Existing Projects
Our initiatives start with an understanding of what makes the Southern Appalachians important and unique, from its peoples and communities to endemic species and sensitive environments.
Culturally Significant Plant Species
The Culturally Significant Plant Species Initiative (CSPSI) is a collaboration between The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and SAMAB. A principal goal of the CSPSI is to seek a balance of access, utilization, and restoration of human-nature interrelationships in Southern Appalachia. Respect and acknowledgement of the Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) held by the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians is central to this effort.
Southern Appalachian Vitality Index
Current Initiatives
Community Engagement.—Sustainability requires community engagement, and the biosphere region concept embraces this through (1) protected core natural areas, (2) buffer zones for research, monitoring, and training, and (3) transition areas where communities come together to foster socio-cultural and ecologically sustainable economic development. Come back in November to see progress as we advance the Biosphere Eco-City concept within the Southern Appalachians Biosphere Region with local officials and community leaders, starting in East Tennessee.
Endemic Species and Sensitive Environments of Southern Appalachia
Southern Appalachia is home to >15,000 species of plants and animals. The region is an epicenter for aquatic life, rare plants, cave fauna, and more. Many of these species are endemic, or occur only here, sometimes on a single mountain or in a single cave! Regardless of the initiatives we pursue, these unique species and environments are at the center of what we work to protect.
Caves and karst landscapes.—The Southern Appalachians contain an unusually high density of caves and karst (exposed or mantled limestone). These extensive systems harbor unique cultural resources and sensitive and endemic fauna. They are also critical to the quality and availability of our drinking water. Come back soon to see how SAMAB is working to protect cave and karst landscapes, which includes exciting new collaborations with the Mammoth Cave Biosphere Region and the CaveMAB Network!
Help us build initiatives to protect Southern Appalachia’s rare and sensitive natural features.
Be sure to specify how you’d like to contribute!