What is a Biosphere? 

The Man and the Biosphere (MAB) programme is an intergovernmental scientific programme that aims to establish a scientific basis for enhancing the relationship between people and their environments. It combines the natural and social sciences with a view to improving human livelihoods and safeguarding natural and managed ecosystems, thus promoting innovative approaches to economic development that are socially and culturally appropriate and environmentally sustainable.

Its World Network of Biosphere Reserves is a dynamic and interactive network of sites of excellence that foster harmony between people and nature for sustainable development through participatory dialogue; knowledge sharing; poverty reduction and human well-being improvements; respect for cultural values and society’s ability to cope with change.  

Biosphere reserves are ‘learning places for sustainable development’. They are sites for testing interdisciplinary approaches to understanding and managing changes and interactions between social and ecological systems, including conflict prevention and management of biodiversity. They are places that provide local solutions to global challenges. Biosphere reserves include terrestrial, marine and coastal ecosystems. Each site promotes solutions reconciling the conservation of biodiversity with its sustainable use.

Biosphere reserves are nominated by national governments and remain under the sovereign jurisdiction of the states where they are located. Biosphere Reserves are designated under the intergovernmental MAB Programme by the Director-General of UNESCO following the decisions of the MAB International Coordinating Council (MAB-ICC). Their status is internationally recognized. Member States can submit sites through the designation process.

Our proposed Biosphere is rooted in the principles of Te Ao Māori, the Māori worldview, which emphasises the interconnectedness of all life forms and the importance of stewardship. This perspective enriches our approach to sustainability, offering valuable insights into living in harmony with the environment. 

Why This Matters  

Environmental Stewardship: By participating, you contribute to building resilience in our natural landscapes, ensuring they remain vibrant and healthy for future generations. 

Cultural Enrichment: Engaging with the Biosphere Reserve provides an opportunity to learn how Te Ao Māori can inform place-based, ecosystem management which enhances our collective understanding of sustainable living. Biosphere is people-based so our Biosphere will reflect the aspirations of all our cultures and communities across Coastal Otago. 

Economic Opportunities: The Biosphere fosters strategic and cohesive investment in locally led initiatives, creating jobs and promoting industries that harmonise with nature. This approach empowers communities to actively shape sustainable solutions, strengthening environmental, economic, and social well-being for the long term.

We invite you to collaborate in this initiative.  Your voice and support is crucial in creating a Biosphere that reflects our shared commitment to a sustainable and prosperous future.  Together, we can cultivate a space where nature and people thrive, benefiting all who call this region home.