Biosphere nomination application submitted to UNESCO May 2015
Sustainability
Overview
In May 2015, after extensive effort and considerable time invested by all partners to prepare the application, the Beaver Hills Initiative submitted the comprehensive Beaver Hills Biosphere Reserve Nomination Application to UNESCO.
Objectives
The Beaver Hills/Cooking Lake moraine has long been recognized as a very special area. Government and non-government land managers as well as local and regional communities, Indigenous peoples and residents acknowledged the importance of balancing conservation and development in this important region and working collaboratively with a variety of partners to sustain this distinct landscape.
Outcomes
Following the submission of additional information requested by UNESCO, the Beaver Hills was designated by the International Co-ordinating Council of the Programme on Man and the Biosphere for inclusion in the World Network of Biosphere Reserves on March 19, 2016.
Project Lead
Beaver Hills Initiative
Partners
Alberta Environment and Sustainable Resource Development (Parks Division) Alberta Environment and Sustainable Resource Development (Public Lands Division) Alberta Fish and Game Association Alberta Sport Connection Beaver County Ducks Unlimited Canada Edmonton & Area Land Trust Elk Island National Park Lamont County Leduc County Nature Conservancy of Canada Sherwood Park Fish and Game Association Strathcona County Strathcona County – Strathcona Wilderness Centre