US Biosphere Network News - Autumn 2020

Autumn 2020

Volume 2, Issue 2

Welcome to U.S. Biosphere Network News, a periodical newsletter providing summaries of notable domestic and international activities by biosphere regions and partner organizations. Biosphere regions are special places recognized by the international Man and the Biosphere Program (MAB) where people work locally to improve human livelihoods and conserve their natural and cultural heritage. Innovative approaches in biosphere regions use science, education, and socioeconomic analyses to maintain healthy lands and waters and sustain our quality of life.

Karst2020 Creates Global Connections

On August 18-20, karst experts converged online to exchange knowledge and best practices from diverse regions and cultures including African, Asian, European, North American and South American countries and several biosphere regions. Karst landscapes and aquifers are formed on soluble rock such as limestone, and produce unique geologic and hydrologic features, like caves, sinkholes, underground rivers and large springs. Karst aquifer systems also supply a significant part of the world’s population with drinking water. Karst 2020: Conservation of Fragile Karst Resources, A Workshop on Sustainability and Community was sponsored by Western Kentucky University, the George Wright Society, and the Mammoth Cave Biosphere Region. The workshop featured meetings, technical sessions, and virtual field trips. UNESCO MAB Secretary Miguel Clüsener-Godt provided a virtual greeting to open a meeting of CaveMAB, a cave and karst working group under the World Network of Biosphere Regions. See www.karst2020.com and www.caveMAB.com. 

USBN Welcomes New Steering Committee Members

The US Biosphere Working Group (BWG) has approved three members of its newly established Steering Committee to provide leadership in promoting and achieving the goals of the USBN and World Network of Biosphere Regions. The Steering Committee guides the BWG, the informal, representative body including the 28 currently recognized biosphere regions across the continental United States, Alaska, Puerto Rico and Hawai'i as well as local and national partner organizations. BWG members collaborate on fostering national and international connections among biosphere regions, facilitating sharing of best practices, and supporting their work toward achieving a harmonious relationship between people and the environment. On September 3, 2020, the BWG approved the following three candidates by acclamation: Brian Houseal, Sarah Gaines, and Lee Anne Bledose.

Upcoming Web Broadcasts

Striking Balance: Season 2 of this series on Canadian Biosphere Regions premiered on October 4, 2020. Episodes explore how residents are overcoming the challenges threatening te sustainability of these amazing places. Thier stores are instructive for teh U.S. Biosphere Network. Watch Season 1. 

Spotlight on Biosphere Regions in Upcoming Films

The spectacular caves of the Mammoth Cave Biosphere Region and stunning views of the Adirondack mountains and Lake Champlain of the Champlain Adirondack Biospere Network appear in two upcoming films made possible by a partnership with the American University Center for Enviornmental Filmmaking (CEF). The films are written and produced by USBN Coordinator Cliff McCreedy and CEF graduate student fellow Lia Nydes under a cooperative agreement between the National Park Service and American University in Washington, DC. Prominent in the films are the people and organizations living and working in the biosphere regions to sustain the beauty and essential benefits of healthy lands and waters. Nydes and McCreedy consulted with leaders of the two biosphere regions to script the films. The Mammoth Cave BR film is nearing completion and the Champlain Adirondack film is in production. A third film to be produced in 2021 will feature the USBN at large and the biosphere regions that comprise the network.