The Mornington Peninsula and Western Port Biosphere proposal - Australia's first designated Biosphere reserve in more than 20 years and the world's first urban biosphere - was approved by The United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) in Paris. 

The latest Biosphere is unique in that it has a mix of residential, industrial, farming, fishing, recreational, conservation and tourism activities. The reserve includes areas currently included in international treaties recognised for their conservation significance including Western Port's RAMSAR-designated wetlands. 

Frankston City Environmental Co-ordinator and member of the Mornington Peninsula and Western Port Biosphere Advisory Committee Mr Mark Batty said the approval is just reward after three years of hard work by the community including research, public engagement and policy development "in pursuing the community led vision for environmental sustainability on a regional scale." 

The creation of the Biosphere reserve will enable the many groups and individuals who have been involved in the project to concentrate on programs involving the broader community, giving them a greater role in ensuring this highly valued area remains livable for future generations. 

The designation is more than recognition of the international significance of the area. It provides a global framework for promoting voluntary partnerships and programs aimed at pursuing sustainable development. It has the potential to become a showcase demonstrating how a large number of people can live in harmony with their environment by addressing economic, social and environmental imperatives and ensuring future generations are not denied opportunities for a healthy and just lifestyle.

Up until May 2002 UNESCO had approved 408 Biosphere reserves in 94 countries.

The Biosphere has federal, state and local government support and represents a significant shift in thinking about conservation, away from the traditional focus on national parks, towards a more holistic approach which also embraces privately owned rural and urban areas.

The area encompassed by the Biosphere reserve with Frankston City includes those parts of Langwarrin and Frankston South that are in the Westernport catchment, and also includes whole of Mornington Peninsula Shire, coastal areas of the municipalities of Casey, Cardinia and Bass Coast including Phillip and French Islands. It has a combined area of 2,142 square kilometres, approximately one third of which covers coastal areas and the waters of Western Port.

A major initiative to-date has focussed on education and greater community understanding of sustainability. Local students have been involved through a 'Schools of the Biosphere' project looking at sustainability and schools. The many service clubs and conservation groups in the area have also shown considerable interest and a Biosphere Foundation will be established to co-ordinate future programs and projects.

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