The 30,000 islands of eastern Georgian Bay are considered to make up the largest freshwater archipelago in the world.  This region, with its rugged windswept pines, smooth granite rocks, diverse wildlife and crystal clear waters, was designated a World Biosphere Reserve in 2004 by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

The Georgian Bay Biosphere Reserve (GBBR) stretching from Port Severn to the French River includes 347,000 hectares of shoreline ecosystem, and is home to over 170 species of birds, 44 species of mammals, and 34 species of reptiles and amphibians. The diverse ecological makeup of the region should come as no surprise to its residents, cottagers and visitors, who for decades have been actively enjoying its beautiful clean waters and wildlife.
Biosphere reserves are ecologically unique regions committed to sustainable community development and the conservation of biodiversity. They are regions striving to balance development needs with environmental needs to ensure a healthy and sustainable future.
“Our goal is to preserve and enhance the natural and cultural resources of the GBBR through education, conservation and sustainable development initiatives,” explains Rebecca Pollock of the GBBR. “We would like to promote vibrant and prosperous development in the region for businesses, communities and the environment.”
There are currently over 500 UNESCO designated Biosphere Reserves in the world, of which 15 are located in Canada. The GBBR is one of 15 UNESCO-designated biospheres in Canada and more than 500 in the world. Along with partnering organizations, the GBBR is working to support the ecological and cultural livelihoods that make this region unique and enjoyable for residents, cottagers and visitors.
The eastern coastline of Georgian Bay is home to over 30 threatened and endangered species in Canada.  Major causes of species decline in the region include: habitat loss due to increased shoreline development, increased vehicle traffic on roads, lakes and trails, and a general lack of acceptance of certain species, such as snakes.
 “Habitats providing necessary conditions for mating, foraging and hibernation are becoming fewer and farther between,” says Species at Risk Educator, Glenda Clayton. “Through public education programs, increased monitoring, and recovery initiatives, we hope to reduce some of the threats experienced by species in the area.”  
The Species at Risk program run by the GBBR combines community education with actions to address and reduce threats causing species decline. Interactive presentations and workshops will be offered throughout the season to help residents learn more about threatened and endangered species and provide tips on how to help with their protection. Several stewardship projects are being implemented this year including the installation of nesting boxes for eastern foxsnakes and a bald eagle nesting platform.
To encourage more environmentally sustainable living and working environments, the GBBR has developed a stewardship manual for eastern Georgian Bay.  The manual provides residents and cottagers’ with the information necessary to conduct environmental property self-assessments.
 “Property self-assessments allow us to identify the impact our living spaces have on our natural environment,” says Greg Mason of the GBBR. “They provide us with simple solutions for becoming more environmentally sustainable. It is about doing what we can every day to raise the bar and to become more eco-friendly.”
For more information on the Georgian Bay Biosphere Reserve, check out its website at: www.gbbr.ca.  Environmental organizations, community groups, cottage associations and individuals are encouraged to contact the Georgian Bay Biosphere Reserve at:  info@gbbr.ca to find out how to become involved in promoting an environmentally sustainable future.