Your Biosphere
Mavillette Beach Provincial Park: Photography by Sheridan Harel
The Southwest Nova Biosphere Region (SNBRA) is a UNESCO designated and internationally recognized unique region of natural and cultural heritage, spanning the 5 counties of Annapolis, Digby, Yarmouth, Shelburne and Queens.
The UNESCO Man and the Biosphere Programme looks for ways to establish a scientific basis for the relationship between humanity and the environment. Biosphere regions are recognised for their unique biodiversity, landscapes and connected communities. Worldwide, there is a network of over 700 biosphere regions in over 120 countries that are home to more than 170 million people.
The five southwestern counties of Nova Scotia include some of the most biodiverse areas in eastern Canada, including 75% of all species at risk in Nova Scotia. It also has a unique blend of cultures and heritage that make it an excellent candidate for recognition under the Man and the Biosphere programme. Designation as the UNESCO Southwest Nova Biosphere Reserve occurred in 2001.
Kejimkujik National Park and the Tobeatic Wilderness area form the core protected area of the biosphere. Surrounding the core area is a buffer zone consisting of crown lands where proposals for operations on the landscape are evaluated prior to any activity to ensure the integrity of the core protected area is maintained. Outside of the buffer zone is a zone of cooperation where the most communities are found. The Southwest Nova Biosphere Region is one of 19 biosphere regions across Canada and is largest in the country.
The SNBRA seeks to balance the conservation of nature and cultural heritage with sustainable resource development to support prosperous local economies and healthy communities. Our work at the SNBR supports these three elements of biosphere regions:
conservation
sustainable development
capacity building for research and education.
“UNESCO-designated biosphere reserves, referred to as biosphere regions in Canada, feature iconic landscapes, unique natural diversity, and vibrant communities.” Canadian Biosphere Reserve Association (CBRA)
“Biosphere reserves are ‘learning places for sustainable development’. They are sites for testing interdisciplinary approaches to understanding and managing changes and interactions between social and ecological systems, including conflict prevention and management of biodiversity”
What is a Biosphere?
UNESCO & SNBRA
“Southwest Nova represents the natural region of southwestern Nova Scotia. The biosphere reserve comprises major landscapes of the province, which exist in a near-pristine condition with intact ecosystem structures, processes and functions.”
Southwest Nova Biosphere Map
Explore Your Biosphere!
Canada’s 19 Biosphere Regions
“ There are 19 biosphere regions across the country helping communities thrive in harmony with nature. While each of them has its own appeal, they are all committed to balancing environmental, economic, cultural, and social needs to support local development. “
UNESCO CBRA National MapAtlantic Region
“The Atlantic region, comprising the maritime provinces of Nova Scotia and New Brunswick features biosphere regions that focus on coastal ecosystems, marine biodiversity, and sustainable fisheries management. These regions serve as vital habitats for migratory birds, marine mammals, and commercially important fish species, while also addressing challenges such as coastal erosion and habitat degradation.”
CBRA Atlantic Regional Map