Dr. Pam Shaw- Co-Director, Mount Arrowsmith Biosphere Region Research Institute & Roundtable Member, Mount Arrowsmith Biosphere Region

Zoe Compton- Programme Officer, Natural Sciences, Canadian Commission for UNESCO

Dr. Antonio Abreu - MAB Programme Secretariat, UNESCO

Description coming soon

Description coming soon

Description coming soon

Traditional Plant Workshop

Speaker(s): C’tasi:a (Geraldine Manson) & Dr. Nancy Turner

Abstract: Learn about local plants and their traditional uses through a presentation by Snuneymuxw First Nation Elder C’tasi:a (Geraldine Manson) and distinguished professor and ethnobotanist Dr. Nancy Turner as they discuss their new book titled: Plant Teaching from my Auntie – Gathering Coast Salish plants for medicine, textiles, nourishment, and ceremony.

Biosphere Region/University Community Based Research, Conervation Leadership and Experiential Education Panel

Speaker(s): Dr. Mathew Bowes & Dr. Lauren Touchant

Abstract: This panel intends to bring together academics and biosphere region representatives from around the world in a discussion of educational and research partnerships and practices between faculty, students and biosphere regions. Vancouver Island University (VIU). This session will also introduce our new project, the SDG-MAB Ideas Factory. A dedicated physical space that will integrate a social innovation laboratory with an SDG-focused incubator to advance sustainable development within the Mount Arrowsmith Biosphere Region. 

Context Matters: Exploring Differences in Transdisciplinary (TD) Education Needs Between Sub-Saharan Africa, Europe, and North America

Speaker(s): Dr. Heike Molitor & Franziska Rottig & Jana Gengelbach

Abstract: This session introduces the project Promoting African Student Researchers for Sustainable Development in UNESCO Biosphere Reserves, which strengthens transdisciplinary, practice-oriented research through training, networking, and knowledge exchange. Participants will share their understanding of transdisciplinarity and discuss how this can be reflected in a training program aimed at scientific, local, indigenous, and experiential knowledge for sustainability governance and biodiversity conservation. Through collaborative discussion, the workshop will identify success factors for implementing transdisciplinary learning and competency development and contribute to diverse perspectives from across the UNESCO MAB network worldwide.

G’chi Bimadinaa: teaching us a good path to walk together

Speaker(s): Charlene Winger Jones & Victoria Serda

Abstract: G’chi Bimadinaa, the Niagara Escarpment, teaches us a good way to connect with each other and respect All Our Relations. Our workshop will start with a universal, easy and fun land acknowledgement, followed by a brief explanation of our Kinawaya Walk. We will all create a talking stick while discussing Indigenous ways of knowing such as ceremony, circles and teachings to create the base for Co-Governance. How can we ground international priorities and local teachings while learning from each other?

Growing Sustainable Food for Healthy Communities and Environment

Speaker(s): Cliff McCreedy & Rebecca Pollock

Abstract: Climate change and industrial farming are exacerbating soil loss and food insecurity. Community gardens and food outreach programs improve access to healthy, sustainably-grown foods, as demonstrated by three biosphere reserves in the U.S. and at Georgian Bay Mnidoo Gammii Biosphere in Ontario, Canada. Food outreach partnerships can support Indigenous food sovereignty and local growers working with rural and tribal communities. Workshop participants will discuss scaling of food system sustainability across the WNBR.

Past meets Future: Linking Culture of Remembrance in Nature Conservation

Speaker(s): Sarah Schaper

Abstract: The workshop explores the connection between historical memory and ecological sustainability, using the Drömling Biosphere Reserve / Green Belt as a case study. Through interactive group work, participants will examine how political history and nature conservation influence one another and how the culture of remembrance can be used as a resource for environmental education, regional development, and social cohesion. The exchange among participants promotes innovative approaches to integrating history and nature conservation in biosphere reserves.

Mobile of Poľana Biosphere Reserve

Speaker(s): Vladimíra Fabriciusová & Lucia Miňová & Katarína Vitališová

Abstract: Mobile BR Polana- A BR for everyone and a BR that connects; This presentation highlights the results of a project based in international cooperation to work with youth and the public. It aims to inspire other BR’s through the sharing of results of educational programs based on authenticity, experience and natural and cultural values. It is made in cooperation with multiple european BR’s and ultimately showcases a Creative and innovative ways of involving young people and experts in creating a living textbook about BR Poľana.

International cooperation in the service of environmental education: educational areas tool example

Speaker(s): Marie Perros & David Béland & Katja Bonnevier

Abstract: This presentation/workshop will explore different approaches to engaging children in local governance, with a focus on environmental education, nature conservation, and connections between humans and non-humans.

We hope that participants will leave with ideas for initiatives — already tested and replicable — to encourage children’s learning through participation. The objective is to demonstrate how tools and approaches adapted to local contexts can transform students relationship with nature and strengthen their role within the community.

The intention is to initiate a dialogue around an international cooperation project based on “educational areas” methodology to continue sharing knowledge, expertise, and best practices.

Interwoven futures & working together: Biosphere reserve coordination beyond (administrative) boundaries

Speaker(s): Friedericke Stakelbeck & Torsten Raab

Abstract: This workshop aims to share experiences from transboundary biosphere reserves. First, two case studies will be presented from the transboundary biosphere reserve Paltinate Forest Northern Vosges (Germany and France) and the intra-German Rhön Biosphere Reserve. This will be followed by a group discussion: What experiences have the participants had in involving stakeholders across borders to shape the future? What lessons have been learned from this? Finally, the results will be summarized.

The Most Special of the Most Special Places: UNESCO Multi-Internationally Designated Areas (MIDAs)

Speaker(s): Chris Groves & John Putnam & Kyong-O Moon

Abstract: UNESCO’s conservation efforts focus protection, science, and education on, and in these ways appreciation of, the world’s most special places as World Heritage Sites, Biosphere Reserves, Ramsar Sites, and UNESCO Global Geoparks. Objectively, the most special of these have been codified as Multi-Internationally Designated Areas (MIDAs). Following the 2025 workshop “Enhancing the Management Synergy between Biosphere Reserves and Other International Designations in Multi-Internationally Designated Areas"" at the Hangzhou 5th World Congress, this session will share information on the values, benefits, and challenges of MIDAs. 

Young People

Speaker(s): Carolien Wierks & Jori Wolf & Marja Spierenburg

Abstract: Do you know examples of areas or programs where young peolple participate in decisionmaking what opportinities do you see to involve yong peolple more in MAB-areas? What other opportunities do you see to increase involvement of youth in MAB-areas? hou would you organize collaboration between young peolple, locol communities and policymakers? What is you experience with a MAB Youth council? Are there more cross-border MAB youth councils

Along the Richelieu River: bringing communities together to protect nature

Speaker(s): Maëlle Brasselet & Mia Demoulin

Abstract: This presentation tells the story of a collaborative, place-based project that contributes to strengthening the resilience of ecosystems and riverside communities along the Richelieu River within the Mont-Saint-Hilaire Biosphere Region. It highlights the river’s role as a driver of collaboration among communities, organizations, and institutional partners to address conservation challenges and promote sustainable use.

Through a shared territorial approach, the presenters show how conservation comes to life: protecting and restoring natural areas, supporting science, and mobilizing youth and communities to care for the river together.

Using community-based methods to co-create understandings of coastal resilience in the Long Point Biosphere Region

Speaker(s): Shaugn Coggins

Abstract: The Long Point Biosphere Region is situated along the North Shore of Lake Erie which is one of the coastlines in the Great Lakes that is experiencing significant erosion. This presentation will highlight how community-based research methods such as Photovoice, semi-structured interviews and workshops were used to include diverse local perspectives to co-develop a set of locally relevant coastal resilience indicators. These methods were also used to explore how coastal resilience is defined and understood in local contexts. This presentation will also highlight how creative methods such as photographs and film can support knowledge-sharing back to the community.  

Rediscovering our Commons through Restoration: The Kespukwitk experience

Speaker(s): Nick Hill & David Sollows

Abstract: A Biosphere Region recognizes that landscapes are commons, places where human needs are in balance with ecosystem processes. We present two ecological restorations in Kespukwitk, Big Meadow Bog home of the Endangered Eastern Mountain Avens and Ponhook Lake, hot spot for the Coastal Plain Flora. In each case, restoration leads to a rediscovery of the commons, an appreciation of the interconnectedness of community and ecosystem health, a pride in place and optimism.