Bras d'Or Lake: Using Etuaptmumk to strengthen the biosphere
Colette S. Mesher1, Allison McIsaac2 and Lyndsey Prosper1,2
1Bras d’Or Lake Biosphere Region Association, Eskasoni, Nova Scotia
2Eskasoni Fish & Wildlife Commission, Eskasoni, Nova Scotia
The Bras d’Or Lake Biosphere (BLB) was formed in 2011 and uses a mosaic of core and buffer lands to meet UNESCO Article 4 of the statutory framework. The core lands comprise wilderness areas, nature reserves, and provincial parks and uses the existing legal framework to conserve these areas. However, to achieve the national target of 30% and provincial target of 20% of land protected by 2030, we need to work collaboratively to reach these goals. Biospheres can help contribute to these goals and enhance the conservation of lands in a variety of ways. From leading the purchase and protection of lands to contributing research towards Indigenous Protected and Conserved Area (IPCA), there are many options. This presentation will cover how the BLB incorporates Etuaptmumk (two-eyed seeing) and uses a variety of approaches to enhance the biosphere as well as proposed approaches for continuing to grow the core and buffer areas.
Key words: Biosphere, buffers, Cape Breton, Unama’ki
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