What is a Biosphere
Reserve?
Biosphere reserves are internationally recognized by UNESCO-MAB as being uniquely
important, both culturally and ecologically.
They are representative environments for
promoting and demonstrating a balanced
Balancing the conservation of natural
relationship between people and nature. Bi-
and cultural resources with
osphere reserves serve in some ways as
“living laboratories” for testing out and
sustainable resource development to
demonstrating integrated management of
support prosperous local economies
land, water and biodiversity.
and healthy communities
Biosphere Reserves serve
1.
2.
3.
three functions:
SNBR encompasses the five most south-western
Conservation — to contribute to the
counties of Nova Scotia: Annapolis, Digby, Yar-
conservation of landscapes, ecosystems,
mouth, Shelburne, and Queens.
species, and genetic variation;
The core of the biosphere includes Kejimkujik
Development — to foster economic and
National Park & National Historic Site and the
human development which is socio-
Tobeatic Wilderness Areas which are protected
culturally and ecologically sustainable;
by legislation. SNBRA relies on the efforts of vol-
Logistic — to provide support for
research, monitoring, education and information exchange related to
conservation and development issues.
unteers and partners from a wide array of backgrounds to identify priorities, raise funds and implement research, conservation, educational and
sustainability projects.
To find out more, visit our website:
www.swnovabiosphere.ca
Or find us on Facebook:
facebook.com/UNESCO.SNBR
www.swnovabiosphere.ca
PRODUCED
BY THE
SOUTHWEST NOVA BIOSPHERE RESERVE ASSOCIATION
Blanding’s Turtle Hatchling
Culture
SNBR is recognized for the cultural integrity
and heritage of the people in the region, in
particular the history of the First Nations
(Mi’kmaq) land stewardship. The rich cultural
heritage of the region also includes the founding settlements of the first French and early
Nature
British colonies in the New World at the historic
The unique climate of the Southwest Nova Biosphere Reserve is home to an extremely diverse
collection of species. The most amphibians and
reptiles east of Ontario can be found in the Biosphere Reserve. Not only is SNBR a hotspot for
biodiversity but it is also home to 75% of Nova
Scotia’s species at risk.
sites of La Have, Fort
Anne and Annapolis
Royal.
and contemporary resource management.
SNBRA strives to reach the needs of biosphere
residents and visitors.
Black settlement by people escaping the southern slave trade is celebrated along the southwest shore region in Shelburne county. The
biosphere reserve includes Mi’kmaq, Acadian,
English, Scottish and many other cultures. The
camps around the bio-
tions, food, festivals and communities.
butterfly habitat by
planting Butterfly Gardens.
environmentally responsible society. We
partnerships. We also encourage traditional
result of this diversity is a unique mix of tradi-
conserve Monarch
within the biosphere reserve while becoming an
reach common goals in new and expanded
Children in summer day
sphere reserve help to
The time is right to foster and celebrate efforts
encourage communities to work together to
Piping Plover
SNBRA supports conservation efforts by researchers, organizations, and volunteers to
protect wildlife. Some
species at risk include the
Piping Plover, Blanding’s
Turtle, Eastern Ribbonsnake and native plants
such as the Water-pennywort and the Threadleaved Sundew.
Community
Here you can appreciate an extraordinarily diverse
natural landscape, surrounded by the sea, that
has shaped and continues to shape local culture.