An Opportunity for Volunteers in Southwestern Nova Scotia

UNESCO deems that an environment is made precious not only by its unique flora and fauna, but also by its unique people.  This is the underlying premise of The Human Biosphere Project.

The challenge of maintaining and enhancing economic and social sustainability for resource-based rural communities is significant. Business consolidation and social service centralization have tended to draw economic activity toward urban centres at the expense of smaller towns:  this, as we all know, is a global trend.

In a bold David-versus-Goliath move, one small economic development agency in rural Nova Scotia is taking the lead in an effort to protect and enhance its economic environment.  The Annapolis Digby Economic Development Agency, in collaboration with the Mersey Tobeatic Research Institute (MTRI) and the UNESCO Southwest Nova Biosphere Reserve Association, introduces The Human Biosphere Project. This initiative will create an inventory of skilled volunteers with unique and highly refined professional expertise who wish to be involved in civic and business development.  The project will identify business executives, senior managers, and administrative specialists – including retirees who have recently relocated to the region – and partner these volunteers with local businesses and not-for-profit agencies who seek mentorship.

Many areas in southwestern Nova Scotia have attracted retirees from throughout Canada, the US and Europe. The economic environment of the late 20th century, combined with the associated post-war baby boom, has produced unprecedented numbers of early retirees settling in rural Nova Scotia to enjoy its special quality of life and relatively lower housing costs. Many of these persons have achieved a high level of professional standing, accumulated contacts in the provincial, national or international business community and are ready to share that knowledge.

Success with The Human Biosphere Project will ultimately create an environment in Annapolis Digby that is rich in exemplary human relationships, as well as foster the general health and well-being of our entire community – physically, psychologically and economically.

Should you wish to join the Project as a mentor, please click here.  Tell us a little bit about yourself, including a synopsis of your area of expertise and/or interest.  We thank you for volunteering to assist our business community!

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