Noosa is nestled in one of Australia’s most outstandingly beautiful areas and is recognised by UNESCO as a World Biosphere Reserve. It boasts spectacular coastline, a scenic national park and incredible reefs, golden sandy beaches, unique rivers and charming lakes.

As Queensland’s first and only Biosphere Reserve, Noosa is the perfect blend of idyllic nature and stylish offerings. The reserve shows potential to develop sustainable organic production enterprises through innovative participatory practices in the community. Noosa’s ongoing commitment to managing its development while protecting the natural environment has already been recognised by UNESCO, which has awarded the region “Man and the Biosphere Reserve” (MAB) status. This article aims to become far more than a useful source of information and knowledge.

What Does That mean?

Biosphere Reserves act as a keystone of MAB by providing a global network of sites for cooperative research toward this end. They also aim to demonstrate the sustainable use goals of the World Conservation Strategy.

Of about 17 Biosphere Reserves in Australia at this time, only 2 of them are reserves in which more than 80% of the approved area lies outside legally protected “green” zones. That means that all development, trade and lifestyle should meet guidelines for “sustainability”.

With official UNESCO recognition, Noosa Biosphere Reserve has made a start in harnessing the huge achievements made to date by the local community.

It was founded by a small group of unit owners and businesses to provide Information Services and to promote Hastings Street. The very first information centre was located near the bus stop and was staffed by volunteers and remained in operation until the formation of Tourism Noosa who subsequently took over the responsibility.

Managing urban growth in a sustainable manner and developing a culture of responsible stewardship by all community members is one of the key drivers of the Noosa Biosphere. The local economy has a strong reliance on tourism and this in turn is dependant on the natural resource base and locational attributes of the area.

The Biosphere Reserve should be governed through the formation of a company limited by guarantee, owned by the soon to be created Sunshine Coast Regional Council. Currently there are 13 groups with approximately 80 active volunteers. Stockland is “Australia’s largest diversified property group”, and the state government is giving them the right to both construct and initially own an entire city of 50,000. There is no precedent for this.

In 2008, Michael was elected as a community representative on the board of Noosa Biosphere Limited, the 1st Noosa Biosphere Limited in Queensland. Michael is also in his third term as chair of Tourism Noosa. An advocate for the harmonious balance between a great lifestyle and interaction with mother earth, Sheraton has been granted a Biosphere Reserve status by UNESCO. This undoubtedly is another feather to one’s cap as the world salutes a hotel with a big support for the environment.

Beautiful Noosa

Surrounded by Noosa National Park, low-rise and leafy, Noosa is a rare coastal holiday destination with a commitment to preserving its natural environment. Visitors enjoy Noosa’s pristine beaches, the prestige shopping and dining along the renowned Hastings Street and catch glimpses of koalas living in the trees overlooking Noosa’s Laguna Bay.

The hinterland areas inland of Noosa and Coolum are so underrated. You get towering forests, mountains, lakes, quaint little villages and quiet, winding roads – much more interesting than the highway!

Noosa is approximately an hour and half drive north of Brisbane and is part of Queensland’s Sunshine Coast. Enjoy the great outdoors, while staying in warm Noosa accommodation, by swimming and surfing at the beach, kayaking down the Noosa River, or by taking a bush walk in the beautiful Noosa National Park, which boasts stunning ocean views.

Related posts:

1. The Noosa Biosphere Reserve Project