At the height of summer in Queensland, the last thing we think about is ice and snow.

However, the Chairman of the Burnett Mary Regional Group believes there is much we can learn from the icy cold European country of Switzerland.

Russell Stewart and his wife returned last week from a personal holiday in Europe which  included a visit to the Entlebuch Biosphere Reserve, one of the most beautiful and extraordinary regions of Switzerland.  

Mr Stewart said he had a strong interest in the “Man and the Biosphere” concept aside from his role as Chairman of the Group which nominated the Great Sandy region as a Biosphere.

“I was lucky to have very detailed discussions with the Director of the Entlebuch Biosphere who has been involved since its inception,” he said.

“UNESCO often uses Entlebuch as a model example of how a Biosphere should work – combining the ideas of preservation, development, codetermination and cooperation.”

“Now that I’ve seen first hand how successful it has been, I am even more convinced of the enormous environmental benefits for our region if the Great Sandy Biosphere is accepted.”

The Entlebuch Biosphere was accepted in 2001, covers approximately 1% of Switzerland and is home to 17,000 people with a predominately rural economy.  It hosts a Biosphere Centre of Excellence with a small staff of professionals, and a Biosphere school which provides child and adult education. One of the more innovative Biosphere initiatives is the production and marketing of over 300 quality products including timber and milk under the label “Echt Entlbuch” (genuine Entlebuch).

“This labelling is very successful for the dairy farmers – they get the highest price for their milk in Switzerland,” Mr Stewart said.

Mr Stewart said that although every Biosphere had its own unique characteristics, the concepts were the same.

"If the Great Sandy Biosphere nomination is accepted, we will of course have our own ideas and projects, but it makes sense to learn from the experience of others like Entlebuch,” he said.

 

A decision on the nomination of the Great Sandy Biosphere is expected from UNESCO in May 2009.  The nomination can be viewed at www.bmrg.org.au/information.php/1/35."

 

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