UNESCO Man and the Biosphere Program 40th anniversary, 3 November 2011
Today is International Day for Biosphere Reserves, as UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere program celebrates its 40th anniversary.
The biosphere reserve concept has changed over the past 40 years. You can read more about how it has evolved at the MAB 40th anniversary web site.
You are invited to join us for our 2011 AGM, followed by lunch with guest speaker, Professor Kate Auty, Commissioner for Environmental Sustainability in Victoria.
Date: Friday 18 November 2011
Time: 11:15 am (sharp)
Where: MaQuay International Restaurant, Marine Parade, Hastings
RSVP for lunch essential: see below
Lunch and guest speaker
The AGM will commence at 11.15 am. Following the AGM formalities and a report on activities, you are welcome to join us for lunch with Professor Auty, who will focus on Western Port.
If you would like to stay for lunch, RSVP is essential: email admin@biosphere.org.au or telephone 5979 2167 by 5.00 pm Friday 11 November 2011. Please advise us of any special dietary requirements. Lunch seating is limited, so please respond quickly.
AGM documents, including an agenda and annual report, are available online.
Western Port Biosphere Reserve Bandicoot Recovery Manager, David Nicholls, says recent reports of Southern Brown Bandicoots at Bayles are the first evidence that the species has returned to the area following on-ground works to improve habitat.
Prior to the works, bandicoots had not been seen in the area for some time.
Last month, Linda English from Bayles reported that habitat plantings were well established and providing much improved cover for bandicoots. There had been a 60% survival of plantings.
There had been many bandicoot diggings and sightings, including two road kills within two weeks (a large male and a very young individual), said Linda.
“We have seen bandicoots of four distinctly different sizes along our front nature strip, abutting the new vegetation, and there are significant tracks and diggings along the whole area.”
According to David, road kills are a sign that bandicoots are present in significant numbers.
When: Thursday 20 October, 6.30pm – 9pm [Sandwiches served at 6:30pm]
Where: Acacia Room, Frankston City Council’s Civic Centre, Corner Davey Street and Young Street.
Cost: Free. Everyone welcome. Please RSVP (see below).
We will be talking about:
Please RSVP to either:
We look forward to seeing you on Thursday, 20th Oct. Feel free to invite your friends and networks, as the more the merrier.
Jim Kerin and Libby Anthony
Heads Up! Biosphere AGM Date: Friday, 18th November 2011 Guest speaker: Kate Auty, Commissioner for Environmental Sustainability. Meeting time: Likely to be a business lunch format (to be confirmed). Venue: To be confirmed.
Ocean acidification community forum
7.30 pm, Wednesday 12 October 2011
Kilcunda Hall, Bass Hwy
Blessed unrest in a changing climate: Working toward a just, sustainable and fulfilling future, Paul Hawken
6.15-8.30 pm Friday 21 October 2011
Peninsula Community Theatre, Cnr Nepean Hwy & Wilsons Road, Mornington
Bookings required by 17 October
Ph. Emma Glenn, 03 5950 1685 or email spcd.admin@mornpen.vic.gov.au
We require a project officer for 2 days per week to coordinate our Watson Creek Integrated Catchment Management Project.
We are looking for experience in environmental management, local knowledge, and excellent community engagement skills.
For further details, please contact Cecelia Witton: cecelia@biopshere.org.au or 5979 2167.
Southern Brown Bandicoot
Last month, we held a public meeting about the recovery of the endangered Southern Brown Bandicoot in the Western Port Biosphere Reserve region.
Those who attended supported a proposal to establish a regional recovery group that included representatives of the Biosphere Foundation, government agencies, local landholders and environmental organisations.
The recovery group, which is now being formed, will take a landscape-scale approach and enable key stakeholders to better coordinate their bandicoot conservation efforts.
Applications for membership of this recovery group close on 15 August 2011.
The Biosphere Foundation is making an effort to renew and strengthen communication with the community, and there are a number of ways that you can have your say:
We would love to hear from you!
What you’ve said recently
Thanks to those who attended our post-AGM workshop in November 2010. The workshop provided valuable community input on sustainable opportunities for the environment, community, agriculture and tourism in the Western Port Biosphere Reserve.
The results have helped to inform the development of the Western Port Biosphere Reserve Living Strategic Plan 2011-2013, and will continue to be valuable as detailed action plans are developed to implement the living strategy.
Through group interactions, information and multimedia, explore the current state of our planet from a new perspective and connect with a global movement to shape a more sustainable future.
When: Sunday, 3 July 2011, 1pm–6pm.
Where: Cultural Centre, Thompson Ave, Cowes.
Gold coin donation. Bookings required.
A festival celebrating sustainability and demonstrating how to live a lower impact lifestyle.
10am to 3pm, Saturday 18 June 2011
Cowes Cultural Centre, cnr Thompson Avenue and Church Street, Cowes
Entry via gold coin donation
Bring along old mobile phones, printer cartridges, compact fluorescent globes, TVs and computers for recycling (small charge for larger items).
There will be food available, kids’ activities, music from local artists, movies, exhibitors with a variety of products, local groups and organisations, presentations, and a “100 mile lunch” workshop.
Program:
10.30 Living sustainably – lessons from the penguin world, Andre Chiaradia – Phillip Island Nature Park
11.00 Southern solar hubs and solar power technology, Wendy Davis and David Chiavaroli – Energy Innovation Cooperative
11.00 Cooking a 100 mile lunch (kitchen workshop), Kellie Nichols, Bass Coast Landcare Network (bookings essential, $15 per person)
12.00 Localised solutions – the vital role local initiatives play in addressing sustainability issues, Che Biggs – Victorian Eco Innovation Lab (VEIL)
1.30 Indigenous plants, Jenny Toy, Coordinator – Barb Martin Bushbank
2.00 Miessence Organic products, Kristine Miles – Miessence representative
Further information:
