| Overall Rating | Silver |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 52.37 |
| Liaison | Sergio Alza |
| Submission Date | April 5, 2024 |
Brock University
OP-10: Biodiversity
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
0.00 / 2.00 |
Evan
Rodenburg Sustainability Data Analyst Facilities Management |
"---"
indicates that no data was submitted for this field
Does the institution own or manage land that includes or is adjacent to legally protected areas, internationally recognized areas, priority sites for biodiversity, or regions of conservation importance?:
Yes
A brief description of the legally protected areas, internationally recognized areas, priority sites for biodiversity, and/or regions of conservation importance:
Brock University’s main campus is located in a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Biosphere Reserve, formally known as the Niagara Escarpment Biosphere Network (NEBN). Brock is at the center of Canada’s Niagara Peninsula on the Niagara Escarpment. The NEBN was designated in 1990 and represents the largest contiguous stretch of primarily forested land in south-central Ontario. The Canadian Commission for UNESCO has a new communications strategy in which the term “reserve” is dropped from the name, or changed to “region.” The term “reserve” in Canada has a negative historical connotation for many Indigenous peoples and is not considered appropriate as together, seeking Truth and Reconciliation. Outside of Canada, internationally UNESCO still refers to these areas of environmental importance “Biosphere Reserves".
Biosphere Reserves are coined as ‘learning places for sustainable development’ and the presence of the NEBN, the Bruce Trail and Lake Moodie present an excellent opportunity to promote the stewardship of these ecological resources. The entire NEBN is home to more than 300 bird species, 55 mammals, 36 reptiles and amphibians, 90 fish and 100 varieties of special interest flora. The University and surrounding community have a strong interest in protecting and restoring this natural environment.
Biosphere Reserves are coined as ‘learning places for sustainable development’ and the presence of the NEBN, the Bruce Trail and Lake Moodie present an excellent opportunity to promote the stewardship of these ecological resources. The entire NEBN is home to more than 300 bird species, 55 mammals, 36 reptiles and amphibians, 90 fish and 100 varieties of special interest flora. The University and surrounding community have a strong interest in protecting and restoring this natural environment.
Has the institution conducted an assessment to identify endangered and vulnerable species (including migratory species) with habitats on land owned or managed by the institution?:
No
A list of endangered and vulnerable species with habitats on land owned or managed by the institution, by level of extinction risk:
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Has the institution conducted an assessment to identify areas of biodiversity importance on land owned or managed by the institution?:
No
A brief description of areas of biodiversity importance on land owned or managed by the institution:
The Niagara Escarpment lands are part of the UNESCO biosphere reserve, which includes Brock University’s main campus.
The methodologies used to identify endangered and vulnerable species and/or areas of biodiversity importance and any ongoing assessment and monitoring mechanisms:
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A brief description of the scope of the assessment(s):
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A brief description of the plans or programs in place to protect or positively affect identified species, habitats, and/or ecosystems:
There are several environmental policies in place which include provincial policy, regional policy, municipal policy, and the Niagara Escarpment Plan.
Estimated percentage of areas of biodiversity importance that are also protected areas :
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Website URL where information about the institution’s biodiversity initiatives is available:
Additional documentation to support the submission:
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Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
UNESCO Niagara Escarpment: https://en.unesco.org/biosphere/eu-na/niagara-escarpment
UNESCO BrockU: https://brocku.ca/unesco-chair/niagara-escarpment-biosphere-network/
Name Change to Biosphere Network: https://nefoundation.ca/programs/biosphere-project/#:~:text=January%202021%20update%3A%20When%20this,Niagara%20Escarpment%20Biosphere%20(NEB).
UNESCO BrockU: https://brocku.ca/unesco-chair/niagara-escarpment-biosphere-network/
Name Change to Biosphere Network: https://nefoundation.ca/programs/biosphere-project/#:~:text=January%202021%20update%3A%20When%20this,Niagara%20Escarpment%20Biosphere%20(NEB).
The information presented here is self-reported. While AASHE staff review portions of all STARS reports and institutions are welcome to seek additional forms of review, the data in STARS reports are not verified by AASHE. If you believe any of this information is erroneous or inconsistent with credit criteria, please review the process for inquiring about the information reported by an institution or simply email your inquiry to stars@aashe.org.