Golden Gate Biosphere Network Links People and Places

The Golden Gate Biosphere Network’s (GGBN) large metropolis combined with expansive coastal and marine areas is unique among Biosphere Regions (BRs) in the United States. The GGBN was originally recognized as a Biosphere Reserve in 1988 by the international Man and the Biosphere Program for the extraordinary biodiversity and socioeconomic values of the San Francisco Bay region and expanded in 2017 to include a larger marine area offshore. The San Francisco Bay Area contains over 2.5 million people and more than 1.8M hectares of protected lands and waters stewarded by an array of entities. The GGBN’s rich mosaic of lands, water and communities calls for new, integrative approaches and collaborative actions to steward its cherished places, conserve its biodiversity, and support the well-being of millions who live, work, and recreate there.

To meet this challenge and opportunity, the GGBN has activated a voluntary network of public agencies, conservation non-profits, universities, and the private sector. From March through May of this year, the GGBN held an invigorating and immersive series of three virtual retreats that brought together representatives from partner organizations across the GGBN. With the help of the Collaborating Well facilitation team, the retreats created an interactive virtual environment to discuss plans and actions to move the GGBN forward.

Great emphasis was placed on the GGBN’s identity, branding, and value to the Bay Area. The partners officially changed the name from Golden Gate Biosphere to Golden Gate Biosphere Network to better highlight the linking of diverse communities and agencies in the San Francisco Bay Area. Key outcomes included the official adoption of an Executive Committee and Partners Group and identification of four working groups (Communications, Partnerships and Outreach, Capacity Building, and Conservation Priorities). Upon completion of the retreats, partners described it as inspiring, galvanizing, and energizing.

To assist with next steps, the GGBN appointed Jordan Gorostiza, a talented communication and coordination intern, for a 26-week term starting in June 2021, with support from the National Park Service through the Scientists-in-Parks (SIP) Program. The SIP Program is a partnership between the NPS, Geological Society of America, and the Stewards Individual Placement Program that affords young people a high-quality, professional development experience in national parks, including Biosphere Regions where parks are located, with the goal of developing the next generation of diverse stewards. Several other Biosphere Regions, most recently Mammoth Cave BR, have employed highly capable SIP interns.

The GGBN was grateful to have Jordan join the retreats to begin connecting with partners and contribute to visioning the GGBN’s future.

Contact Alison Forrestel or Irina Irvine.