Home » Programs » Biosphere Project

Biosphere Project

Building a Governance Model for the Niagara Escarpment Biosphere

January 2021 update: When this project was undertaken and completed in 2019, the commonly accepted term for the UNESCO-designated entity was the Niagara Escarpment Biosphere Reserve (NEBR). It is now known as the Niagara Escarpment Biosphere (NEB).

Why this change? The Canadian Commission for UNESCO has a new communications strategy in which the term “reserve” is dropped from the name, or changed to “region.” The term “reserve” in Canada has a negative historical connotation for many Indigenous peoples and is not considered appropriate as together, we seek Truth and Reconciliation.

Since many UNESCO Biospheres in Canada are located on the traditional territories of Indigenous communities, a conflict of terminology exists. Language is important! Most Canadian Biospheres have adopted new names in accordance with this thinking.

The Foundation is retaining the 2019 documents and updates on the Biosphere Project as they appeared when posted in 2019.

A cornerstone of Ontario’s Greenbelt, the Niagara Escarpment is designated a United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Biosphere Reserve.

In partnership, and with the support of broader Niagara Escarpment Biosphere Reserve (NEBR) participants and stakeholders, the Niagara Escarpment Foundation (NEF) and the Niagara Escarpment Commission (NEC) have initiated a project to encourage and facilitate a more collaborative, community-based governance structure, which includes meaningful engagement with Indigenous Peoples/Communities.

The Niagara Escarpment Foundation gratefully acknowledges the funding support of the Friends of the Greenbelt Foundation for this Biosphere Reserve project.

UPDATES

Launching New Leadership for the Niagara Escarpment Biosphere Reserve!

October 30, 2019

At the September 24, 2019 workshop, participants saw a presentation on progress achieved since July to transition the Niagara Escarpment Biosphere Reserve (NEBR) to community leadership. They also brainstormed ideas for a mission statement for the new, community-based organization that will be formed to lead the NEBR. Read more

Explore the Great Niagara Escarpment Indigenous Cultural Map!

September 20, 2019

Plenty Canada’s Indigenous map is now available online — you can explore it at: www.thegreatniagaraescarpment.ca.   Read more

Sept. 8 Event: THE GREAT NIAGARA ESCARPMENT Indigenous Cultural Map – Official Premiere (St. Catharines, ON)

September 6, 2019

Here’s an exciting event about Indigenous Peoples and the Niagara Escarpment Biosphere Reserve!

What: THE GREAT NIAGARA ESCARPMENT Indigenous Cultural Mapping Project

Official premiere of a multimedia online resource containing stunning photography, captivating video, and contextual information that identifies important Indigenous historic, cultural, and natural world locations along more than 725 km from Niagara Falls to the western region of Manitoulin Island

When: Sunday September 8, 2019, at 2:00 p.m. to  3:00 p.m.
Read more

Invitation to Workshop: Finalizing a New Leadership Model for the Niagara Escarpment Biosphere Reserve

August 9, 2019

SEPTEMBER 24, 2019, WORKSHOP DETAILS:

Friends of the Niagara Escarpment Biosphere Reserve,

We are writing with an update on new leadership for the Niagara Escarpment Biosphere Reserve (NEBR), or “NEBR 2.0.”. Read more

Invitation to Workshop: Building a New Leadership Model for the Niagara Escarpment Biosphere Reserve

July 9, 2019

JULY 30, 2019, WORKSHOP DETAILS:

You are invited to attend a workshop, hosted by the Niagara Escarpment Biosphere Reserve (NEBR) to discuss and seek input on a transitional leadership model for the NEBR.
Read more

Building a Niagara Escarpment Biosphere Reserve Network

April 4, 2019

Is your organization passionate about preserving the ancient and majestic landscape of the Niagara Escarpment? Do you care about how we manage our precious biodiversity? Do you excel at being part of a group of individuals and organizations with a shared vision of ecological and economic sustainability?

If you answered yes to any these questions, please keep reading to find out how you can put your passion into action. Read more

Biosphere Reserve Project Update February 2019

February 4, 2019

Environmental Protection for the Niagara Escarpment Biosphere Reserve through Enhanced Community Engagement

—

A cornerstone of Ontario’s Greenbelt, the Niagara Escarpment is designated a United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Biosphere Reserve. In partnership, and with the support of broader Niagara Escarpment Biosphere Reserve (NEBR) participants and stakeholders, the Niagara Escarpment Foundation (NEF) and the Niagara Escarpment Commission (NEC) have initiated a project to encourage and facilitate a more collaborative, community-based governance structure, which includes meaningful engagement with Indigenous Peoples/Communities. Read more