Earth

1.3. Diversity of Nature

Aim: The session introduces solutions that preserve the nature-biodiversity through participation and co-operation. Solutions presented involve different actors, even children at school, to administrate and maintain biodiversity. Unesco’s MaB-program (Man and biosphere) is based on a concept where models for sustainable development are developed in special pilot areas called biosphere areas. The session presents benefits and disadvantages to use the biosphere area as a tool for sustainable development focusing on preserving the biodiversity in the nature and in the cultural environments.

Facilitator: Timo Hokkanen, Coordinator for the North Karelia Biosphere Reserve, Finland
Rapporteur: Christoffer Boström, researcher, Åbo Akademi university, Finland

To preserve and develop - The biosphere area of the Archipelago sea as a model

The concept for the biosphere area can be useful for preserving and developing the areas around the Archipelago sea. Because of the flexibility of the programme, it is suitable for different regions, cultures and environmental challenges. Many actors are involved in maintaining the culture landscape and the work is proceeding with a wide perspective on economical, social and ecological aspects.
Katja Bonnevier, Coordinator for the biosphere area of the Archipelago sea, Finland

Local contributions to meet the 2010 target to halt the loss of Biodiversity

To meet the international 2010 biodiversity target concrete actions at the local level are important and necessary. The local community, usually represented by the municipality, is a key actor in this context. In the Nordic countries the municipalities are important authorities in spatial planning and in biodiversity management. A network of Nordic municipalities was established in 2006. These municipalities have committed themselves in carrying out concrete projects relevant to the 2010 target and to report results within 2010.
Terje Klokk, Project Leader and Senior Adviser for the directory of nature administration in Norway

Biosphere region as a tool for sustainable development

Experiences on establishing biosphere areas in Sweden. Why it is suitable to preserve biodiversity and sustainable development in different areas of Sweden. When is it a good solution? How has the idea of a biosphere area influenced the co-operation and development of the biosphere area Vänerskärgården Kinnekulle?
Johanna McTaggart, Co-ordinator for the MaB-programme in Sweden

Urban forestry - an integrative approach to planning and managing urban green spaces

Urban sustainability calls for innovative ways of developing green infrastructures. Urban forestry is an innovative approach that considers all of an urban areas' green spaces - with emphasis on trees and woods. It brings together disciplines and fields, professionals and residents, policies and implementation, thus encompassing true local partnerships. The Nordic approach to green space management as embodied by urban forestry is unique, e.g. in emphasising the multiple local values of woodland in and around towns, as well as community involvement.
Cecil C. Konijnendijk, Prof. Dr., Danish Centre for Forest, Landscape and Planning, University of Copenhagen, Denmark

Summary of parallel session 1.3 Diversity of nature

Presentations:

Katja Bonnevier: To preserve and develop - The biosphere area of the Archipelago sea as a model

The concept for the biosphere area can be useful for preserving and developing the areas around the Archipelago sea. Because of the flexibility of the programme, it is suitable for different regions, cultures and environmental challenges. Many actors are involved in maintaining the culture landscape and the work is proceeding with a wide perspective on economical, social and ecological aspects.

Terje Klokk: Local contributions to meet the 2010 target to halt the loss of Biodiversity

The presentation was about an important role of local communities in the Nordic countries in spatial planning and in biodiversity management. A network of Nordic municipalities was established in 2006 which municipalities have committed themselves in carrying out concrete projects relevant to the 2010 target and to report results within 2010.

Johanna McTaggart: Biosphere region as a tool for sustainable development

The presentation told about experiences on establishing biosphere areas in Sweden: how to preserve biodiversity and sustainable development in different areas of Sweden, what good solutions are and how has the idea of a biosphere area influenced the co-operation and development of the biosphere area Vänerskärgården Kinnekulle?

Cecil C. Konijnendijk: Urban forestry - an integrative approach to planning and managing urban green spaces

The presentation told about urban forestry as an innovative approach that considers all of an urban areas' green spaces - with emphasis on trees and woods. It was underlined that the Nordic approach to green space management as embodied by urban forestry is unique, e.g. in emphasising the multiple local values of woodland in and around towns, as well as community involvement.

Panel discussion