UNESCO Biosphere

On May 5, 2000 as a result of community, First Nations, Government and industry efforts, Clayoquot Sound was designated as UNESCO Biosphere Reserve dedicated to promoting and demonstrating a balance between people and nature.

What is a Biosphere Reserve?

Biosphere Reserves are areas of terrestrial and/or coastal ecosystems which are internationally recognized through the Man and Biosphere (MAB) Program of the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

How are Biosphere Reserves selected?

To qualify for consideration as a Biospere Reserve an area should:

• Be representative of a major biogeographic region that includes a variation of human activities.
• Contain landscapes, ecosystems or animal and plant species or varieties which need to be conserved.
• Provide an oppertunity to explore and demonstrate approaches to sustainable development within the larger region where they are located.
• Be of an appropriate size to serve the three functions of Biosphere Reserves illustrated above
• Have an appropriate zoning system, with a legally constituted core area or areas, devoted to long term protection. a clearly identified buffer zone or zones and an outer transition area where most human activity occurs.

What are the functions of Biosphere Reserves?

• Conserve biological diversity.
• Maintain healthy ecosytems.
• Learn about natural systems and how they are changing.
• Learn about traditional forms of land-use.
• Share knowledge on how to manage natural resources in a sustainable way.
• Co-operate in solving natural resource problems.