Volume 20, Issue 2, 1995 June/July 1995

A New Ecowatch Centre opens in Montreal

by Jean-Guy Renaud and Marie Terrien

In June 1995, a new interactive centre for learning about the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence River ecosystem opened to the public. The Biosphere, a project of Environment Canada in cooperation with the City of Montreal, is situated on St. Helen's Island in Montreal. It will also serve as a focal point for an impressive network of ecowatchers throughout the northeastern United States and Canada.

We already know how critical water is to all forms of life: we cannot survive without it. That is why we are becoming ever more aware of the need to act, both individually and collectively, to preserve and conserve this precious resource. Of the world's freshwater resources, 20 percent is found in the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River. Our responsibility for it is of utmost importance. Its scarcity in certain regions of the world will make water a major issue in the twenty-first century.

The Biosphere occupies a dome designed by R. Buckminster Fuller, an architect, engineer and ecologist who was ahead of his time. Built from an assembly of triangles, this largest architectural sphere in the world housed the U.S. exhibit at the Expo '67 world fair. It remains an eloquent monument to what Fuller believed was the perfect form.

In keeping with the spirit of the site, the building makes use of the principles of sustainable development and energy efficiency in its heating, cooling and wastewater management systems. It is an excellent example of thinking globally and acting locally.

A Showcase for Water and Ecosystems

With its interactive spaces, amphitheatre, water theatre and ecoaction and documentation centre, the Biosphere is ideal for educational workshops, talks and guided tours on the St. Lawrence- Great Lakes ecosystem. Permanent exhibits include:

• Discovery Hall: Exploring Water's Importance in Our Lives
• Visions Hall: The St. Lawrence-Great Lakes Ecosystem Today
• Connections Hall: Call to Action

Imagine being able to access invaluable data collected by ecowatchers and made available around the world on the information superhighway. Students of all ages will find computerized documentation related to their own research areas. As an ecowatch centre, the Biosphere will make its interpreters, research advisers and state-of-the-art technology available to many types of publics to promote greater awareness of water's vital role and sustainable development.

The term biosphere means the planet Earth and everything on it. Thus the Biosphere is Earth on a small scale. Through its network of ecowatchers, the Biosphere celebrates the very essence of life. It is an experiment resolutely focused on the future. Creating and sustaining a responsible, action-oriented attitude among the public is the fundamental mission of the Biosphere.

Come and see us to experience this unique world of water!

For further information contact Michel Provencher, Director of Active Observation or Jean- Guy Renaud, Communications Service, the Biosphere, 160, chemin Tour-de-l'Ile, Montreal , PQ H3C 4G8, telephone (514)283-5000.