USBN News

Growth, energy and progress in the USBN and strong U.S. relationships with UNESCO were highlighted in discussions between Cliff McCreedy and UNESCO representatives in mid-April in New York City.  McCreedy is the U.S. government Focal Point (point of contact) with the UNESCO Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Program on behalf of the National Park Service

On March 13th, 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 Youth Board is a youth-led (18 to 35 years old) organization that works in cooperation with the USBN to provide project-based professional development opportunities for its members and further the goals of the USBN, the Man and the Biosphere (MAB) program, and the UN Operational Strategy on Youth. Young people interested in active participation within UNESCO, sustainable development, bioregional planning, international collaboration, and management are invited to participate.

In January 2024, the US Biosphere Network (USBN) welcomed a dedicated team of master’s students from the University of Michigan’s School for Environmental and Sustainability (SEAS). Tasked with advancing environmental conservation, sustainable economic development, and logistical support across the network’s 28 biosphere regions, this project holds immense promise for sparking positive change. The SEAS team is working to amplify the USBN’s capacity through enhanced collaboration, provision of resources for successful periodic reviews, and effective showcasing of US biosphere regions’ conservation practices. 

Tom Gilbert, National Park Service (retired) and first President of the George Wright Society, was instrumental in getting the biosphere reserve program established in the United States after its founding by UNESCO in 1971 and has remained a champion for US biosphere regions. Recently, Lisa McInnis (Chief of Resource Management, Great Smoky Mountains National Park), Jonathan Putnam (National Park Service Office of International Affairs), and David Reynolds (President, George Wright Society, Chair of USBN Agriculture Committee) enjoyed a visit with Tom in Pittman Center, Tennessee.

Margery Price, a Cascade Head Biosphere Region local, worked this past summer and fall with the U.S. Geological Survey expanding the accessibility of water chemistry data in Yellowstone National Park. Born and raised in Lincoln City, Oregon – a town contained within the Cascade Head Biosphere Region – Margery attended the University of Oregon and received her bachelor’s degree in Geology in 2022. In March 2021, Margery joined the inaugural Steering Committee of the US Biosphere Network Youth Board, serving as the group’s first secretary until January 2024.

In a significant step towards advancing global conservation and sustainable development efforts in the World Network of Biosphere Reserves, the First Workshop of the World Network of Mountain Biosphere Reserves (WNMBR) was held from September 18 to 22, 2023, in Dujiangyan, Sichuan, China. Hosted by UNESCO’s Division of Ecological and Earth Sciences, the workshop saw active participation from more than 60 delegates representing mountain biosphere reserves across 17 countries, including the United States. Dr. Kelly L. Cerialo, the US Biosphere Network Coordinator and Co-Chair of the Champlain-Adirondack Biosphere Network, participated in the WNMBR workshop.  

Three-dimensional chess is played on three interfacing boards. In Star Trek, the Original Series, Mr. Spock, the Vulcan Science Officer known for his intellectual prowess and command of logic beats the Starship Enterprise’s computer at 3D chess. What could landscape-scale conservation look like on the 3D chess board?

Thanks to your continued engagement and support over the past year, the USBN has made significant strides in advancing our mission of fostering national and international connections among biosphere regions (BRs), facilitating their sharing of best practices, and supporting their work to connect people and nature. Read on for a short list of our network’s accomplishments from 2022-2023.

The Champlain Valley National Heritage Partnership (CVNHP) selected the Champlain-Adirondack Biosphere Region to be the focus of its Conservation & Community interpretive theme in 2024. The CVNHP awarded $275,134 to support 10 projects that highlight, interpret, and support the goals of the Champlain-Adirondack Biosphere Network (CABN) in 2024.