no. 17 (july, 2020) newsletter world network of …...1 newsletter world network of island and...

1

Newsletter World Network ofIsland and Coastal Biosphere Reserves

No 17 (July 2020)

Publisher Jeju Secretariat of WNICBR the Republic of Korea

WWF RUSSIA HAS COMPLETED

FUNDRAISING CAMPAIGN FOR THE

COMMANDER ISLANDS BIOSPHERE

RESERVE ECO-PATHS

The Commander Islands is a remote part of Russia inthe northwestern Pacific Ocean where untouchedwildlife is preserved in its pristine beauty Under theprotection of the nature reserve thousands of seaotters and harbor seals live hundreds of thousands ofnorthern fur seals and hundreds of sea lions stay onthe rookeries In the protected area off the coast ofthe islands you can regularly see about a dozenspecies of cetaceans sperm whales killer whaleshumpback north pacific right whales and otherspecies

As part of the Earth Hour 2020 campaign corporatepartners and other supporters of WWF Russiamanaged to raise five million roubles for theimplementation of important environmental projects38 million roubles of these funds will be used tocomplete the construction of the ecological trail offSevero-Zapadnoye rookery of marine mammals onBering Island

The first stage of building the ecological trail wascompleted back in 2017 Thanks to donations twonew viewing platforms with information boards andan entrance group appeared here In 2019 on themost difficult section of the route the employees ofthe reserve installed the 42-meter staircase

However the institution ran out of funds to continuethe project Representatives of the CINBR appealedto the World Wildlife Fund (WWF Russia) asking forsupport The raised funds will be enough to cover allthe necessary expenses associated with thecompletion of the construction

ldquoWe are grateful to WWF Russia supporters of thefoundation and business - everyone who financiallyand informally supported the development of theecological trail along the Severo-Zapadnoye rookeryThe fact that we managed to collect the necessarysum so quickly emphasizes that this project of thenature reserve will be in demand among tourists andis necessary for awareness raising for both guests ofthe reserve and residents of Nikolskoye Village onBering Island We plan to complete eco trail projectthis year However now we will have to take intoaccount the difficulties arising from the pandemic ofthe coronavirus infectionrdquo said the acting Director ofthe reserve Evgeny Mamaev

The reserve hopes that the ecological trail on themost popular tourist route on Bering Island equippedwith information boards staircases observationplatforms and decks will ensure the safety of touristsand minimize the anthropogenic burden on thecoastal ecosystem at the same time The Fundrsquosspecialists are confident that the development of eco-tourism on the island will help to attract moreattention to the protected areas as well as stimulatethe flow of funds for important environmental work

httpkomandorskyruenwwf-russia-ecopathshtml

Fur seals on the rookery of Bering Island

Observation deck on the eco trail at the Severo-

Zapadnoye rookery

Commander Islands Biosphere Reserve Russia

2

A n e w c a m p a i g n c a l l e dldquoGrowing Togetherrdquo is going tohelp people grow some of theirown food The Georgian BayBiosphere is working withpartners to have ready-to-growplanters of vegetables andherbs safely delivered underCovid-19 The campaign goal is

GROWING TOGETHER

PROVIDING FRESH FOOD AT A

TIME OF NEED

Georgian Bay BR Canada

ldquoWe are working hard to ensure each plant is labelledand wersquove created an information sheet for newgardeners to answer most of the common questionsabout container gardeningrdquo says Delaina ArnoldGBBR Education Coordinator ldquoThere are some trickslike planters need a sunny spot like a window backstep or porch but out of the wind They really need tobe watered regularly (sometimes daily if the top 2inches of soil dry out) but not be swamped Bywatching your plants you can quickly tell if theyrsquorehappy or not Our website will provide moreinformation sheets for backyard gardeners -everything from starting seeds to compostingrdquoGardening information will be available atwwwgbbrcagardens

Benefits of the program are increased food securitythrough basic gardening skills some healthy freshproduce the mental health benefits of tending plantseducation materials to enhance gardening successand childrenrsquos activities like lsquoKids Can Growrsquo alongwith reusable planters They can even be plantedagain at the end of summer with cool weather cropslike lettuce and spinach

ldquoSince 2008 we have been committed to promotingfood sustainability gardening and food preparationskills Our lsquoGrowing Togetherrsquo campaign will meet ashort-term need but contribute to long-term foodsecurity and community well-being The GBBR raised$11200 last week to match with all new donationsOur goal is to raise enough funds to supply at least1000 planters in our area and to support allinterested gardeners with online resources tips andeventually workshops againrdquo says Dr Becky PollockGBBR executive director

Briar Howes waters vegetable seedlings at Little

Gardens Ltd In Parry Sound Ontario CANADA

(Source B Pollock)

Vegetable planters can safely be delivered tocommunity partners for pick-up by participants and beeasily maintained and harvested for a healthysupplement to any diet Partner agencies will orderthe number of vegetable planters that they thendistribute to participants through their networks

Partners include food banks social servicescommunity gardens shelters health clinics FirstNations seniors services and other centres that couldreceive planters for participants The numberavailable will depend on the donations campaign andother funding that is received from May to July

Agencies will coordinate how participants pick-uptheir vegetable planter or have their volunteers safelydeliver Each planter will have a variety of vegetablesstarting with early crops that can be harvested andthen allow larger summer plants to expand Othervegetables and fruits include lettuce arugula kalegreen onion cherry tomato baby eggplant slicingtomato or sweet pepper Herbs such as basil parsleyand thyme provide fragrance food seasoning andattract pollinators with their flowers

Participants do not choose what vegetables theyreceive and the planters are not available to thegeneral public - just in large deliveries to each partneragency who will then distribute them The public isencouraged to contact garden centres in the regionwho take orders by phone to make their own pick uparrangements Home gardeners are encouraged toplant a little extra this year to donate fresh produce toarea food programs

to get 1000 planters distributed in the area that canbe easily maintained and harvested to boost healthand well-being in the community

3

As a consequence of the Covid-19 pandemic andresultant implications South Africa went intolockdown on 26 March 2020 and at the time of thisarticle remained in lockdown although under lessstrenuous restrictions

During this time as in many other parts of the worldthe country faced some challenging and in some caseslife-threatening situations In Vanwyksdorp in theWestern Cape the GCBRrsquos Jobs for Carbon (J4C) teamdecided to be proactive in addressing some of themost critical issues

A meeting was called information was exchanged andagreement was reached to support the localcommunity Members from the community that wereable were called upon to make donations Excitinglytherefore on 13 April 2020 J4C set up a soup kitchenthereby taking the lead by having a positive influenceon the community

The biggest challenge was to support a local EarlyChildhood Centre in feeding its children Ladies whoplay an integral role in Landcare (partners in some ofthe J4C work) and who are currently unemployed alsorequired to be fed Soup was provided to the childrenat the school twice weekly whilst the Landcare teamreceived five meals a week In a quid pro quoarrangement the Landcare ladies took turns inassisting with the preparation of meals

JOBS FOR CARBON SOUP KITCHEN

Gouritz Cluster BR South Africa

The J4Crsquos highest priority was to ensure that the soupsand stews provided were healthy nutritious and highin vitamins and minerals because these meals mayhave been the only one of the day for some

Feeding so many mouths with little funding requiredcareful planning intensive labour and working inkitchens not equipped for projects this size But inspite of these challenges the team served 2310meals in a seven week period

The team is proud to have made a significantdifference in responding to a community in need andin guaranteeing that no-one went to bed hungry

J4C would like to thank the GCBR and all othercontributors for their donations whether in the formof funds ingredients or a helping hand Together wehave made a difference

For more information

httpsgouritzcomportfoliojobs-for-carbon

httpswwwfacebookcomJobs-for-Carbon-105833514131214

4

HERITAGE AT HOME

OPERATION

Iroise Biosphere Reserve France

Life in the Isle of Man UNESCO Biosphere has beenrecreated in the form of a set of wall-hangings thathave been on public exhibition

Mannin Quilters created seven hangingsencapsulating life in in the Isle of Manrsquos six sheadingsplus a hanging explaining the project The impressiveworks depict the natural social cultural and heritagefeatures of the sheadings and amount to thousands ofhours work for the quilting grouprsquos membersAppropriate for a member of the World Network ofIsland and Coastal Biosphere Reserves the hangingsfeature the Islandrsquos diverse sea life its marine naturereserves and its beach cleaning activity

A public exhibition of the hangings at Castletown CivicCentre was opened by the Isle of Manrsquos Chief MinisterHon Howard Quayle MHK who chairs the BiospherersquosStakeholder Partnership Group The Chief Ministersaid lsquoOur UNESCO Biosphere status celebrates all thatwe hold dear in the Isle of Man our green hills by thesea our diverse nature and wildlife our rich heritageand our abundant culture which has shaped the waywe live in the past and continues to do so today andnot last our strong sense of community and desire towork together to keep the Island special Thisdelightful project by Mannin Quilters brings togetherall the strands of our Biosphere The hangings embodythe community spirit that makes the Isle of Man sodifferent from other placesrsquo

The hangings were displayed at two more Isle of Manvenues to much acclaim before Covid-19 led toclosure of public spaces and halted their progressThey had been due to be exhibited in the Isle of Manrsquoslargest arts venue the Villa Marina However thereare now plans to have the hangings on public displayin a permanent home in the Isle of Man and to enterthem into a British Isles-wide festival

Launched at the beginning of the year by the UshantEco museum one of the Iroise Biosphere ReserveHouses this initiative is part of the French Ministry ofCultures le museacutee sort de ses murs label (themuseum comes out of its walls)

The museum team noticed that it is not easy to knowhow to protect and conserve objects of highsentimental value that are transmitted within familyrsquosrelatives These objects are part of the familiesrsquoheritage and so remained at home Nevertheless theyalso contribute to telling the collective story Theirknowledge and study thus enrich and add depth andnuance to the history of the area In order to continueto write this history with the inhabitants a voluntaryand free exchange between the inhabitants and themuseum is proposed

bull the inhabitants present an object and tell its story

bull the museum gathers information about the object asit already does for the objects in its collection(photos measurements description dating andhistory) for study purposes

bull approved heritage restorers inform and train theobjects owners with the aim of improving theconditions of conservation at home and thus theirprotection

Subscribe to the Facebook page Iroise BiosphereReserve UNESCO to get all the news

ISLE OF MAN BIOSPHERE STORY

TOLD ON WALL-HANGINGS

Isle of Man Biosphere Reserve

Chief Minister of the Isle of Man Hon Howard Quayle MHK (right)

Vice-Chairman of Castletown Commissioners David Parnell (left)

and Chair of Mannin Quilters Chris Eastham at the opening of the

public exhibition at Castletown Civic Centre Isle of Man

5

The Marintildeas Coruntildeesas e Terras do Mandeo Biosphere Reserve

adapts its Programme Èducating in the Biosphereacute to the Covid-19 situation

Marintildeas Coruntildeesas e Terras do Mandeo BR Spain

Every year the Programme has been incorporatingnew activities related to healthy diet and theconsumption of local products the reduction ofgender inequality etc by involving experts andprofessionals related to the different topics

Since 2016 when Èducating in the Biosphereacute startedup in Sada (one of the Biosphere Reserve coastalmunicipality) it has been gradually exported toschools in Biosphere Reserve municipalities (coastaland inland ones) involving children between 3 and 17years of age

Nowadays it is established on schools of 6municipalities of the Biosphere Reserve area In thelast year more than 3000 children have beenparticipating on the Programme

Èducating in the Biosphereacute 2019-2020

httpmarinasbetanzosgales20200428a-reserva-de-biosfera-marinas-corunesas-e-terras-do-mandeo-adapta-o-seu-programa-educando-na-biosfera

httpmediateca-sadasenecatvlibraryitemspresentacion-educando-biosfera-2020

Book acuteEducating in the Biosphereacute

httpmarinasbetanzosgalwp-contentuploads201906Libro-Educando-na-Biosfera_medios-dixitaispdf

The `Marintildeas Coruntildeesas e Terras do MandeoacuteBiosphere Reserve is located in Galicia Northwest ofSpain and its territory bounds with the Atlantic OceanFormed by 17 municipalities it comprises 116724hectares of which 27546 are marine hectares andhas a population of 195077 inhabitants

In Spain as in many other countries the Covid-19pandemic has implied that different economic sectorsinstitutions entities and the entire population havehad to adapt their activities and their lives to thissituation `Marintildeas Coruntildeesas e Terras do Mandeoacutehas also adapted to continue with functions ofBiosphere Reserves such as promoting education andresponding to the needs of the population in the faceof current situation

One of its initiatives has been the on-line adaptationof its Programme Èducating in the Biosphereacute withthe aim of continuing to bring the values andphilosophy of Biosphere Reserves to the educationalcommunity of its area

WHAT IS THE PROGRAMME ÈDUCATING IN THEBIOSPHEREacute

It is a programme of practical activities aimed atschool community that intends to reinforce andcomplete the knowledge acquired in the classroom

Since its beginning the activities have the SustainableDevelopment Objectives of UNO as a reference pointand have been focused on improving and conservingmarine and terrestrial ecosystems promotingawareness of climate change highlighting importanceof sustainable use of resources promotingresponsible production and consumption habits byemphasizing the reduction in the use of plastics thathave a great impact on the marine environment

Children and

a shellfish farmer Other activities

6

COMMUNAL REFORESTATION OF

MANGROVES AND NATIVE SPECIES

IN THE SAHAMALAZA-RADAMA BR

PERIPHERAL ZONE

Sahamalaza-Iles Radama BR Madagascar

Socotra Island has the highest diversity of Burseraceaefamily members in the world It is home to seven oreight species of Boswellia all of them are endemicand five species of Commiphora four of them areendemic All species live in the zone of drylanddeciduous tree or shrub vegetation Some speciescolonize lowlands (Boswellia popoviana Commiphoraornifolia C socotrana) while others grow only in thehighlands (B ameero C planiforns)

Frankincense trees are divided into two groupsSpecies from the first group belong to ground rootedtrees (B ameero incl B sp A B elongata and Bsocotrana) The second group is composed of cliffrooted species (B popoviana B dioscorides B bullataand B nana) Generally ground rooted species aremore endangered because of the strong impact ofgrazing on their regeneration Frankincense treeshave had high socioeconomic and cultural value sinceancient times The olibanum was a product of highimportance and has been harvested for thousands ofyears including on Socotra However local people usethese trees in a special sylvo-pastoral system cuttingbranches as a fodder for cattle in traditional medicineand as a source of nectar for honey bees

In past decades a decline of frankincense and myrrhtree populations is evident due to lack of theregeneration of ground rooted species caused bylivestock grazing There is also a lack of systematicstudies that could examine the population status ofthe species and which could lead to improvedmanagement and conservation

The current grazing and sylvo-pastoral system resultsin a gradual degradation of the population and inhibitsits natural regeneration The situation of B elongatain the Homhil area calls for urgent action for theconservation of the species A proper managementplan and its implementation are required PresentlySocotra island has lost more than 70 of thepopulation of Boswellia elongata 25 of Boswelliasocotrana and 5-10 of other species due to cyclonesin 2015 2018 and 2019 Therefore we are currentlylooking for fund to support the biodiversity andrehabilitation Boswellia species which are endangeredin Socotra Island

According to the General Politics of the StateMalagasy (PGE) Madagascar aims to plant 60000000trees this year The Sahamalaza BR planted 1200000mangrove seedlings in Mahitsihazo about 2000people came to plant these seedlings

The aim of this project is to

bull Help restore crustacean habitat in Sahamalaza BRthe BR Sahamalaza is home to the largest number ofcrustaceans in northwestern Madagascar

bull Contribute to the protection of the Sahamalaza BayCoastal Area

bull Help raise awareness among the local population toconserve the 8 existing mangrove species in theSahamalaza BR

In addition about 8000 native species including fruittrees such as oranges combavas corosoles etc andDalbergia sp have been planted which in total over25 hectares was reforested It aims to help the localpopulation improve their quality of life to conservethe soil against erosion to meet the needs of thepopulation in collecting firewood

The regional national and traditional administrativeauthorities the local population the technical andfinancial partners of the BR Sahamalaza came to helpus with the reforestation Finally the BR Sahamalazabecomes the national reforestation site for mangroves

POPULATION STRUCTURE AND

REGENERATION OF BOSWELLIA

ELONGATA AT HOMHIL AREA

Socotra Archipelago BR Republic of Yemen

7

TWO NEW ECOTOURISM VILLAGES

PYEONGDAE-RI AND HOGEUNDONG

Jeju Island BR Republic of Korea

UNESCO MAB Programme has carried out a series ofresearches on climate change in Island and CoastalBiosphere Reserves (ICBR) Due to its impact on bothnature and human society climate change is the mostserious environmental problem Biosphere Reservesespecially those on island and coastal areas are morevulnerable to climate change the establishment andimplementation of BR-specific strategies againstclimate change are urgently needed Internationalorganizations have emphasized the importance andnecessity to establish and implement specificstrategies on international protected areas such asbiosphere reserves

The first stage analyzed the impact of climate changeon the research sites The second stage aiming toestablish strategies responding to climate change onisland and coastal BRs has also been conducted andpublished The third stage of the research lsquothe Valueof Island and Coastal Biosphere Reserves as a Sourceof Carbon Sink four ICBRs aims at analyzing the valueof island and coastal BRs with a special reference tothem as a source of carbon sink The interim report ofthe project has been conducted published and madeavailable on the websites of Joint SecretariatsMenorca and Jeju The final edition of the report willbe devoted to finding out the value and itsimplications of island and coastal biosphere reservesand the key findings and analysis results will besummarized in relation to the research objectives andhuman perspectives on nature

The final report is scheduled to be completed earlynext year

httpwwwjejugokrwnicbrengpdspdshtm

Man and the Biosphere Programme implies theharmonization of conservation and development andJeju Island utilizes UNESCO status for sustainabledevelopment and an effort to benefit localsEcotourism project aims to generate profits for localpeople and integrate the economy with the protectionof the environment This government-funded programsupports two villages for five years The ultimate goalis to help the villages establish ecotourism model andrun various programs and activities on their own

Two ecotourism villages Jeoji-ri and Harae-ri werefinancially supported by Jeju Provincial Governmentfrom 2014 to 2018 With warm welcome andhospitality offered by residents of the village visitorscan take part in a variety of eco-friendly programssuch as trekking along the nationally protected areasand hands-on experience programs utilizing theresources found in the areas These opportunitiesenable both tourists and visitors to learn and respectthe environment of these natural places and alsomaintain a sustainable environment

Two new ecotourism villages have been chosenPyeongdae-ri and Hogeundong A consulting grouphas had some meetings with the residents for capacitybuilding and investigated resources available in thevillages they can utilize for Eco-tourism This 5-yearproject requires continued dedication andcooperation of the government and local communityThe project is now entering its second stage whichfocuses on education and program planning Thisprocess will eventually encourage visitors to walkthrough and explore with local residents and allowsthem to learn more about the history and culture ofeach village and their local ecosystems

INTERIM REPORT OF THE

PROJECT ON THE VALUE OF

ISLAND AND COASTAL BR AS A

SOURCE OF CARBON SINK


Trekking program along the Hyodoncheon

Stream in Harye-ri

8

La Palma BR participates in the LIFE IP

AZORES NATURA project

La Palma Biosphere Reserve Spain

On Friday March 6 the play The Crime of theReserve produced by commission from the WorldBiosphere Reserve La Palma premiered at the Circode Marte Theater in Santa Cruz de La Palma andfeatured with the sponsorship and support of theCulture Area of the Island Government and also fromthe capital Santa Cruz de La Palma

The play written by Antonio Tabares illustriousGoodwill Ambassador of our Biosphere Reserve andrenowned international playwright was performed bythe Friends of the Municipal Theater School PilarRey and directed by Carlos de Leoacuten On the day ofthe premiere in the morning (1000 am) a firstperformance was held for various educational centers(rural schools colleges and secondary schools) and inthe afternoon (800 pm) for the general public

The creation of this play was conceived as an elementof rapprochement between citizens and the figure ofbiosphere reserve that is it is a work that manages tospread the characteristics and values of our territorydeclared a biosphere reserve while having fun andentertaining

The main character travels to La Palma in search of aperson and without realizing it discovers an islandfull of contrasts and diverse people who tell him aboutthe Biosphere Reserve in many different situationsThe feeling of something that makes them feel prideand responsibility for that concept is in the air butnobody knows how to explain to the protagonist whatit is

The montage combines theatrical interpretation withprojected images that serve as a perfect framework torecreate the diversity of La Palma landscapes throughwhich the protagonist transits and which contributesa cinematographic aesthetic to the play

httpwwwlapalmabiosferaes

World Biosphere Reserve La Palma has begun thework of creating the Operational Framework forAction for early detection and rapid response toinvasive alien species within the context of the LIFE IPAZORES NATURA Project of which La Palma is abeneficiary and a pilot island together with the islandof Corvo of the Azores Archipelago

The design testing and evaluation of an OperationalFramework of these characteristics is a complexaction that involves the coordination and joint work ofvarious administrations entities technicians andexperts

From the World Biosphere Reserve La Palma aware ofthe complexity of this action a governance system hasbeen established in which the different roles andfunctions of all the entities involved in the Project aredefined and which will collaborate closely to carry outthe same with Government of the Canary IslandsGovernment of La Palma the Port Authority La PalmaAirport and different members of the scientificcommunity and experts

In this sense the Committee of Expert People linkedto the Project was created a group of people whoseprofessional activity is linked to the managementknowledge and or handling of invasive alien speciesThe purpose of this committee is none other than tomark the roadmap in decision-making and define boththe species to work with and the protocols for theirintervention

The work of this committee is in turn supported bythe action of the Technical Commission and theTechnical Units of Work of the Biosphere Reserve andby the Intervention Group All of them are pieces inthe governance system whose mission is to launch theOperational Framework for Action and develop thisproject whose ultimate goal is to achieve earlydetection and rapid response to the problem ofinvasive alien species on La Palmahttpwwwlapalmabiosferaes

THEATER AS A DISSEMINATION

TOOL FOR THE BIOSPHERE RESERVE


9

9TH WORLD PANGOLIN DAY

CELEBRATED IN PALAWAN BR

Palawan Biosphere Reserve the Philippines

Fifty-one (51) hatchlings of Olive Ridley Sea Turtlewere released last February 19 2020 at BgyBagongbayan Puerto Princesa City Prior to therelease the nest was monitored and protected byTask Force Bantay Pawikan and supported by PuertoPrincesa City Environment and Natural ResourcesOffice (City-ENRO)

The releasing team was composed of Department ofEnvironment and Natural Resources) PalawanBiodiversity Advocates the Palawan Council forSustainable Development (the Biosphere Reservemanagement authority) and the Bantay PawikanTeam

Olive Ridley Sea Turtle scientifically known asLepidochelys olivacea is commonly found in warmand tropical waters and is known to have the mostabundant population among all sea turtles

It is enlisted as ldquoVulnerablerdquo in the IUCN Red List ofThreatened Species but is consequently classified asldquoCritically Endangeredrdquo under the PCSD ResolutionNo15-521 (2014 Updated List of Terrestrial andMarine Wildlife in Palawan and Their CategoriesPursuant to Republic Act No 9147 otherwise knownas the ldquoWildlife Resources Conservation andProtection Act of 2001rdquo

The World Pangolin Day is celebrated every thirdSaturday of February to ignite conversations aboutpangolins and bring up solutions to halt its nearingextinction

The illegal trade involving Philippine Pangolin (ManisCulionensis) particularly its scales and meat which areused as Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) in parts ofChina and Vietnam is envisaged as the top threat tothe Pangolins Loss of habitat is another continuingthreat due to swidden agriculture forest destructionand land-use conversion

The Philippine Pangolin is one of the only eight (8)species of Pangolins in the world and this particularspecies in the Philippines (locally known asldquoBalintongrdquo) can only be found in the province ofPalawan a biosphere reserve

SCHOOL CARAVAN - From February 10 to 11 2020the staff of Palawan Council for SustainableDevelopment (PCSD) conducted caravan activities infour (4) national high schools located in PuertoPrincesa City purposely to introduce the PhilippinePangolin and create awareness campaigns on severalways to protect conserve and manage the criticallyendangered wildlife species over 500 studentsactively participated in the event

MALL EXHIBIT - The World Pangolin Day was alsocelebrated through a mall exhibit the PCSD put up anexhibit on 15 February At SM Mall Puerto PrincesaCity featuring a large fiberglass resin portrait of aPangolin infographic materials and an activity area forthe visitorsviewers

Click HERE to Learn More

SEA TURTLE HATCHLINGS

RELEASED IN PUERTO PRINCESA

CITY ndash BIOPSHERE RESERVE


PCSDS Launches a Community Radio

Station (CRS) at Roxas Palawan


Cleopatrarsquos Needle found in Puerto Princesa City atthe heart of Palawan Biosphere Reserve is one of themost diverse and oldest forests in the Philippines andis home to multiple endemic species To provide forits additional protection it was declared as CriticalHabitat on December 15 2017 through PalawanCouncil for Sustainable Development (PCSD theauthority management of Biosphere ReserveResolution No 17-612

The Cleopatrarsquos Needle Critical Habitat (CNCH) -Technical Working Group (TWG) is teachingcommunities the values of conservation for CNCHthrough a Behavior Change Communication (BCC)campaign which includes puppet shows and othereducational interactive activities

From December 16 - 18 2019 the group began thecampaign in a three-day caravan around all sevenbarangays (San Rafael Tanabag ConcepcionBinduyan Langogan Tagabinet and New Panggangan)of CNCH to educate locals on their roles andresponsibilities as communities living in areasdeclared as ldquoCritical Habitatrdquo by the PCSD

Partner for Environment and Natural Resources Officeof the City Government of Puerto Princesa saidparticipants of previous consultations and forumshave pointed out the lack of awareness amongCNCHrsquos locals regarding the declaration of their placeas a Critical Habitat One of the most anticipatedactivities was a musical puppet show entitled ldquoGintosa Dagtardquo (Gold in the Sap) it depicts the adventuresof two children belonging to the Batak (IndigenousPeople) community in Cleopatras Needle locallyknown as ldquoPuyos

After facing issues on the over-tapping of AlmacigaTrees (Agathis Philippinensis) and wildlife traffickingtheir community has eventually learned theimportance of forest conservation to sustain theirculture and livelihoods

httpspcsdgovphigov20191220locals-of-cleopatras-needle-watch-ginto-sa-dagta-puppet-show-on-forest-conservation

The Palawan Council for Sustainable Development(PCSD) and the Local Government Unit of Roxas (LGU-Roxas) have teamed up to open a new CommunityRadio Station in the municipality

It is an AMFM radio station with a bandwidth nameof DWSD (Sustainable Development) and a frequencynumber of 1035 devoted for cascading timely andcorrect information about environmentalconservation protection and management as well asdevelopmental aspects in Roxas Palawan

Under the signed Memorandum Of Agreement (MOA)between the PCSD and the LGU-Roxas to establish andmaintain a Community Radio Station (CRS) TheCommunity Radio Station (CRS) will be managed bythe Local Media Council (LMC) composed of agenciesfrom the LGU Non-Government Organizations (NGO)including the PCSD- Environmental Education andExtension Division (EED) and the PCSD- NorthernDistrict Management Office (DMO)

During the soft launching and test airing of DWSDRadio 1035 on December 19 2019 PCSDS DeputyDirector Adelina B Villena stated that the purpose ofwhich is to educate communities on practices that aresustainable and encourage them to abandondestructive methods

ldquoThis is a community radio station that is why it isreally important to maintain the involvement of thecommunity Hoping that this radio station becomes acatalyst for change and will be beneficial for theknowledge of the communityrdquo said Atty Villena

Republic Act No 8993 grants PCSD ldquoa franchise toconstruct install establish operate and maintain radioandor television broadcasting stations in the provinceof Palawanrdquo

httpspcsdgovphigov20191223new-community-radio-station-launches-in-roxas

Puppet show ldquoGinto sa Dagtardquo (Gold in the

Sap) for the Local People of Cleopatrarsquos

Needle Critical Habitat (CNCH) in Palawan

Biosphere Reserve


10

11

MENORCA BIOSPHERE RESERVE

LAUNCH ITS OWN SUSTAINABILITY

BRAND TO RECOGNIZE GOOD

PRACTICES OF PRODUCERS AND

COMPANIES OF THE ISLAND

Menorca Biosphere Reserve Spain

Last year the ldquoMenorca 2030 Strategyrdquo was launchedwhich sets a roadmap for the islands transitiontowards a renewable energy system One of theactions foreseen in this roadmap is the creation of theMenorca 2030 Energy Office which has the objectiveto inform and encourage the participation of allcitizens in the process of decarbonization and energytransition of the island

The main function of the Energy Office is to offerservices such as advice and assistance in theadministrative and regulatory aspects of self-consumption equipment information regarding theimplementation of energy efficiency measuressustainable mobility and on open grant lines relatedwith these as well as the organization ofdissemination and training events in energy matters

The Menorca 2030 Energy Office also provides usersand professionals with guidelines on the mostcommon questions regarding energy efficiency andinstallations for renewable energy All citizens canrequest information online by phone or make anappointment with the specialized technicians of theoffice

It is important to notice that the ultimate goal of theMenorca 2030 Strategy is to put Menorca at theforefront in energy saving energy efficiency and theuse of clean energy and to become a reference forother regions of the European Union

httpwwwbiosferamenorcaorgContingutaspxIDIOMA=3ampidpub=4186

The Menorca Biosphere Reserve brand is a newsustainability brand that will distinguish thoseproducers and companies that develop theireconomic activity in Menorca with initiatives toprotect the islandrsquos natural environment and cultureIt was launched last December and over thirtycompanies have started the process for obtaining thebrand

Up to now the brand has raised interest mainly amongthe tourism sector Six tourist lodgings six tourismactivity companies including excursion companiesdiving centers and boat rentals and an organic gardenproducer are among the first candidates Thecertification guarantees that their activities areenvironmentally sustainable

In addition to the requests received the MenorcaBiosphere Reserve Agency has contacted almost 50companies that are likely to receive the sustainabilitybadge as farm producers of wine cheese meatvegetables or honey as well as artisans lodgingsrestaurants and specialized shops

This badge is an institutional commitment to thesustainable development of the island aligned withthe values of the Menorca Biosphere Reserve whichis a goal that local government businesses andMenorcan society as a whole must work towardstogether

Web page httpmarcamenorcabiosferaorgen

Promotional video of the brand httpsyoutubeYEeUKNcP-4Y

THE MENORCA BR IMPLEMENTS

THE 2030 ENERGY OFFICE


12

MENORCA JOINS THE PLASTIC WASTE-FREE

ISLANDS PROJECT FROM IUCN


The Plastic Waste-Free Islands is part of the IUCNrsquosldquoClose the Plastic Taprdquo programme and is supportedby the Didier and Martine Primat Foundation and theNorwegian Agency for Development Cooperation(NORAD) It was launched in Menorca in January 2020and will last until April 2022

httpswwwiucnorgregionsmediterraneanprojectscurrent-projectsplastic-waste-free-islands-med-project

The Menorca Biosphere Reserve and the island ofCyprus in representation of the Mediterranean joineleven other Caribbean and Pacific islands in theglobal project ldquoPlastic Waste-Free Islands (PWFI)rdquo ledby the International Union for Conservation of Nature(IUCN) This project aims to drive the circulareconomy agenda forward by helping island territoriesto implement pilot actions for the reduction of plasticwaste generation and leakage to the sea

The actions in Menorca will be coordinated by theIUCN Centre for Mediterranean Cooperation with thecollaboration of the Socio-environmental Observatoryof Menorca (OBSAM) The PWFI project has selectedthree target-sectors related to the use of plasticstourism waste management and fisheries andintends to answer two main questions how muchplastic is generated along the value chain of thetourism fisheries and waste management sectorsand what is the amount of plastic leakage into themarine environment In order to do so differentstakeholders from these sectors are expected to beinvolved in the development of the project includingadministration entities private enterprises civilsociety and academia

The expected outputs of PWFI include the results froma new Plastic Hotspot Assessment Methodology co-developed with UN Environment that will assessplastic leakage distribution abundance types sourcespathways and sinks The project also features aneconomic analysis a policy assessment a materialflow analysis new products development and theassessment of best available technologies The overallresults and experiences from the application of theseactions in each island will be used to elaborate island-specific action plans and the global PWFI Blueprint

Author Joana da Silva Mendes (OBSAM)

13

ZERO PLASTIC NEWS 3


Our experience studying plastic pollution for 10 yearsand hosting two scientific conferences (1)(2) along theway has led us to explore Gaia Theory as a means forcontemplating the complex dynamic systems thatcomprise the biosphere An example of this is theConCiencia Seminar hosted in the Lanzarote BR in2018 (3) A recent article in The Anthropocene Review(4) proposes a scientific and philosophical discussionof Gaia in a similar spirit we pose the question Arethe Biosphere Reserves ready to study debate andreflect on Gaia

The 3rd Zero Plastic News Bulletin has been publishedin May 2020 spotlighting new experiences and effortsto fight plastic pollution across the network From theWaste Museum in the Commander Islands BR (Russia)and marine debris artwork on display in Jeju BR (R ofKorea) to ongoing monitoring for microplastics andother marine debris in the islands of Iroise Sea BR(France) the laquofishing for litterraquo project in Isle of Mananalyzing persistant chemical pollutant loads onmicroplastics washing ashore in Fuerteventura BR(Spain) and cleaning estuaries and rivers in MarintildeasCoruntildeesas BR (Spain) the examples in this edition ofthe Zero Plastic News highlight the creativity anddiversity of these actions There is also an insight viewin our new Zero Plastic member Marintildeas CoruntildeesasBR (Spain) an invitation offer for collaboration fromthe Commander Islands in a virtual waste museumand the announcement of the MICRO 2020international conference in Lanzarote (23-27November)

Facing the current uncertainty about the pandemic forthis coming autumn along with our aim to makeMICRO less CO2 intensive we are thinking to shift theconference to be substantially online-based withseveral in-person meeting nodes

For more information and updates httpsmicro2020sciencesconforg

Access the Bulletin herehttpzeroplasticislandbiosphereorgContingutaspxIdPub=1028

For more information on the Zero Plastic WorkingGroup contact us zeroplasticislandbiosphereorg

[ZERO PLASTIC] GAIA THEORY

AND BIOSPHERE RESERVES


We believe so and we are talking about working toconstruct A contemporary science of the future and anecessary myth(5) Please let us know if you wouldlike to join the conversation

- contributed by Quino M Ana C (Lanzarote BR) EvaC (Menorca BR) Juan B and Bethany J (MarineSciences For Society)

1 MICRO 2016 Fate and impacts of microplastics inmarine ecosystems -- From the Coastline to the opensea httpsmicro2016

2 MICRO 2018 Fate and impacts of microplastics --Knowledge actions and solutions httpsmicro2018

3 httpwwwlanzarotebiosfera

4 T M Lenton et al 2020 Life on Earth is hard to spot The Anthropocene Review 0(0) 1ndash25 httpsjournalssagepubcom

5 httpwwwlanzarotebiosferaorgwp-contentuploads202006REENCONTRANDO-A-GAIA_Difusion-Prologospdf

2

A n e w c a m p a i g n c a l l e dldquoGrowing Togetherrdquo is going tohelp people grow some of theirown food The Georgian BayBiosphere is working withpartners to have ready-to-growplanters of vegetables andherbs safely delivered underCovid-19 The campaign goal is

GROWING TOGETHER

PROVIDING FRESH FOOD AT A

TIME OF NEED

Georgian Bay BR Canada

ldquoWe are working hard to ensure each plant is labelledand wersquove created an information sheet for newgardeners to answer most of the common questionsabout container gardeningrdquo says Delaina ArnoldGBBR Education Coordinator ldquoThere are some trickslike planters need a sunny spot like a window backstep or porch but out of the wind They really need tobe watered regularly (sometimes daily if the top 2inches of soil dry out) but not be swamped Bywatching your plants you can quickly tell if theyrsquorehappy or not Our website will provide moreinformation sheets for backyard gardeners -everything from starting seeds to compostingrdquoGardening information will be available atwwwgbbrcagardens

Benefits of the program are increased food securitythrough basic gardening skills some healthy freshproduce the mental health benefits of tending plantseducation materials to enhance gardening successand childrenrsquos activities like lsquoKids Can Growrsquo alongwith reusable planters They can even be plantedagain at the end of summer with cool weather cropslike lettuce and spinach

ldquoSince 2008 we have been committed to promotingfood sustainability gardening and food preparationskills Our lsquoGrowing Togetherrsquo campaign will meet ashort-term need but contribute to long-term foodsecurity and community well-being The GBBR raised$11200 last week to match with all new donationsOur goal is to raise enough funds to supply at least1000 planters in our area and to support allinterested gardeners with online resources tips andeventually workshops againrdquo says Dr Becky PollockGBBR executive director

Briar Howes waters vegetable seedlings at Little

Gardens Ltd In Parry Sound Ontario CANADA

(Source B Pollock)

Vegetable planters can safely be delivered tocommunity partners for pick-up by participants and beeasily maintained and harvested for a healthysupplement to any diet Partner agencies will orderthe number of vegetable planters that they thendistribute to participants through their networks

Partners include food banks social servicescommunity gardens shelters health clinics FirstNations seniors services and other centres that couldreceive planters for participants The numberavailable will depend on the donations campaign andother funding that is received from May to July

Agencies will coordinate how participants pick-uptheir vegetable planter or have their volunteers safelydeliver Each planter will have a variety of vegetablesstarting with early crops that can be harvested andthen allow larger summer plants to expand Othervegetables and fruits include lettuce arugula kalegreen onion cherry tomato baby eggplant slicingtomato or sweet pepper Herbs such as basil parsleyand thyme provide fragrance food seasoning andattract pollinators with their flowers

Participants do not choose what vegetables theyreceive and the planters are not available to thegeneral public - just in large deliveries to each partneragency who will then distribute them The public isencouraged to contact garden centres in the regionwho take orders by phone to make their own pick uparrangements Home gardeners are encouraged toplant a little extra this year to donate fresh produce toarea food programs

to get 1000 planters distributed in the area that canbe easily maintained and harvested to boost healthand well-being in the community

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no. 17 (july, 2020) newsletter world network of …...1 newsletter world network of island and...

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