Welcome to the Southwest Nova Biosphere Region!
Chebogue wetland: Photography by Sue Hutchins
The Southwestern region of Nova Scotia was designated as a UNESCO Biosphere Region in 2001.
It is one of only 19 ecosystems in Canada with this special designation.
Our Guiding Objectives:
For nature, we support protection of biodiversity, conservation efforts and collaboration for success through education and research.
For culture, we help promote the integrity of cultural resources and heritage in the region.
For industry, we promote and encourage traditional and contemporary sustainable resource management that identifies opportunities for enhancement and innovation.
For communities, we encourage people to work together for common goals in new and expanded partnerships.
The SNBRA works with communities within the biosphere and other organizations to further conservation efforts in the region.
Projects
Turtle Island, Artwork by Mi’kmaq artist Lorne Julien for Nova Scotia Ecological Science Atlas.
Photography © Southwest Nova Biosphere Region
SNBRA Newsletter
Culture & Heritage
The region has been home to Mi’kmaq communities for thousands of years. The southwest of Nova Scotia’s Mi’kmaq name is Kespukwitk meaning “Land’s End”.
Today, two large self-governing Mi’kmaq communities live in the region – Bear River and Acadia First Nations.
Southwest Nova, NS: Striking Balance TVO Original
“Under siege from invasive species, the people of the Southwest Nova Biosphere Region innovate new ways to hold back, eradicate, and even eat the invaders.”