Statement by MP Gord Johns:
"Happy International Day for Biosphere Reserves, everybody! Biosphere regions are designated by UNESCO and we are fortunate to have two in Courtenay-Alberni: Clayoquot Biosphere Trust and Mount Arrowsmith Biosphere Region, the only riding in Canada with more than one, in fact. There are nineteen all of Canada. On Tuesday, I cosponsored the third Biosphere Reserve Day on the Hill with my colleagues from the All-Party Climate Caucus in partnership with the Canadian Association of Biosphere Reserves. Thanks to my Ottawa team for organizing this evet and to the representatives of those Biosphere regions who were able to attend along with MP's from all parties. We payed tribute to the important work of the Biosphere Region movement in our country. They are of critical importance, conducting participatory research and supporting environmental, social, cultural and economic sustainability. Their work will benefit Canadians for generations to come, building capacity, supporting reconciliation and forging relationships in pursuit of excellence in addressing urgent environmental issues on our planet. As UNESCO has declared: we only have on planet and it is in danger.
