Commission hears biosphere summit briefing; staff warns U.S. UNESCO withdrawal affects 2027 periodic review

Paul gave a detailed recap of the recent U.S. Biosphere Network summit in Fort Collins and outlined several follow‑up steps for the Pinelands biosphere program.

He said the designation brings international recognition and partnership opportunities and highlighted tangible products from a recent collaboration, including an ArcGIS story map and classroom resources. Paul described program activities—education and outreach, youth engagement, and mapping of fire and species sightings—and urged the commission to complete the Biosphere Network’s online self‑assessment. He proposed producing a short biosphere film and identifying a representative for the U.S. Biosphere youth group (ages 18–35) to strengthen youth engagement.

On the program’s administrative timeline, Paul warned commissioners that the United States will withdraw from UNESCO on 12/31/2026 and that decision affects the Pinelands’ periodic review due in 2027: "The United States will withdraw... on, 12/31/2026. So that means we can't submit it if we wanted to." He said the Man and the Biosphere program is temporarily relaxing deadlines for U.S. biospheres and recommended completing the smaller online self‑assessment now to signal ongoing engagement.

Commissioners praised Paul’s representation at the summit and discussed funding and staffing limits: multiple speakers said biosphere activities are valuable but resource constrained. During public comment, Heidi of the Highlands Alliance thanked staff for hosting interns and said the alliance will notify its membership about the federal action affecting the biosphere designation; caller Karen Argenti asked whether Highlands stormwater standards apply in regional growth areas and staff confirmed they do.