MABF Members are invited to submit comments to UNESCO on the process of the Periodic Review that occurred in 2010.

 

In order to improve upcoming reviews and to better support Biosphere Reserves undertaking their reviews, the Canadian Man and Biosphere (CanadaMAB) Committee of the Canadian Commission for UNESCO is currently evaluating the Periodic Review process and guidelines. We are therefore seeking your feedback on your Periodic Review experience.

 

As you may know, it is up to each country to decide the most appropriate way to carry out its Biosphere Reserve Periodic Reviews. The approach in Canada has evolved significantly over the years and we continue to aim for a more efficient, effective and beneficial exercise despite the limited resources available. More specifically, we realize the need to better clarify roles and expectations, of both reviewers and the reviewed Biosphere Reserve.

 

Attached are two documents, both developed in Canada and used during the 2011 reviews:

 

1)         The first aims to outline and guide the process of carrying out Periodic Reviews, and

2)         The second is the revised Periodic Review form

 

Considering your close involvement in past reviews, we would very much welcome your input as a means to directly recommend revisions to these documents. You may wish to provide either general comments guided by the questions below or to provide specific text modifications.

 

Your thoughts on the following questions would be greatly appreciated:

1.         What do you feel was the most valuable component of the periodic review*?

2.         What was the least valuable component of the periodic review*?

3.         Keeping in mind limited resources, what changes would you make to the periodic review process (e.g. distributions of responsibilities, timing considerations, preparatory work, background information etc)?

4.         Do you have any recommended modifications to improve the clarity of the form? If so, which sections?

5.         Any other comments or recommendations?

* (e.g., for the BR organization, those within the region, the national network, the international community,yourself etc others?)

 

For your information, the revised periodic review form and process will not only be used in Canada, but also as a model guiding the work of the international Biosphere Reserve Network and MAB Programme. Indeed, UNESCO MAB is currently using the Canadian model to inspire the review of the UNESCO forms, to be provided to all countries. Please let us know if you wish a copy of the finalized documents.

 

On behalf of the Canadian MAB Committee & the Canadian Commission for UNESCO, I thank you in advance for your time and constructive feedback.