A group of 25 students and 5 faculty members from the University of Georgia (USA) arrived in Noosa yesterday.  They will spend the next several days exploring our beautiful biosphere reserve.  This is the fourth visit by the University and each visit has anywhere between 25-125 students learning about best practice approaches to sustainability in Australia.

The Noosa biosphere reserve is fast becoming one of their favourite Australian destinations, where the students come to learn and explore the Noosa approach to sustainability.  Other Australian destinations include Lady Elliott Island and Carnarvon Gorge, amongst others.

To welcome the group, the Noosa Biosphere Reserve Ltd community volunteers held a reception for the University of Georgia (UGA) faculty members and invited other members of the community, including representatives from Central Queensland University (CQU) and the University of the Sunshine Coast (USC).  The reception was held at the lovely Outrigger Resort off Little Hasting St (photos below).

Today, the UGA visitors were guests on our 'voices of the biosphere' radio program on Noosa Community Radio 101.3FM.

Tomorrow, Michael Donovan and Ben McMullen from the Noosa Biopshere team will volunteer their time and take the entire group on a grand tour of the area.  This will include many stops including Mt Tinbeerwah, Peregian Veggie Village and an interpretative tour of Hasting Street.

After each and every visit by the University of Georgia study abroad students we receive excellent feedback about the information provided, and in some instances the 'life changing' experiences the students are exposed to. On Monday morning we will be given feedback directly from the students about their experiences on this particular trip.

At all times we highlight sustainable practices throughout the region and recommend sustainable experiences for them to try during their free time.

We look forward to hosting future students and see a wonderful synergy between our efforts in sustainable development and sharing our learnings through education and outreach programs.

After all, the three main principles of a biosphere reserve program are sustainable development, conservation and education and learning!

Left to right: Mikell Gleaso (University of Georgia), Geoff Walters (Noosa Biosphere Deputy Chair), Sue Davis (Noosa Biosphere Chair).

Left to right: Robert Elliott (USC), Mike and Cathy Clutter (UGA), Mikell Gleason (UGA), Sue Davis Chair Noosa Biosphere, Barbara and Richard Schuster (UGA).

Left to right: Scott Richardson (CQU), Richard and Barbara Schuster (UGA), Peter Schofield Noosa Biosphere Social Sector Board.

Welcome from Michael Donovan, Inaugural chair of Noosa Biosphere (above) and both Sue Davis and Michael Donovan (below).