‘Movers and shakers’ join charge for sustainable future
Four major players have pledged a commitment to making our region a better place for future generations as part of the Sunshine Coast Biosphere.
Four prominent local entities, all sustainability champions in their sectors, have become the first partners of the Sunshine Coast Biosphere.
The University of the Sunshine Coast (UniSC), Food and Agribusiness Network (FAN), Sunshine Coast Manufacturing Excellence Forum and Visit Sunshine Coast are now the Sunshine Coast Biosphere’s foundation partners.
Mayor Rosanna Natoli, who is also the Biosphere’s Coordinating Committee Chair, said all four organisations were regional sustainability leaders.
“Bringing partners to our Biosphere adds incredible value and helps to recognise that we are all part of something much bigger, and we all have a collective role to play in caring for our Sunshine Coast,” Mayor Natoli said.
“These partnerships support sustainable industries, boost our local economy and create opportunities for growth, while preserving our environment for future generations.
“Our Biosphere needs our community, businesses and organisations on board, and this is just the first step.”
The Sunshine Coast Biosphere was designated in June 2022, internationally recognising our region as a member of the World Network of Biosphere Reserves by UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation).
“The Biosphere is our commitment and responsibility to a sustainable future: caring for our environment, creating thriving communities and growing our local economy,” Mayor Natoli said.
About the partners
The Food and Agribusiness Network showcases and empowers local growers, producers and manufacturers, supporting the local economy and food security for our communities.
Anna Owen, Tim Kelly, Nicole McNaughton, Alex Elibank Murray, Anna Carrick, Mayor Rosanna Natoli, Leah Barclay, Andrew Fairbairn and Kevin Bennett.
Visit Sunshine Coast champions ecotourism through the Sunshine Coast Sustainability Program, showing the value of responsible travel.
It also runs the QLD Sunshine Pantry project in conjunction with the Food and Agribusiness Network.
The Sunshine Coast Manufacturing Excellence Forum runs youth STEM projects including Bugbox and RoboKings, encouraging local youth into careers in innovation.
It also launched the e-VTOL student project, which aims to develop air taxis as a fast, efficient and sustainable mode of travel, in conjunction with UniSC.
UniSC educates our sustainability leaders of tomorrow and is the only university in the world with campuses across three biosphere reserves.
It runs innovative research programs including Detection Dogs for Conservation, which works to provide critical ecological research and rescue koalas and other threatened wildlife.
UniSC Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Helen Bartlett said the United Nations’ Biosphere Reserves provided fantastic opportunities for students and researchers to live, work and learn sustainably.
“We have a reputation for the landscapes and life here, from the coastlines to the hinterland, cultural heritage and community, and for being the only place in Australia where three separate biospheres connect,” Professor Bartlett said.
“This is a drawcard for students wanting to learn about the land, water, wildlife and people in a sustainable way.
“Additionally, our University research - focused on the dual goals of ‘healthy people, healthy planet’ - aligns strongly with the 17 Sustainable Development Goals set by the United Nations, which administers the Biosphere Reserves.
“It is exciting that we are coming together as a community to maximise the benefits and opportunities of being a global-listed reserve.”
Fostering community action for our Biosphere
Biosphere Community Advisory Group chair Anna Owen said everyone had the power to make a difference in our biosphere.
“These partner organisations are made up of community members who are committed to a brighter future,” Ms Owen said.
“They show that together, we can do incredible things.”