Fundy Biosphere Reserve

Biosphere reserves are areas designated by UNESCO to serve as models for demonstrating a balanced relationship between humans and the biosphere. One of the requirements for designation of a biosphere reserve is that the proposed area must contain a legally protected core area, such as a park or wilderness reserve. Fundy National Park serves as the core area for the Fundy Biosphere Reserve.

The Fundy Biosphere Reserve includes an area of over 430,000 hectares of the upper Bay of Fundy coast, stretching from St. Martins to the Tantramar Marsh near Sackville, N.B. and inland to Moncton, N.B. The Bay of Fundy and its adjacent landscape forms a unique region in its geological formations, terrestrial and marine ecosystems, cultural heritage, as well as a variety of rural communities and urban areas. It compares with more than 531 unique landscapes in 105 countries in the world that have been recognized as UNESCO Biosphere Reserves.

Biosphere Reserves in Canada and Parks Canada

Maintaining and restoring the ecological integrity of Canada’s national parks are an important part of the Parks Canada mandate. Activities in surrounding areas can significantly affect the integrity of park ecosystems. National parks serve as the core area of eight of the 15 biosphere reserves that have been designated to date in Canada.

Collaborative efforts among people and organizations within the biosphere reserve serve to promote the sustainability of local economies and communities, as well as the conservation of the ecosystems in which they are located.

Useful links

• Fundy Biosphere Reserve
• Fundy Biosphere Reserve — Amazing Places
• UNESCO
• Canadian Biosphere Reserve Association