Biospheres From US, Canada, and Europe Huddle in Dublin

EuroMAB attendees and Dublin Bay BR representative at Howth Head, a Special Amenity Area.

Dublin Castle, first founded as a major defensive work by the nobleman Meiler Fitzhenry on the orders of King John of England in 1204, was among the unique gathering places for EuroMAB 2019 in April. Approximately 230 individuals from over 35 countries, including nine from the U.S., attended the biennial meeting of 302 North American and European Biosphere Reserves.

According to U.S. Biosphere Network participants, many valuable connections with peers and pragmatic discussions focused on improving the economic, environmental, and social well-being of communities in biospheres, as well as maintaining their natural and cultural resources’ integrity. The U.S. delegation of nine included:

• Champlain Adirondack BR – Kelly Cerialo and Eric Holmlund, Paul Smith’s College
• Golden Gate BR – Karen Reyna, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
• Mammoth Cave Area BR – Lee Anne Bledsoe, Lily Hamm, and Emma Poole, Western Kentucky University
• Southern Appalachian MAB Cooperative – Tommy Cabe and Joey Owle, Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians
• Virginia Coast BR – Jill Bieri, The Nature Conservancy

Participants visited Dublin Bay Biosphere Reserve. Prior to the meeting, the U.S. Biosphere Network and Canadian Biosphere Reserve Association exchanged contact information for 20 U.S. and Canadian delegates, enabling them to meet informally over dinner.

A trip report on U.S. participation in EuroMAB 2019 is available on the U.S. Biosphere Network Online Forum or by contacting Lee Anne Bledsoe at [e-mail].