The Biosphere and NISER

The Biosphere proposal as presented to UNESCO identified NISER (Noosa Institute for Socio-Economic and Environmental Research) as an organization that was well suited to contribute to the ongoing development of the Noosa Biosphere in accordance with the principles and values as laid out by the governing body.

NISER Chairman Lew Brennan and myself as Deputy Chairman recognized these parallels and the enormous opportunities the Noosa Biosphere could bring to this part of South East Queensland and informed the then Noosa Council to NISER’s relevance in the development of the all important socio-economic component of the status.

The Council, through councillor Frank Pardon who initiated and championed the biosphere concept in Noosa, called on Lew for his support and Ben McMullen, Manager of Environmental Services, also realised the unique possibilities that NISER could offer and incorporated NISER into the Biosphere application to UNESCO. As a ‘not for profit’ organization NISER could carry the aims of UNESCO and the Noosa Council forward with alacrity and purpose.

The opportunities surrounding the environmental factor are universally understood but, as Lew pointed out, UNESCO is about education, science and culture not specifically and not only about ‘environment’.

NISER is focused on education, on the community (including culture), the environment and of course sharply targeted to the economy -which is driven by science, and therefore NISER was well connected and committed to participate and contribute.

After formalising the Biosphere in Paris, representatives from UNESCO came to Noosa and met with Lew and Environmental Scientist Consultant Stephen Poole to discuss the issue of Biosphere, and typically from Lew’s position, education. They went away suitably impressed and enthused on the subject of a formal focus on biosphere specific education.

Now that the Noosa Biosphere governance model has been signed off by Sunshine Coast Regional Council opportunities for sustainable economic development in Noosa can be fully appreciated.

NISER will take the opportunities to facilitate significant and leading edge projects concerning the Biosphere.

We are a growing centre of excellence for well balanced community development in regional Australia and through our contacts and regional development team we will work to protect and promote the sustainability of the biosphere and integrate biodiversity conversation and economic development to the benefit of the community.

For further information, call 07 5442 5050 email niser@niser.org.au or visit www.niser.org.au

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