08-15-2023 - No.11The City of Niagara Falls, Ontario
Resolution
No.11
Moved by: Councillor Lori Lococo
Seconded by: Councillor Tony Baldinelli
August 15, 2023
Municipal Resolution in Support of the Niagara Escarpment Biosphere Network
Whereas the Niagara Escarpment, from Queenston in the south to Tobermory in the
north, has been recognized by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural
Organization (UNESCO) as a World Biosphere since 1990,
And whereas the Niagara Escarpment Biosphere (NEB) provides a range of very positive
returns to Ontarians, including but not limited to promoting biodiversity of both flora and
fauna, open landscape, productive agriculture and agri-tourism, traditional Indigenous
knowledge and cultural history, eco -system services, a living laboratory for learning,
carbon sequestration, climate change mitigation and adaptation;
And whereas the NEB is integral to the protection and enhancement agenda for the
Great Lakes, especially since several of Ontario's major riverine systems have their
headwaters within the NEB that in turn feed into each of Lake Huron, Lake Erie, Lake
Ontario and Georgian Bay;
And whereas oversight of the NEB has successfully transitioned from the Ontario
governmental agency, the Niagara Escarpment Commission to a citizen -centred, not-for-
profit organization, namely the Niagara Escarpment Biosphere Network (NEBN);
And whereas the NEBN has been established as a Co -Leadership model between
Indigenous and Non -indigenous leaders, with a key objective of establishing the future
direction of the NEBN as a model of delivering on the worthy goals of Canada's Truth and
Reconciliation Commission as well as a demonstrated commitment to the United Nation's
Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples;
And whereas the NEBN has made and continues to demonstrate its commitment to
partner engagement and collaboration across many sectors and interests, including
municipal, environmental, tourism, educational, youth, economic, research, and more;
And whereas The City of Niagara Falls has demonstrated its commitment to the integrity
of the NEB through policy and action over many decades;
And whereas the NEBN is seeking continuation of the official UNESCO Biosphere
designation for the NEB, with the support of those who call the NEB home for work, play
and study;
Now therefore be it resolved that the City of Niagara Falls strongly supports the
continuation of the UNESCO Biosphere designation for the Niagara Escarpment and for
the oversight model that has been established with the NEBN.
AND The Seal of the Corporation be hereto affixed
09 �!'A t WVA
WILLIAM G. MATSON
CITY CLERK
Carried Unanimously
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J
JAMES M. DIODATI
MAYOR