Recent FABN News!

Press Release Frontenac Arch Biosphere Network New Board Chair LANSDOWNE ON – 18 February 2011   -   The Board of Directors of the Frontenac Arch Biosphere Network is pleased to announce the appointment of Dann Michols as its new Chair.   Michols replaces the Biosphere’s founding Chair Gary Clarke, who first proposed this region as a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve in 1995 and is credited with guiding the Frontenac Arch Biosphere to the successful organization that it is today.  The Board is delighted that in addition to his current role of Vice President of the Canadian Biosphere Reserves Association, Clarke will continue to serve on the Executive of the Frontenac Arch Biosphere Network in the newly created position of Past Chair.    Dann Michols has been a Director of the Frontenac Arch Biosphere Network since shortly after its founding in 2002.  A retired executive with the federal public service, Michols currently serves as a volunteer in a variety of community based organizations, including the Thousand Islands Watershed Land Trust of which he is President.  Michols lives near Elgin and led the group which organized the Bicentennial celebrations for the Old Stone Mill in Delta in 2010. The Frontenac Arch Biosphere Network is a community based organization designated by the UNESCO Man and Biosphere Programme as a World Biosphere Reserve.  One of 15 Biosphere Reserves in Canada and 564 in the world, our Biosphere’s vision is a healthy and prosperous community celebrating a rich natural and cultural heritage while developing and using knowledge for conservation and sustainable development.  The Biosphere’s mission is to facilitate co-operative action towards a more sustainable way of life. For additional information, contact Don Ross, Executive Director or call (613) 659-4824 www.fabr.ca

18 January, 2010 Brock News Coverage and Video of National Geographic Geotourism Event 17 January, 2010 Geotourism charter bestowed upon region By ANNE CRAIG, QMI AGENCY Bockville Recorder and Times It was a historic moment here Friday at the Firehall Theatre as Frontenac Arch Biosphere chairman Gary Clarke put pen to paper and signed the National Geographic Society's Geotourism Charter -only the ninth such charter worldwide. Joining in the ceremony was Jonathan Tourtellot, director of the Centre for Sustainable Destinations National Geographic Society, who added his signature to the charter. Only two other charters have been awarded in Canada -to the City of Montreal and to the Waterton Lakes/Glacier National Parks on the Alberta-Montana border. In the audience yesterday were members of the biosphere board of directors and 140 invited guests. The Frontenac Arch Biosphere is a 2,700-square-kilometre area that includes the 1000 Islands, the southern Rideau Canal and the eastern Land 'O Lakes. It was designated by UNESCO in 2002 as a world biosphere reserve. It's one of only 15 world biosphere reserves in Canada, part of a global network of 553 in 107 countries. "This is an opportunity for us to be a leader in Canada," Clarke said. "This is just the beginning of the road. The geotourism charter certainly puts this region on the international map, but perhaps more importantly, it puts this amazing region on the world's tourism radar. "Surveys by the Canadian Tourism Association, Deloitte and as well National Geographic clearly show that the majority of international travellers now choose sustainable experiences, at sustainable destinations." Geotourism is defined as tourism that sustains or enhances the geographical character of a place, including its environment, culture, aesthetics, heritage, and the well-being of its residents. The geotourism charter is available to destinations with a proven track record for geotourism's key principles and has specific programs to continue destination stewardship and wisely managed tourism. Tourtellot spoke of how well the local biosphere reserve meshes with the charter's mandate and the geotourism philosophy. "We can use this kind of tourism to protect what people want to see," he said. "The wellbeing of the residents is central to this and the physical place is the unifying force that brings the people together. ... This area fits perfectly." It was noted Tourtellot was instrumental in encouraging the biosphere board to pursue the designation. Ontario Minister of the Environment John Gerretsen was also in attendance Friday. "Sustainability is about one thing: preserving our heritage," he said. "There are so many fantastic places in this area -especially since you have two UNESCO sites right in this area. Anything that's good for the Gananoque area is good for the Kingston area and good for eastern Ontario." He said the significance of the National Geographic recognition is "going to make a huge difference" in efforts to promote the region. "It's going to bring this area to the forefront. We have to build on this sustainability," said Gerretsen, who used the opportunity to speak about the serious environmental problems facing the world. "In the last two years, we've become more aware of the need to take care of our planet. Climate change is real. It's not so much the people of our generation that will suffer but if we don't lessen the use of fossil fuels, the next generation will suffer." "We are delighted the Frontenac Arch Biosphere is receiving this award," said Mark King, assistant to Leeds-Grenville MP Gord Brown who was unable to attend. "This speaks volumes about the work the volunteers are doing. This region could not be better served by the people behind the scenes." Also bringing greetings and congratulations was Michael Kurts on behalf of the Ontario Minister of Tourism, Monique Smith. "I want to echo the comments of MPP Gerretsen and the other people who spoke here today. This initiative is incredibly important in terms of tourism and it's a great way to show off what this part of the province has to offer ... Hopefully this is just the beginning of the work we all can do together." During the event, Chris Jones of the Tourism Industry Association of Canada honoured Clarke with the Bulldog Award -an honour bestowed upon those who exhibit tenacity in achieving common goals. Later, biosphere vice-chairman Andrew Graham noted: "We don't go out looking for awards, we want to earn them. ... This is not just about tourism, this is about who we are and what we're like. The biosphere is committed to all parts of geotourism."   8 January, 2010 World at Region's Door Brockville Recorder and Times By Ronald Zajac The National Geographic Society will give the region a long-sought sustainability stamp of approval next week. The Frontenac Arch Biosphere Reserve, which spent half a year applying for a National Geographic Society geotourism charter, will receive that charter at a ceremony in Gananoque a week from today. "It's really a special honour for our region," said biosphere reserve chairman Gary Clarke. "It's exciting in that respect that they've been able to single out this area over a whole lot of others in this country." The National Geographic Society's Center for Sustainable Destinations defines geotourism as tourism that sustains or enhances the geographical character of a place: its environment, culture, aesthetics, heritage, and the well-being of its residents. The Frontenac Arch biosphere, a nearly 3,000-squarekilometre region that includes the Thousand Islands, the Rideau Canal and much of the Land 'O Lakes area, is only the ninth region worldwide to get the charter from National Geographic. It's also an Ontario first. Two other areas in Canada have geotourism charters: the city of Montreal and the Waterton Lakes/Glacier National Parks on the Alberta-Montana border. In 2008, the Center for Sustainable Destinations rated the Rideau Canal National Historic Site, which is part of the biosphere reserve, second best worldwide in that year's "Historic Destinations Rated" global stewardship survey. Clarke said the fact this region has two UNESCO designations, one for the biosphere reserve and a World Heritage Site designation for the Rideau, positioned it well for the National Geographic charter. "We are the most biodiverse region in Canada," added Clarke. Over the past three and a half years, he said, the biosphere reserve group has been developing a national model of sustainable tourism in conjunction with Parks Canada and the Tourism Industry Association of Canada. The local organization's definition of sustainable tourism fits in well with that of National Geographic, he said. The National Geographic cachet will give this region a broader profile among tourists around the world, said Clarke. "There is a burgeoning world market that they're aware of that we have simply not tapped." Sustainable tourism is a broader realm than eco-tourism, Clarke stressed, because the former also includes the cultural, social and economic aspects of an area, along with the natural. The biosphere reserve group began pursuing the geotourism charter about a year ago and learned by late summer that it was successful, said biosphere reserve executive director Don Ross. To illustrate Clarke's point, Ross noted that, when word of the pending charter leaked out, he started getting calls from tour charters in Europe and Asia. The charter is part of a broader partnership between the reserve and National Geographic, said Ross, noting the organization is interested in working with the local group on such things as a mapping project and other sustainability projects. "It's more of a beginning than an end," he said. As for whether the heightened recognition could lead to too large an influx of tourists to this region, Ross said different local partners must form networks to handle it. "What it boils down to is the community itself becomes prepared to channel and handle that kind of interest and energy," said Ross. In a voice mail, Brockville and District Tourism manager Kim Barr agreed sustainable tourism will be a great benefit to the area -as will the National Geographic seal. "Everyone wins when it comes to the economy and a healthy environment," said Barr, who will sit on the biosphere reserve's stewardship council. The geotourism charter award presentation will take place at the Thousand Islands Playhouse's Firehall Theatre in Gananoque, from 2 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Jan. 15. The charter will be awarded by Jonathan Tourtellot, the director of the Center for Sustainable Destinations, as well as provincial and possibly federal politicians and officials, the reserve organization announced. Frontenac Arch representatives will also use the event to unveil geotourism-related projects. They are to include a potential multimillion-dollar Centre for Sustainable Development, a leading-edge web portal to regional trails and a novel course in collaboration with Queen's University.

 

2 October, 2009
FABR partners with Queen's University to study the overall health of the Biosphere

The School of Environmental Studies at Queen’s University and the Frontenac Arch Biosphere have signed an agreement to work together to investigate just what makes our Biosphere region a healthy place and how to measure its health over time.

Working with students in a capstone course at the Queen’s School of Environmental
Studies, a process will begin which measures the key indicators of economic,
environmental, social and cultural health in the Biosphere Region. Over the
coming years, measures will be identified for each indicator as well as the most
economic way to gather the information. The goal, an ambitious and innovative
one, is to have a ‘State of the Biosphere’ report released on a regular basis.

Who should care and why? The Frontenac Arch Biosphere is a unique part of
Canada, recognized by UNESCO as being a special place where people and the
environment can and do interact, sometimes producing both challenges and
opportunities for a very high quality of life. But that is only if all pillars of the equation are working – economic, environmental, social and cultural. The idea of measuring this is an innovative goal of the Biosphere, confirmed in its current Business Plan.

Only in this way can we see if we are in fact creating that harmony of goals.
The agreement is meant to guide the partnership which will enhance the learning
experience of students while providing worthwhile information for the Biosphere.
The “State of the Biosphere” will act as a baseline in the process of ongoing
monitoring and assessment. The agreement sets out the ground rules and
expectations of the two organizations making it possible for students to carry out
applied research in support of the Biosphere’s initiatives.

The agreement begins this fall and is expected to continue over the coming years.
As this is ground-breaking, it is not likely that a full “State of the Biosphere” report
will be completed and made available for at least a year.

For further information, please contact:
Don Ross, Executive Director, Frontenac Arch Biosphere, (613) 659-4824
don@fabr.ca  or  Ryan Danby, Queen’s School of Environmental Studies,
(613) 533-6000 Xt. 77105  ryan.danby@queensu.ca

16 July, 2009
Government of Canada Invests in Canadian Biosphere Reserves

People in Photo: From the left: David Walden, Secretary-General for the Canadian Commission for UNESCO; Gary Clarke, Chair of FABR and Treasurer of the Canadian Biosphere Reserves Association (CBRA);
Karina Mullaly, Executive Director, CBRA; Gord Brown, Leeds and Grenville Federal Member of Parliament;
Richard Murzin, Chair of CBRA and Executive Director of Ontario's Niagara Escarpment Biosphere Reserve.

LANSDOWNE, Ont. – 16 July, 2009 – Gord Brown, Member of Parliament for Leeds-Grenville, on behalf of Canada’s Environment Minister Jim Prentice joined representatives from the Canadian Biosphere Reserves Association and the Frontenac Arch Biosphere Reserve today, to announce $5 million in funding over five years to support 14 of the 15 biosphere reserves in Canada and the Canadian Biosphere Reserves Association (CBRA).

“Today’s announcement reflects the Government of Canada’s commitment to protecting our rich biodiversity across the country,” said Minister Prentice. “Canada’s biosphere reserves are excellent examples of community-based initiatives that protect our natural environment while ensuring the continued growth of the local economy in an ecologically sustainable way.”

Biosphere Reserves are areas designated and recognized internationally by UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization) for demonstrating practical approaches to balancing conservation and development. Biosphere reserves are comprised of one or more core protected areas, a buffer area in which activities compatible with conservation occur, and a large area of co-operation where sustainable resource management practices are promoted and developed. The world network consists of 553 biosphere reserves in 107 countries.

The Government of Canada’s investment will facilitate activities and projects within the Canadian biosphere reserves related to conservation, sustainable development and capacity building. It will allow the Canadian Biosphere Reserves Association to build up their organization, raise the profile of biosphere reserves in communities and become self-sufficient models for community-based environmental action. Additionally, it will help them co-ordinate projects such as environmental monitoring, promoting sustainable tourism, facilitating sustainable agriculture, and raising public awareness on sustainable development and promoting sustainable economic activities.

“By fostering sustainable resource management practices, biosphere reserves enhance the conservation value of Canada’s protected areas,” said Gord Brown. “The Government of Canada is committed to land conservation and preserving biodiversity.”

Click here for more information about funding for Canadian Biosphere Reserves by the Government of Canada.

8 April, 2009
Getting area food on restaurant tables

Brockberry Cafe owner Josie Groniger and chef Seth O'Hara share a laugh with Local Flavours' co-ordinator Jerry Heath, at right, during a workshop Tuesday in Brockville. The Brockberry has joined the Local Flavours program which promotes the use of local farm produce by restaurants and retailers.

Brockville Recorder and Times, 8 April, 2009
Article and photo by Nick Gardiner, Staff Writer (Posted with permission.)

Count Brockville¹s Brockberry Cafe among the latest converts to the Local Flavours program promoted by the Frontenac Arch Biosphere Reserve. Cafe owner Josie Groniger and chef Seth O'Hara signed up as members during a workshop Tuesday in Brockville to promote the use of locally produced foods at restaurants, hospitality businesses and specialty retailers.

For $59, Groniger received a Local Flavours sign, a promise of promotion on the biosphere website and in its brochures and a chance to meet the farmers who may soon help supply their menu items. I'm really keen on this. I'm adamant about it, Groniger told The Recorder and Times during a break in the workshop, which ran longer than the scheduled two hours at the upstairs hall of the Riverwalk Mill.

Groniger, who bought the Brockberry three years ago, said she has always been attracted to the idea of using local produce in the restaurant and is impressed with the Local Flavours program, now entering its sixth year. Raised on a dairy farm north of Iroquois, Groniger feels a kinship with farmers looking for a local outlet for their products. And she sees potential benefits for the business catering to a growing market of consumers who want to dine on locally produced food.

She said there isn't much demand for local product from customers, but feels the idea could catch on with a menu featuring such items. Groniger also sees another benefit. She hopes to keep staff busy during the off-season preparing pickled goods made from some of the local produce. We have the manpower and it will help us keep our in-house people employed for an extended period.

O'Hara said his eyes were opened to the Local Flavours program during a similar workshop held last year, but he needed time to develop a plan to introduce changes to the menu. Initially, O'Hara plans to introduce a single menu selection this summer featuring local produce and to contemplate additional changes as time goes on.

To that end, Tuesday's workshop was an important opportunity to meet producers and determine what items are available and how they could be incorporated in the menu, he said during an interview. It's all about knowing the supply chain, said O'Hara, referring to a point made during a presentation by chef Thomas Riding of Merrickville's Sam Jakes Inn. Riding, one of several speakers at the workshop, is an avid supporter of the Local Flavours program and noted he buys from more than 60 local producers. He also advised uncertain restaurateurs to change their menu in increments or, as O'Hara plans, by a single entree to start.

Riding said he has always preferred using local food on his menu, but found it difficult to establish a supply chain prior to the development of the Local Flavours program. "I didn't know where to start," he said, noting his first local suppliers were Gibbons Family Farm Maple Syrup producers near Frankville and McGarrigle's Fine Mustards in Merrickville. Now he purchases fresh produce, garlic, eggs and poultry, beef, fish and other items from local suppliers, said Riding.

He said local food is fresher and has more variety and is popular with customers and staff. Servers who take the time to explain the Local Flavours concept while taking orders often find the tips are better, he added.

"There is a great demand from our customers to feature local products. They want to know the name of the farm and sometimes even the name of the cow." He said the program received a major boost last year when Wendy Banks of Wendy¹s Mobile Market began a delivery service that links local producers with the hospitality industry.

Don Ross, executive director of the biosphere reserve, told the workshop the Local Flavours website, www.localflavours.org, receives "an enormous amount of traffic from around the world" and generates 20,000 hits each month. "There is a rising tide of consumers who are ultra-keen" on eating locally produced food, said Ross, noting the concept is more environmentally friendly than trucking produce in from outside the area.

During an interview, Ross said the size of Tuesday's crowd ­ more than the total for three workshops last year ­ shows the growing popularity of the concept. "That talks to a growing interest for the local movement. Its a nice split of producers and outlets. Ross said producers are finding ways to lengthen their growing season to take advantage of the local market. The fact most producers sold out last year is another indication of the program's success, he added.

Meanwhile, he was encouraged by the dialogue initiated Tuesday between producers and retail outlets and between the chefs in attendance, who shared suggestions on implementing the Local Flavours program at their restaurants."It's pretty exciting. Now we have to try to find ways to keep this conversation going through the rest of the year." Dave Paul, economic development officer for the City of Brockville, which co-sponsored the event, would like to see producers find markets with local hospitality operators, specialty retailers, grocery stores and some of the multinational food processors in the area. Ultimately, it's all part of promoting local economic development, he said during an interview.

Paul acknowledged it may require "pushing a little harder" to get local produce into grocery stores than was required to get restaurants to buy into the idea.

However, suppliers such as Tait¹s Bakery, represented at the meeting by John Mazurek, have been able to make inroads into grocery stores, said Paul. Mazurek and Gerry Lyons, who operates a turkey farm near Spencerville, said they had positive experiences working with large retailers.

Kim Hall of Hall's Apple Orchards said she has had good and bad experiences with large retailers. Other producers, however, said they found the effort to establish links with large retailers too much trouble for minimal return.