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This statement was presented by Ian Anderson at the NSF workshop on the biosphere reserve on 16 May 2007
Build on the special features of the ACT (Canberra) - a National Capital, a "Bush Capital", a planned city, a city in a landscape, a City State, a Centre of Government, a city where people live close to nature, a site for national institutions, a city with a distinctive culture and population - to develop one of the world's leading biosphere reserves.
The ACT biosphere reserve will be:
A partnership between the community and the different levels of Government. The biosphere reserve should draw freely on the imagination of all its residents.
A national and international centre for learning of the highest quality.
An international centre for developments in the natural and appled sciences, which fit the criteria for promoting ecologically sustainable development, the key current goal of the global network of biosphere reserves. A fundamental part of promoting ecologically sustainable development will be mitigating the adverse effects of climate change as far as possible.
An environment that promotes human health and well-being.
An international model for demonstrating how a modern city can continue to function effectively as a city in the landscape, working effectively with neighbouring communities outside its borders.
A flourishing international centre for different forms of culture, which will demonstrate the achievements of society and provide an effective means of reflecting on them.
An international model for development and use of the media in the service of the community. Freedom of the press and other forms of media to be a part of this.
A place which is outward looking, interacting fully with the rest of Australia as befits its role as the National Capital.
As a member of the global network of biosphere reserves, seek to assist other parts of Australia, other members of the world network of biosphere reserves or other cities and bioregions to achieve the goals of biosphere reserves. Be prepared to learn from other biosphere reserves and other places both in Australia and overseas, in promoting the goals of biosphere reserves.
As far as possible, involve all sectors of the community in the ACT and the surrounding district as appropriate, in the programs of the biosphere reserve. For example, indigenous people, the business community, rural lessees, school staff and students, senior citizens and people working in government should all be involved.
See also Brendan Mackey's remarks, which complement this vision statement here
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Updated 25 August 2007. For more information about the biosphere reserve nomination, e-mail our office