2018-08-07 P&E Agenda - Attachment 1 to Item 3 - Noosa Biosphere Reserve 10 Year Periodic Review

                                                                Noosa Biosphere Reserve - Periodic Review 2018




6.6   Contribution to the World Network of Biosphere Reserves

The NBR is model of sustainable living with its extensive protected area network, pristine waterways
and engaged community. These representative models contribute to a global network of high value
biosphere reserves.

Over the past 10 years international delegations have been received from Indonesia, China,
Netherlands, Canada, Chile, Vietnam, New Zealand and Cambodia. Numerous visits have also
occurred from American Universities including Virginia Tech and Georgia as well as one from Greece.
Links to videos of those visits are provided in the Annexures to this report. This sharing of knowledge
and experience is expected to continue.

6.6.1 Describe any collaboration with existing biosphere reserves at national, regional, and
      international levels, also within regional and bilateral agreements.

From 2008-2014, the NBL undertook an active role in liaison with other BRs:
•     Receipt of delegations of visitors from Indonesia, China, Netherlands, Canada, Chile, Vietnam
      and Cambodia, many from other BRs
•     Invitations to attend and present at UNESCO MaB meetings in various locations, and
•     Liaison with the World Network of Biopshere Reserves and invitations to international
      symposiums.

6.6.2 What are the current and expected benefits of international cooperation for the biosphere
      reserve?

The current and expected benefits include shared understanding of biosphere challenges and
successes and appreciation of reserves particularly in less developed countries than Australia.

6.6.3 How do you intend to contribute to the World Network of Biosphere Reserves in the future
      and to the Regional and Thematic Networks?

The NBRF has kept a watching brief on other BRs, but focused its resources and attention on activities
within Noosa. While rtravelling in the United Kingdom recently, the current Chair of the NBRF visited the
North Devon BR. Talks have been held with the Great Sandy BR, adjoining the NBR. There is potential
for more collaboration to take place, given the necessary resources. The GSBR is planning a national
BR conference to be held early in 2019.

6.7   Main factors that influenced the success of activities contributing to the logistic support
      function?

The major success factors in the Logistic Support area of the NBR have been:
•     Developing trusted partnerships with universities and research staff and achieving good
      outcomes through grant funded projects
•     Developing trusted partnerships with community-based environmental and sustainable
      development organisations
•     Ongoing commitment to increasing the knowledge and understanding about the unique
      ecosystems and species within the NBR
•     Recognition of the need to leverage additional funding from its research partners
•     Adopting clear priorities for research funding, and
•     Communication to the public of the importance of research projects investigating different aspects
      of the NBR.

6.8    Other comments/observations from a biosphere reserve perspective.

As part the NBRF community engagement plan a key component will be the increasing collaboration
with other national and international biosphere reserves.




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