What is in it for businesses?  This was the question posed towards the Biosphere Economic Sector Board at last week's Noosa Chamber of Commerce breakfast meeting.

This (believe it or not) is actually a difficult question to answer but Greg Livingstone (Chair of the Economic Sector Board), Ben McMullen, Michael Donovan and others made a very valient attempt.

Firstly Ben McMullen gave an overview about the Biosphere and how it came into being.  Then Greg talked about the many projects that the Biosphere Economic Sector Board have been involved in - which when you think about the fact that sector board members are all volunteers - it is an impressive list!

Some discussions were had on the merits of an accreditation process for Biosphere Businesses with a decision to take a straw poll out to Chamber members to find out their thoughts on the merits of an additional accreditation process - keeping in mind that the Biosphere currently promotes the already established and well recognised Ecobiz environmental accreditation process.

The Noosa Biosphere reserve status is something that all residents, businesses and even tourists can talk about and be proud about - shout it from the rooftops if you like, and use the status in your marketing as you see fit. You don't need permisssion to talk about the Noosa Biosphere reserve status - it belongs to the entire community.

Not only is the Biosphere beneficial in the marketing of local businesses, adopting Biosphere environmental and social values can also help with your bottom line.  Businesses who have taken up the Ecobiz challenge have had SIGNIFICANT savings through both water and waste minimisation activities as well as reduction in energy use.

In addition to individual business opportunities, Greg and the team discussed some of the broader economic develoment initiatives being undertaken by the board including the upcoming 2011 international conference as well as putting the Biosphere 'on the radar' of Sunshine Coast Government economic departments and agencies. 

For a full copy of the powerpoint presentation see below.