Biosphere reserves in Canada

Biosphere reserves are sites recognized by UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere Programme and are models of a sustainable future that protect and celebrate cultural and biological diversity, and that empower people to engage with one another and with nature in healthier ways. Biosphere reserves in Canada are designated areas where communities are actively working to conserve biodiversity and implement the UN Sustainable Development Goals supported by Canada.

Zones

Biosphere reserves have three distinct zones:

MAP IMAGE HERE Credit:UNESCO

• a core protected area, consisting of a strictly protected ecosystem (e.g. national wildlife area, migratory bird sanctuary, or national park) that contributes to the conservation of landscapes, ecosystems, species, and genetic variation;
• a buffer zone, used for limited activities, compatible with sound ecological practices that can reinforce scientific research, monitoring, training, and education; and
• a transition area, where greater activity is allowed, fostering socio-culturally and ecologically sustainable economic and human development.

Biosphere reserves in Canada

There are nineteen biosphere reserves across Canada. They reflect the geographic diversity of Canada and some of its most iconic landscapes, and bring people together at a regional level in support of domestic and international environmental and sustainable development goals and principles.

Biosphere reserves are located in areas with high conservation value and potential; all but one are located in southern Canada. There is a biosphere reserve in Northwest Territories and there is at least one in every province, with the exception of Newfoundland and Labrador and Prince Edward Island.

Credit: Canadian Biosphere Reserves Association

From east to west:

• Bras d’Or Lake, NS
• Southwest Nova, NS
• Fundy, NB
• Manicouagan-Uapishka, QC
• Charlevoix, QC
• Lac Saint-Pierre, QC
• Mont Saint-Hilaire, QC
• Frontenac Arch, ON
• Georgian Bay / Mnidoo Gamii, ON
• Long Point, ON
• Niagara Escarpment, ON
• Riding Mountain, MB
• Redberry Lake, SK
• Beaver Hills, AB
• Waterton, AB
• Tsá Tué, NWT
• Átl'ka7tsem / Howe Sound, BC
• Mount Arrowsmith, BC
• Clayoquot Sound, BC

Biosphere reserves in Nova Scotia

Georgian Bay Biosphere Reserve

Átl’ka7tsem / Howe Sound Biosphere Reserve in British Columbia

Átl’ka7tsem / Howe Sound Biosphere Region (AHSBR) received its official UNESCO designation in September 2021, becoming Canada’s newest biosphere region and the third in British Columbia.

Though Átl’ka7tsem / Howe Sound inlet and the surrounding mountains are on the edge of bustling Metro Vancouver, the biosphere region is abundant with nature and wildlife, including rare and fragile glass sponge reefs. Residents and visitors alike can explore the outdoors, learn about the region’s unique ecology, and discover the rich culture of the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) and other Coast Salish peoples, who have existed and prospered from this shared territory since time immemorial.

AHSBR extends from the sea floor to the mountaintops, encompassing a 218,723-hectare swath of terrain that begins near Point Atkinson (Sk’íẃitsut) in West Vancouver, running north to Black Tusk (T’ekt’akmúỳin tl’a In7inỳáxa7en) near Whistler, and as far west as Gower Point on the Sunshine Coast. An estimated 42 percent of the land within AHSBR is under some form of conservation management, while less than 5 percent of the marine area is protected. The Howe Sound Biosphere Region Initiative Society is entrusted with overseeing the UNESCO Region and is focused on reconciliation, biodiversity conservation, nurturing place-based research and learning opportunities, and supporting sustainable development. Learn more at howesoundbri.org

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