30 November 2010

Outcomes of 2010 Biosphere Foundation AGM

Thanks to those who attended the Biosphere Foundation's AGM, which was held in Cranbourne on 14 November 2010.

There was a good turn up of members and council representatives. It was great to see a number of new faces and some old ones not seen for while.

Chair Rob Gell reported on the foundation’s activities for the past year. Rob highlighted the challenges facing the foundation, including the need to secure additional core funding and the importance of members in achieving this. He also discussed the move to the trading name Western Port Biosphere Reserve, and the closer working relationship with, and improved funding support from, local councils. 

Presentations included:

• Secretary Jack Krohn on his visit to three European biosphere reserves—Rhön, Entlebuch and Wienerwald—including their funding and management arrangements, and use of biosphere branding for agriculture and sustainable tourism.
• Executive officer Cecelia Witton on her attendance at the 21st Man and the Biosphere International Coordinating Council meeting and Pacific Ecotourism Seminar on Jeju Island, South Korea. Specifically, Cecelia discussed the role of biosphere reserves in managing ecotourism. Many countries use this to support local communities and their culture, improve conservation outcomes and educate travellers.
• Chair Rob Gell on the establishment of the Australian Network of Biosphere Reserves, which includes Western Port Biosphere Reserve, Noosa Biosphere Reserve and Great Sandy Biosphere Reserve as founding members.

The meeting was followed by a workshop to identify opportunities to achieve sustainable outcomes for the environment, community, agriculture and tourism. The session provided the foundation with valuable community input, and outcomes will be published on this web site and considered by the board.

Further information:

• Annual report (including financial report) 2009–2010
• 2010 AGM minutes
• 2010 AGM workshop notes