Niagara Escarpment Biosphere Reserve Cooperation Plan  

Several biosphere reserves across Canada have created local Cooperation Plans. A cooperation plan provides a starting point or framework for biosphere-related activities that partners in a biosphere region choose to engage in. Discussion in the Niagara Escarpment biosphere region has centered on how a plan can be carried out given the complexity of the Niagara Escarpment Biosphere Reserve due to its large scale, population and a variety of organizations that could foster biosphere reserve initiatives.

The creation of this plan – a work in progress – has involved key individuals and organizations such as non-government organizations, conservation authorities, universities and municipalities. There are three priorities, matching the objectives of biosphere reserves everywhere:  

• Biodiversity Conservation -- What are our priorities for preserving natural diversity on the Niagara Escarpment?  
• Sustainable Development -- What are our priorities for encouraging sustainability in human activities on the Niagara Escarpment?  
• Logistics and Capacity Building -- What are our priorities for improving the ability and capability of communities to make sound decisions for conservation and sustainable resource use on the Niagara Escarpment through research, monitoring, education and information exchange?  

The Niagara Escarpment Biosphere Reserve views the Cooperation Plan as a starting point for moving ahead in a coordinated way with a wide range of stakeholders, communities and decision-makers.  

For our many partners and potential partners in the Niagara Escarpment Biosphere Reserve, it is something to discuss, to refine and to implement according to their needs.

If you are interested in learning more about the Cooperation Plan or in helping to get things started in your area, please contact Lisa Grbinicek.

Download the Cooperation Plan for the Niagara Escarpment Biosphere Reserve:

Cooperation Plan - Full version (1.1 MB)

Cooperation Plan - Condensed version (467 KB)