State of the Biosphere StoryMap Launches Today

The inaugural State of the Biosphere report by the Beaver Hills Biosphere is officially live!

With the ten-year anniversary of the Biosphere only a few years away, last year, Erin Anderson, the Biosphere's Conservation Planning Coordinator, began working on a State of the Biosphere report that would not only form the basis for UNESCO’s 10-year review but also inform stakeholders, funders and the public about the work we’ve done and how far we’ve come as an organization since being designated a biosphere in 2016.

Erin has worked tirelessly to compile, organize and interpret data and information on the extensive projects and programs, including how they have supported the Biosphere’s goals to build a healthy environment and healthy communities, increase capacity throughout our network and work to address climate change through research, education and awareness.

"The State of the Biosphere is a comprehensive analysis of all the changes that have happened in the Biosphere over the last 10 years," explains Erin.

Not your typical 'report', the State of the Biosphere has been crafted as an online StoryMap, tapping into the power of ArcGIS and the wealth of data the Biosphere has been accumulating over the years to help people visualize what is taking place in the region.

While environmental and biophysical analyses are a focus, it has a much wider range than that, including land use changes, community aspects, Indigenous and cultural efforts, and policy and governance impacts.

"It’s an extensive piece of work, a StoryMap collection, with the intention to take an honest look at what we said were priorities at nomination and what we’re actually doing," adds Erin.

Using a variety of indicators, the report identifies the environmental, social, economic and cultural condition of the Biosphere and how they have changed over the period. In addition to celebrating the Biosphere's progress on our goals, the report is also an opportunity to identify gaps in data or places where goals haven’t been met yet.

"This analysis has revealed several gaps and those gaps will inform our priorities for future conservation planning and projects," says Erin. "When you visit the StoryMap collection, you will find seven thoughtful, detailed and interactive sections full of maps, information, visuals. Overall, this is the story of how the Biosphere has been and continues to be a special place rich in biodiversity, culture and community, that make it worth conserving."

Learn, understand and experience the State of the Biosphere.