


EUROMAB 2013

Parallel Workshops

• Based on the positive experience of past EuroMAB meetings, participatory thematic workshops were held to further inform on MAB’s future strategy.

• Some themes were kept from existing EuroMAB thematic groups, while new ones were put in place responding to current and emerging needs.

• This future strategy should confirm the role of BRs as learning platforms for sustainable development, both within UNESCO as well as within the broader UN system.

• This strategy will bring a crucial contribution in the world’s sustainability agenda.

• Workshops reports articulated recommendations under three areas: Local level, EuroMAB Network and International level.


Workshop Trans-boundary Biosphere Reserves: Towards More Effective Management of Shared Ecosystems and

Sustainable Development of Bordering Territories

• Identified the key activities to be put in place, including

– need for more functional MAB Committees and for the development of partnerships with various economic sectors and institutional stakeholders.

• Recommendations focused on

– facilitating multi-scale dialogue,

– supporting national MAB Committees in capacity building, specifically

• regarding trans-boundary issues

• adoption of the trans-boundary BRs’ approach as a tool of “environmental diplomacy” to foster better international relationships.


The identified priorities in accordance with the three major scales of the MaB governance system

International level

• MaB Secretariat lobbies for a wider adoption of the TBR approach as a tool of ‘environmental diplomacy’ to foster better international relationships

• National MaB Committees to be further supported with specific TBR capacity building and facilitation training

National level

• Need for a more functional role of the MaB Committees in facilitating the multi-scale dialogue (relating the international level with the various T/BRs)

• MaB Committees to be able to activate other institutional stakeholders (be more inter-sectoral)

T/BRs level

• Working on a common vision

• Identification of the key activities (no management without an action plan)

• Improving the partnership with the various economic sectors


TRANSBOUNDARY COOPERATION AND THE CO-MANAGEMENT OF SHARED ECOSYSTEMS – cont.

Currently, more than 15 countries of sub-regions being under the UNESCO Venice Office coverage for environment and sustainable development activities (South-Eastern European/SEE, Mediterranean, Black-Sea and Caucasus countries) have initiated and/or undergone processes of an establishment of possible TBR(s).

There is the need to facilitate these processes – in particular, at a crucial moment where stakeholders require a support, and communities and authorities need a clarification about their engagement, responsibilities and benefits - and to move forward with the designation process(es).

•


TRANSBOUNDARY COOPERATION AND THE CO-MANAGEMENT OF SHARED ECOSYSTEMS – cont.

At the same time, efforts should be continued to support and facilitate transboundary nomination of biosphere reserves and management processes along river corridors/basins.

This i.a. offers an increased opportunity for the cooperation between the MAB and the IHP Programmes through the implementation of joint activities and interventions related to the links between water and biodiversity as well as to landforms and hydrological systems.

UNESCO believes that utilization and conservation of land and water resources should go hand in hand, and that an interdisciplinary approach and long term vision are key.

•

Thank you


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