Niagara Escarpment Biosphere Network

Brock University is part of the UNESCO Niagara Escarpment Biosphere, which currently runs west from Niagara, and then north to Tobermory, extending more than 700 kilometres. To maintain its designation, a Transitional Leadership Committee was formed in 2019. As it was no longer appropriate to have oversight nested within a government agency, the committee would direct a renewed Niagara Escarpment Biosphere model. In 2017, the Transition Leadership Committee and Plenty Canada signed a Memorandum of Understanding to work together on the development of this new co-governance structure. In March of 2022, the Niagara Escarpment Biosphere Network (NEBN) was officially incorporated under provincial regulations.

The Network is now the official entity working on the mandate and designation of the Niagara Escarpment Biosphere Region and over the next year, the strategic plan and key priorities will be established. These will relate to the mandates of the UNESCO Man and Biosphere Program and the Lima Plan, which include conservation, ecosystem services, climate change, education and outreach, and sustainable development.

One of the visions of the NEBN is to be a “network of networks,” and one of these networks will be in research and education. The UNESCO Chair, along with several Brock faculty and staff, will contribute to this network through their research on various topics such as biodiversity, conservation, restoration, education, Indigenous collaboration, social wellbeing and justice, climate change, ecosystem services, sustainable development, and more. Everyone is invited to contribute according to their interest.

The UNESCO Chair is currently the Treasurer on the interim NEBN board. She has also been involved in collaboration with Plenty Canada on The Native Plants on the Laura Secord Legacy Trail, Healing Gardens, and the current Environment and Climate Change Project.

News and Events

On September 10, 2023 join Dr. Vassesur and other members of the Niagara Escarpment Biosphere Network on September 10, 2023 as they discuss co-governance of this critically important forested land area.

Event Details:
NEBN_CoN_program 2023_V3



On September 11, 2021 officials of the Niagara Escarpment Biosphere Network and representatives of network organizations explained the importance of preserving the Niagara Escarpment. These presentations featured stunning never-seen-before photography, aerial and drone video of the Niagara Escarpment in an effort to address profound and increasing environmental challenges.

Event Information:
https://brocku.ca/unesco-chair/wp-content/uploads/sites/122/NEBN_INV_CoN_PUBLIC.pdf

Watch the Presentations: 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HusPJBf5rJw

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9SVX1u7tvUA