On March 13, 2024, the US Biosphere Network (USBN) launched the “Biosphere Bites” biweekly seminar series. The 30-minute talks take place every other week on ZOOM to give biosphere regions and partners an opportunity to share knowledge, ideas, and resources across our national and international networks. These informal, virtual presentations are designed to connect the USBN to local, regional, and international partners and highlight the important work that is being done in biosphere regions to improve the human connection to nature and make progress towards the sustainable development goals.
The early “Biosphere Bites” talks have featured a variety of topics and presenters including:
- Using Art to Connect People to Science, History, and Nature in Biosphere Regions presented by Jim Brangan, co-Chair of the Champlain-Adirondack Biosphere Network
- Bioculturalism: Fostering a Deeper Connection with The Living Planet presented by Duncan Berry and Jasper Winkler of the Cascade Head Biosphere Collaborative
- Crossing Boundaries: Sharing Insights and Lessons from Canadian Biosphere Reserves Association presented by Kate Potter, Executive Director of the Canadian Biosphere Reserves Association (CBRA)
- Ecological Connectivity Guidelines presented by Dr. Annika Keeley, Senior Conservation Scientist at the Center for Large Landscape Conservation
Sarah Gaines and Tom Gilbert discuss “Biosphere Regions and Peacebuilding: The Role of Biosphere Regions in Multilateralism, Past, Present and Future” at a Biosphere Bites talk. - Biosphere Regions and Peacebuilding: The Role of Biosphere Regions in Multilateralism, Past, Present and Future presented by Sarah Gaines, Coastal Research Associate at the University of Rhode Island’s Coastal Resources Center and Tom Gilbert, a lifelong conservationist, facilitator, and thought leader in the field of ecology who has been pivotal in planning and promoting UNESCO Biosphere Reserves
- Synergy and Diplomacy in UNESCO Science and Conservation Programs presented by Dr. Chris Groves, University Distinguished Professor of Hydrogeology at Western Kentucky University and member of the Mammoth Cave Biosphere Region Advisory Council
All USBN “Biosphere Bites” talks are recorded and posted on the USBN YouTube channel. To stay up to date on future “Biosphere Bites” talks visit our Biosphere Bites webpage. Sign-up to present or propose a topic for an upcoming USBN “Biosphere Bites” talk using this form. Note: “Biosphere Bites” will take a summer hiatus in the months of July and August and return Wednesday, September 11th at 12pm ET.
