‘Truly historic moment’ as Sunshine Coast green credentials win international recognition

Richard Dinnen - Queensland Editor | June 16, 2022

The Sunshine Coast has won official recognition as a UNESCO biosphere reserve, just the fifth of its kind in Australia.

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) approved the designation in Paris overnight, after a three-year campaign by Sunshine Coast Council.

Mayor Mark Jamieson said the recognition is a significant boost to the region’s environmental values and is a truly historic moment.

 “After years in the making, this prestigious designation will help us protect and enhance our region, communities, the economy, and our natural environment for future generations.

“Committing to being a biosphere ensures people can be confident their Council and their broader community respect the environment and understand their place living within it.

“A biosphere designation shows the world we are a community that wants to live in harmony with our environment.

“It recognises the need for responsible development while also recognising the importance of preserving our natural environment.”

A UNESCO biosphere reserve declaration recognises areas of natural beauty, where active conservation continues alongside sustainable communities and responsible development.

Australia’s four other biosphere reserves are Fitzgerald, in southern WA,  Great Sandy and Noosa, both in south-east Queensland, and the Mornington Peninsula/Western Port reserve in Victoria.

There are  727 sites in 131 countries around the world, participating in a UNESCO program launched in 1971.

Sunshine Coast Councillor Maria Suarez said the declaration will bring benefits to the region.

“Particularly for our tourism and agriculture industries. It could support a sustainable ‘produced on the Sunshine Coast’ brand, which increases the value of products and services.

“Our region has the potential to become a magnet for others from around the world who want to buy from and visit a region that focuses on sustainability.”