Brief description of organization and mandate: The United Nations Education, Science and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Southwest Nova Biosphere Reserve (SNBR) was designated in 2001 as a region of important natural and cultural heritage nationally and internationally. The Government of Nova Scotia was a partner in its establishment.
SNBR encompasses the five counties of Yarmouth, Digby, Annapolis, Queens and Shelburne.
The objectives center on encouraging communities to work towards common goals, promoting and supporting contemporary and traditional resource management, conservation efforts and integrity of cultural resources.
Necessity of Grant: -displays Municipality of Yarmouth’s support of SNBR -SNBR is the framework from which many positive benefits can be achieved for our region -promotes (in both official languages when feasible) experiential cultural enrichment, environmental education, outdoor recreation and access to services for tourists and residents; - increases tourist visitation and associated revenues; - encourages regional cooperation among municipalities and communities - presents our area as “one” - provides learning and academic research opportunities for students that address real limitations associated with user’s stable and safe rural access to the internet.
Project Description SNBR is developing a pilot smart phone “Map App” in collaboration of the NSCC Middleton that will encourage visitors to stay and enjoy the southwest region. It will demonstrate state-of-the-art geographic information systems technology. Will be accessed by “smart phones”, pad and tablet type computers as well as lap tops. Will provides linkages to local government, outdoor adventure, seacoast, history and culture websites in the region. This provides mobile visitors and residents access to digital information about attractions, facilities, services and communities within the SNBR
Project Budget - phase 1 of the project was completed in 2013 -software planning, design and development has been carried out by NSCC Middleton staff and students as part of the “Community Mapping” programme initiative. - completed and operational on desk top computers 2014-15 - Additional data entry and programming is required to facilitate “Map App” use on mobile cell phones/tablets - Total cost requested by NSCC to complete is fifteen thousand
Proposed Funding Sources Mun of Queens, Shelburne, Yarmouth, Digby and Annapolis each at $1500 $7,500 (Queens and Shelburne have approved their contribution) (awaiting Digby, Annapolis and Yarmouth) Lesser contributions from smaller units $2500 (Town of Shelburne has approved $300) (awaiting others) Contributions from other granting agencies $5000
Financial report as of Jan 31
Balance in bank account $10, 314.67
Upcoming expenses include small items such as phone conferencing between meetings and minor expenditures. The current bank account reflects SNBR look to the future
SNBR are very frugal when it comes to spending. SNBR has been without a pd staffer for several years due to the withdrawal of Environment Canada’s funding to all biosphere reserves. Despite this, the board continues to work on maintaining the UNESCO designation through hard work and endless hours.
2013/14 SNBR Board of Directors
Municipal Government and First Nations Directors [7] 2
Councillor – Annapolis – Paul MacDonald, Vice-Chair
Councillor – Digby County – Lester Doucet
Councillor – Yarmouth County Co – vacant
Councillor – Shelburne County – Elizabeth Rhuland
Councillor – Region of Queens – Darlene Norman, Secretary –
Acadia First Nations – Rachel Pictou
Bear River First Nations - vacant
Industry and Development Directors [7] one vacancy
Bon Temps – Vaughn Perret - Tourism
Trout Point Lodge – Charles Leary – Industry
Tusket Historical Society – William Crowell – Tourism
Erin Comeau – industry/education
Bill Crowell – Tusket Tourism Society
Dr Hague Vaughn - science
Non- Government Directors [7]
Enviroment – Queens Co. Fish & Game
Science\Culture – SEMS/Forestry - Cliff Drysdale, Chairman Enviroment – TREPA – Aurel Mooney
3 Citizen Rep. - Mike McNeil, Stephen Malay, Wayne Fiddes
Dr Donna Hurlburt – science