You know that feeling when you’re halfway up Mount Coolum, looking out over the ocean and you remember why you chose to live on the Sunny Coast? That view you’re taking in is officially part of the only place on Earth where three UNESCO Biospheres meet.
And we just became a partner of one of them.
Our partnership with the Sunshine Coast Biosphere marks a significant milestone for the SC Young Chamber as part of our mission to contribute to a sustainable and healthy Sunshine Coast. We’re now officially part of a community that’s working towards a future where we don’t have to choose between building the life we want and preserving the natural beauty we’re surrounded by.
What is the Sunshine Coast Biosphere?
A biosphere isn’t some hands-off nature reserve where humans aren’t allowed. It’s the opposite; a place where people actively live, work, and build businesses, while also building a sustainable future.
The Sunshine Coast joined this network of communities in June 2022. Today, the Sunshine Coast Biosphere covers the entire local government area (plus three nautical miles offshore), and is part of a network of 759 communities across 136 countries.
They’re all part of UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere Programme, a scientific project that develops and demonstrates environmentally sustainable approaches to economic development, then shares what works across its global network.
Why SCYCC joined
Whether you attended our recent Homegrown Industry & Sustainability Event, got involved in your local beach clean-up, or support local eco businesses, you’re already making a difference. You’re living the Biosphere’s values of Celebrate, Participate, Innovate, and Belong.
Now we want to help you contribute even more.
This partnership amplifies our core mission of supporting young professionals who want to make a real impact, by giving us a framework to help members connect, grow and have fun, while contributing to a wider sustainable cause.
What happens now?
Starting from now, you’ll hear more from us about the Biosphere. Across our socials, EDMs and directly from Biosphere experts at some of our events – we want to shine a spotlight on the people pioneering innovative approaches to sustainable development.
We’ll be catching up with the Biosphere Project Team regularly to explore how our members can contribute to building a resilient economy while protecting the natural environment that makes the Coast special.
Our professional development workshops and events will continue to celebrate the creativity, innovation and research happening here and help you build your network – from sustainable entrepreneur panels to social walks around Buderim Forest.
And every November, we’ll be part of the International Day for Biosphere Reserves, connecting with 275 million people across 136 countries all working on the same challenge we are.
But this partnership isn’t just about adding more sustainability workshops to our calendar. We’re now actively contributing towards global UN Sustainable Development Goals around quality education, building sustainable communities, responsible consumption and production, and more.
Looking forward
As more young professionals choose the Coast not just for the lifestyle but for the opportunity to build meaningful careers, the future depends on the choices we make today to balance growth with environmental protection.
We hope this partnership will inspire you to build a life without compromising the beaches, rainforests, and hinterland we’re surrounded by. With the Biosphere’s established expertise in conservation and sustainability, we’re helping to write the blueprint for a more meaningful and lasting community.
We’re excited about the collaborative projects, events, and community initiatives that will emerge from this partnership. Stay tuned for updates and ways you can get involved in supporting our UNESCO Biosphere Reserve!
For more information about the Sunshine Coast Biosphere, visit sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au, and if you’re interested in joining the Chamber come along to our next event.
