To constitute a BR as part of the WNBR, general criteria apply, as stipulated in Section 3.4.1. Much work is required on behalf of BR proponents of a potential designation. According to Whitelaw (2004), in Canada it takes an average of eight years for an area to be designated, where the process requires a rigorous collection of data and extensive public involvement. There are several initial requisites. Figure 6 (pg. 52) depicts the essential facets of BR development, which will be expanded on in Chapters 7, 8 and 9. As an overview the following steps depict the general process (based on Francis (2004a)). First, a group of individuals is required ideally representing civil society, industry and government, committed to conserving an area’s natural and cultural features. Second, there needs to be a willingness to dedicate a number of years to the innovation, experimentation, networking, communication and collaboration activities that will promote capacity-building. Third, a model BR that fits the vision of the BR group needs to be developed. When these matters are addressed in detail, a basis exists for successfully furthering a BR proposal.
52
Figure 6 Approach to BR designation and organising
Source: Ravindra (2004: 52).
Proposed core areas should be significant for conservation (UNESCO 1996).17 Buffer zones should be inclusive of present or planned research and monitoring activities, ecotourism and / or other ecologically low-impact activities (UNESCO 1996). Garnering strong community support is essential for the zone of cooperation (UNESCO 1996). The proposed BR may need to be extended to encompass more natural areas or population centers, in which case there is an opportunity for enlarging the network of people working on the proposal (UNESCO 2001a). In gathering support, major stakeholders of the area need to be targeted as the consensus of the general public is
17 UNESCO prefers international conservation significance however this is not always necessary for a designation. For example, urban biosphere reserves would rarely contain internationally significant core areas.
53 important for successful UNESCO nomination (UNESCO 2001a). Obtaining the support of those associated with the core and buffer zones is particularly important, as protected area managers will have a central role in fulfilling multiple conservation initiatives in cooperation with the other aims and zones of the BR (Taylor 2004). This consultation process establishes networks and connects the silos of civil society and government that may have never before communicated at a regional scale, especially with the aim of building community input and capacity (Francis and Whitelaw 2004).
After the support of a BR has been established in principle, a formalised commitment should be established in the form of a coordinating committee (also called a BR community committee) (Canadian Biosphere Reserves Association 2005). Such a committee will normally provide the central hub for all BR activities. Therefore it is critical that a functional arrangement employing good governance is established from the outset (see section 7.2 for a further discussion of ‘good governance’). The committee is a forum for multiple views, intending to facilitate exchange, workshop problems, opportunities and extend possibilities for future BR development and logistics. The gathering together of a committed group of people for place-related forum is indeed one of the most influential and positive facets of a BR, and this aspect alone can enact change in the social-ecological dynamic of a place. Some of the aspects that facilitate successful community committees include (Canadian Biosphere Reserves Association 2005):
10. strong community involvement;
11. a local resident, rather than a government official as Chair;
12. involvement of key stakeholders including government, indigenous groups (where applicable), non-government and business sectors;
13. open communication with communities and stakeholders through meetings, events, newsletters and articles published in the local press; and
14. resources in the form of staff support or financing from government, industry or non- government organisations.
The definition of boundaries and zones for the BR is one of the pertinent jobs of a newly established BR Community Committee (BRCC). Delineating the geographical extent of the proposed BR will determine which natural and cultural features are included. The groups, organisations, landowners and protected area managers committed to the BR idea will influence boundary delineation, and a significant period of time is often required in achieving this support, as well as for data gathering and public dialogue.
The objectives of a proposed BR may also be an important consideration of a BRCC in gaining support. Developing objectives helps to determine priorities in the areas of conservation, sustainable development and capacity-building. Francis (2004d) suggests a cooperation plan should be created to guide the work of a BRCC at this stage. A cooperation plan is standard for all Canadian BRs, for example the Niagara Escarpment BR Cooperation Plan (NEC and CBRA 2002). A template for a
54 Cooperation Plan document, along with BR profiles, upcoming events and blogs are accessible on the CBRA website18 for BRCCs and interested parties. No such resource exists in Australia.
For UNESCO to approve a designation, the proposed BR will have initiated some of the functions of a BR prior to submitting the nomination. Ideally one or more projects stewarded by the BRCC will demonstrate the capacity of the proposal to meet UNESCO objectives. Completing the nomination form may take a year or more, therefore data and public support that will strengthen the nomination should be continued during this time, with the view to continuously building and diversifying support. In submitting the nomination, BRCCs, or whoever is responsible for the nomination, must work to UNESCO timeframes. Therefore, liaising with national UNESCO representatives can be imperative to coordinate the timing of the submission process.
The review of all BR proposals by UNESCO involves technical staff from the MAB Secretariat and members of the International Advisory Committee for BRs. The Advisory Committee makes recommendations to the MAB ICC. If the proposal is accepted, UNESCO forwards the BR charter through the appropriate national UNESCO or MAB office. The results of the review can take approximately five months. If the proposal is approved, the responsible BRCC ideally hosts a public ceremony for the official presentation of the BR charter to acknowledge efforts that have preceded the nomination and celebrate the achievements and potential of the new BR and its community.