Buffer Zone

Today, Heather rediscovered her copy of the nomination document for the Southwest Nova Biosphere Reserve, dated July 2001.

I was interested in checking the designation of the buffer zone. At that time, the buffer zone included:

55 sq.km within Kejimkujik National Park (zone 3 and 4)

37 sq.km provincial crown land adjoining Kejimkujik National Park

53 km lower portion of the Shelburne River

Nova Scotia Power lands at north end of Lake Rossignol and upper reaches of the Mersey River.

Crown managed lands at Indian Fields, west of Tobeatic Wilderness Area.

Endorsements (i.e. in charge of the management of the buffer zone)

Nova Scotia Minister of Natural Resources, Fisheries and Agriculture

Freeman and Son Ltd

Nova Scotia Power Inc.

Mersey Woodlands

Where are we today, in 2020?

Clearly the description of the buffer zone (in 2001) did not satisfy the ten year UNESCO MAB review.

Today, we need to know :

a) the 2020 definition of the buffer zone. Which lands, where and size?

b) the parties in charge of the management of the buffer zone.

In the 2001 nomination document, there is a description of the values upheld by SNBRA.

“Ultimately the identity and success of the Southwest Nova Biosphere Reserve in addressing issues associated with advancing ecological, cultural and economic sustainability will depend on goodwill and civic spirit of the organization and citizens participating as members of the Association.”

The same is true today.

On Sunday, November 29, 2020 there was an opportunity to watch the TVO documentary, Striking Balance that reaffirms these values. There is also the opportunity to protest the lack of transparency by the provincial government on its management of crown lands.

Acknowledgements

Heather produced the original submission in 2001. Edward added the graphics to this blog.

Reference

SNBRA, July 2001. Biosphere Reserve Nomination. Southwest Nova Biosphere Reserve
(link to 2010 Nomination Overview document)