WILLEMSTAD - In the framework of UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere Program (MAB) and within the project “Planning Biosphere Reserves in Curaçao”, the UNESCO Cluster Office for the Caribbean is supporting Curaçao’s National Commission for UNESCO in its efforts to establish in the country the proposed “Middle Curaçao Biosphere Reserve” (MCBR). The Caribbean States offer a rare opportunity to develop innovative and creative ways in which the MAB concept and the ecosystem approach can be incorporated into Small Island States’ planning strategies to reconcile the conservation of biodiversity, the quest for economic and social development, and the maintenance of associated cultural values. The financed activity will aim at finalizing the application form for the Middle Curaçao Biosphere Reserve proposal, in view of its consideration by the International Advisory Committee and the International Coordinating Council of the MAB Program.
Mr Clayton Lino member of the Advisory Committee MAB for IBERO America –Latin America and Caribbean- will be making a technical visit to Curaçao to assist in this as of June 4 – June 10 2022.
To fulfill the statutory framework of the UNESCO World Network the proposed site in Curaçao must be organized into three interrelated zones, comprehensive management/cooperation, as well as institutional arrangements, to effectively carry out the complementary and integrated activities of conservation and development of sustainable and balanced resource use must be completed.
The international expert Lino will namely:
- Evaluate the proposed site as related with the MAB Statutory Framework.
- Discuss issues and strategic components of the Middle Curaçao Biosphere Reserve proposal planning processes, with the different stakeholders, including the Government, the local communities, youth representatives, the MAB Commission for UNESCO.
- Provide technical advisory to assist Curaçao’s National Commission for UNESCO in reviewing and completing the Biosphere Reserve Nomination Form.
- Develop and finalize all documents required for the submission of the candidature of the Middle Curaçao Biosphere Reserve to the World Network of Biosphere Reserves of the Man and the Biosphere Program.
The World Network of Biosphere Reserves is the pillar of the UNESCO Man and the Biosphere (MAB) program. The goal of the MAB program is to achieve a sustainable balance between biodiversity conservation, economic development, and cultural sustainability.
The UNESCO contribution to the Curaçao National Commission will cover the expenses related to the visit in Curacao for the finalization by the international expert of the proposed Middle Curacao Biosphere Reserve.
UNESCO Biosphere Reserves are places where people and nature share a way of living they are proud of.
