Studying sustainable combination of natural richness and human activity.
Robin Marwege from Germany out on Franklin Island.
Submitted photo
The Georgian Bay Biosphere Reserve will be supported by a new intern from Germany. Robin Marwege has just recently finished his third master’s semester at the University of Applied Science in Eberswalde, near the capital of Berlin. He arrived on March 1st, and plans to work for six months with the education team at the Georgian Bay Biosphere Reserve.
But how did a German find the Biosphere Reserve on eastern Georgian Bay and why would he bother travelling 6,500 km to another continent? “Of course the stunning beauty of the 30,000 islands is one reason, the various projects done by the Biosphere management are another. I want to learn more about environmental education in Biosphere Reserves to prepare for the last step of my study program, my master’s thesis.” He found out about GBBR through a professor’s recommendations, the Georgian Bay webpage, and encouragement from Biosphere staff.
Communications Manager, Becky Pollock, is certain that there is mutual benefit to an international internship. “Although we have had several interns, this is the first time we have been contacted by such an enthusiastic and well-trained candidate from another country who can directly support our education mandate. We hope to offer valuable experiences for him as a young professional, as well as to get support for our day-to-day work.”
The internship will include the successful program for elementary and secondary students called “Lessons-In-A-Backpack”. Thanks to the Ontario Trillium Foundation, the Biosphere Reserve has created a unique outdoor education program tailored to local schools. “To work on the development of this program is a very good opportunity to train my educational skills. I also plan to add a new topic to the existing lessons. And it will be fun to be outside with the kids in the rich nature of the Bay!” says Robin.
Besides the outdoor education work, Robin plans to gain a broad insight into the work of Biosphere Reserve management and networking. During his internship, he will also attend workshops for teachers, use social media like Facebook and the Biosphere Reserve’s website to increase public awareness of environmental issues, and get “hands on” experience with the Species at Risk program, working with Glenda Clayton.
In only two weeks, he has already planned to help with the Biosphere Action Group gardening workshops and grow food at the Community Garden. He plans to assist with the maple syrup festival and wildlife surveys at Killbear Park and possibly fisheries restoration with the Eastern Georgian Bay Stewardship Council. To experience the Bay’s wild side, learn about local ecology and the tourism industry, he plans to assist with kayak trips and training provided by White Squall Paddling Centre.
Because of the Bay’s natural significance, but also because of its culture, the whole area of eastern Georgian Bay was acknowledged as a Biosphere Reserve by the UNESCO (United Nations Environmental, Scientific and Cultural Organization).
Since 2004, it has been part of the World Biosphere Network, which now has over 560 sites. This is one of the reasons why Robin decided to spend spring and summer in Parry Sound: “I just totally agree with UNESCO that we need model regions in which natural richness and human activity are sustainably combined – that‘s what Biosphere Reserves are about, in my opinion”.
His internship and the journey to Canada are funded by the German Academic Study Foundation. This funding supports a Master’s degree in “Regional Development and Nature Conservation” with a focus on Environmental Education. The content of the study program matches the vision of Georgian Bay Biosphere Reserve: to protect and enhance the natural and cultural resources of Eastern Georgian Bay through environmental stewardship, community education and sustainable development activities.
Robin says that he is very glad to enrich his studies with these experiences. “With the work plan tailored to my interests, I can strengthen my skills in environmental education, environmental communication – such as media work or other more creative forms of communication, and of course, outdoor activities. And I am really thankful for the help and patience everybody gives me – being a non-native speaker sometimes is a challenge.”
Already Robin has tried cross-country skiing and snowmobiling. He spent a day on Franklin Island to see the outer islands. A journey through Canada by train is also planned – “to see more of the country’s fascinating landscapes and to get to know more of the friendly Canadian people!”