The Biosphere Foundation has worked with the community to create a sustainable future for Western Port. We do this through research, education, community engagement, partnerships and on-ground conservation efforts. The Foundation has tax-deductibility status as an environmental organisation.
The Biosphere Foundation is funded by donations and contributions from the four local governments of the Biosphere – City of Casey and Shires of Bass Coast, Cardinia and Mornington Peninsula. It also receives grant funding for projects from a number of sources, including the State Government, Federal Government, Melbourne Water and philanthropists.
Read our Western Port Biosphere Foundation Impact Report 2024
The biosphere reserve nomination document contains a number of commitments regarding governance and management.
The Biosphere Foundation’s founding constitution was adopted at the inaugural meeting in December 2003. It has been recently updated, with the generous assistance of leading law firm Maddocks. The constitution changes were adopted at our November 2024 meeting.
The Biosphere Foundation’s charter was adopted at the inaugural meeting in December 2003. The charter reflects both the aspirational objectives of the foundation and the specific governance expectations of the Victorian State Government. It provides the broad vision for the biosphere reserve.
In 2014, a Governance Review Report was conducted by Kevin Love and the recommendations were adopted by the membership and board.
Prior to this, in 2010, an evaluation study was conducted by Roberts Evaluation Pty Ltd, as required by Victoria’s Biosphere Reserve Policy, to determine the effectiveness of the biosphere reserve since its designation in 2002 (Performance of the Mornington Peninsula and Western Port Biosphere Reserve Evaluation Study, Roberts Evaluation Pty Ltd, and Board response to the Roberts Evaluation report).
A range of internal policies guide the day-to-day operation of the Biosphere Foundation.
In 2014 the Biosphere successfully underwent its ten year review with UNESCO. This location map was included in the UNESCO review.
Our most recent 10-year review was submitted in 2022 to UNESCO was successful, recertifying the Western Port Biosphere Reserve as a member of its international biosphere network of 748 reserves in 134 countries. It retains our status for a third decade, allowing us and our partners to move confidently towards creating a sustainable future for everyone who lives, works and plays in the Reserve.
Of special significance was UNESCO’s acceptance of a revised zonation map for the 2,142 sq km Reserve, which better reflects how our communities’ interface with our core protected areas. We thank AECOM for its considerable contribution of expertise and technology to create this fresh perspective. This will enable better conversations on how our actions impact important terrestrial and marine ecosystems.
Read the press release here.
The Mornington Peninsula and Western Port Biosphere Reserve Foundation Ltd. wishes to acknowledge the generous contribution of Maddocks in drafting and reviewing our Constitution
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PO Box 261, Hastings VIC 3915
Australia
Ph: (03) 5979 2167
Photography credits: J Harrison (eastern curlew).
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