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UNESCO Biosphere Region Toolkit (with images)

Here is a resource for local businesses and organizations to help highlight the significance of the UNESCO Biosphere Region.

Website Content

Short version

Clayoquot Sound was designated a UNESCO Biosphere Region in 2000 in recognition of the global significance of the region and our commitment to biodiversity conservation, sustainable development, and reconciliation. The Clayoquot Biosphere Trust stewards the designation and is the only organization in Canada that is both a Community Foundation and UNESCO Biosphere Region.

Long version

Clayoquot Sound is a place of unparalleled beauty and abundant biodiversity, rich with cultural heritage and traditional knowledge. This place is a conservation priority on a global scale and encompasses some of the last intact temperate rainforests on earth, vital for climate resiliency and biodiversity. It provides a pristine west coast habitat for hundreds of species, many of which are endangered, vulnerable, or threatened.

Clayoquot Sound was designated a UNESCO Biosphere Region in 2000 in recognition of the global significance of the region and our commitment to biodiversity conservation, sustainable development, and reconciliation. The Clayoquot Biosphere Trust stewards the designation and is the only organization in Canada that is both a Community Foundation and a UNESCO Biosphere Region.

UNESCO is the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization and promotes knowledge sharing that contributes to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals defined in the 2030 Agenda.

For more information: clayoquotbiosphere.org/our-biosphere-region/overview

Social media content

Option 1

Did you know that ______ is located within the UNESCO Clayoquot Sound Biosphere Region? This area was designated in 2000 to recognize the global significance and uniqueness of the region and our commitment to biodiversity conservation, sustainable development, and reconciliation. At this time, there are only 738 UNESCO-designated Biosphere Regions worldwide, and currently 19 in Canada.

This place holds unparalleled beauty and abundant biodiversity, rich with cultural heritage and traditional knowledge. It is a conservation priority on a global scale and encompasses some of the last intact temperate rainforests on earth, vital for climate resiliency and biodiversity. It provides a pristine west coast habitat for hundreds of species, many of which are endangered, vulnerable, or threatened.

To learn more visit, https://clayoquotbiosphere.org/our-biosphere-region/overview

#clayoquotbiosphereregion #UNESCObiosphere

Option 2

We are located within the UNESCO Clayoquot Sound Biosphere Region. Have you heard of UNESCO (the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization)?

This region grew to become a UNESCO biosphere from a grassroots movement of a small but passionate group of community members—people who were seeking better ways of advancing the local region with a long-term commitment to sustainability. In a nutshell, the UNESCO biosphere designation is all about keeping this region a special place to live, work and visit.

To learn more, visit https://clayoquotbiosphere.org/our-biosphere-region/overview

#clayoquotbiosphereregion #UNESCObiosphere

Social media images

Feel free to use the images provided or use your own pictures of the region! The images can be downloaded below, along with our logos. If you would like a white or a higher resolution logo, please email marianne@clayoquotbiosphere.org. 

Please credit and tag Clayoquot Biosphere Trust on social media (Facebook, Instagram, Linkedin & Youtube).

Additional information

Why use region instead of reserve?

Both at home and abroad, there's been a lot of talk about modernizing UNESCO terminology from Biosphere Reserve to Biosphere Region. In Canada, the word Reserve can have negative interpretations tied to the Indian Act and colonization. In other countries, some languages interpret it to mean an exclusive place where humans should not go. Neither of these meanings is a good fit with the mission of UNESCO Biospheres -- inspiring a positive future by connecting people and nature today.

How can you help?

If any written materials (website, brochures, etc.) mention the Biosphere designation, please change the word “Reserve” to “Region”. Let's work together to increase the vitality of the communities and ecosystems in the Biosphere Region we call home.

Click HERE for the PDF version of this toolkit. 

Join us for our Annual Biosphere Region BioBlitz!

April 2, 2024
On Saturday, April 20th, participate from anywhere within the biosphere region to celebrate the upcoming Earth Day! It’s an excellent opportunity to step outdoors and learn about the amazing biodiversity in the area.

Grant Writing Workshop

January 26, 2024
Join this half-day workshop hosted in partnership with the West Coast N.E.S.T. (CBT's regional education tourism initiative) to learn effective grant writing and fundraising strategies.

Good News for the Clayoquot Sound Biosphere Centre Project!

January 17, 2024
In a remarkable display of commitment to community and environmental stewardship, the Wickaninnish Inn has pledged an astounding $150,000 over the course of five years to support the Clayoquot Sound Biosphere Centre. In a generous gesture, they have already contributed $40,000 as their inaugural installment.

Announcing the fall 2023 Culture Neighbourhood Small Grants!

December 6, 2023
We are excited to share this list of grass-roots community projects that received Culture Neighbourhood Small Grants (NSG) this past fall cycle. This has been our most successful cycle to date, with a total of 33 projects in the region, 15 projects for Clayoquot Sound NGS and 18 for Ahousaht NSG!

Holiday Giving Unites Communities

December 4, 2023
As the holiday season draws near, the timeless tradition of holiday giving beckons, transcending cultures and religions, and embodying the spirit of generosity and compassion. In the heart of this global tradition lies an opportunity to make a positive impact on local organizations that sustain our region to help advance their mission far beyond the holiday season.

Truth, Honour & the Way Forward

November 20, 2023
In partnership with Ucluelet Secondary School (USS), the Legacy of Hope Foundation, and Canadian Heritage, the CBT hosted an exhibit to honor the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Take a look at the video to learn more about the event.

CBT's Youth Intern, Reflects on her Beach Cleanup Experience

August 28, 2023
This summer, CBT's Youth Intern, Janessa, has been supporting us in a wide range of projects across the organization and also participated in initiatives hosted by other local non-profits. One of our goals was to offer her the opportunity to experience diverse types of work as well as acquire skills and knowledge in many different fields. Learn about her time with Surfrider Pacific Rim where she helped remove debris from a local beach.

Join our team as Administrative Assistant

August 18, 2023
PLEASE NOTE: Applications are now closed for this position.  The Administrative Assistant will support the CBT across all program areas. The successful candidate will coordinate the day-to-day administration and operations of the CBT office, creating a welcoming space, updating administrative practices, and maintaining records. They will work closely with the Executive Director to support the Board of Directors, as well as work closely with the Finance Coordinator to assist with bookkeeping processes. The Administrative Assistant will work across the CBT to support our programs and events.

Announcing the Spring 2023 Neighbourhood Small Grants!

June 27, 2023
We are excited to share this list of grass-roots community projects that received Neighbourhood Small Grants this past spring cycle. NSG makes empowering, accessible opportunities for residents from all demographics to make their communities more inclusive, and vibrant places to live. Check out the projects below and reach out to marianne@clayoquotbiosphere.org if you want to connect to a project leader and participate.

National Truth and Reconciliation Exhibit

June 13, 2023
Here is a video that was created last year in partnership with the Ucluelet Secondary School, the Legacy of Hope Foundation, and Canadian Heritage to honor the second annual day for Truth and Reconciliation. We have partnered again this year to bring this impactful youth-led learning opportunity for our third annual exhibit.

Hišinq – “All Together”

June 12, 2023
Have you heard that the Clayoquot Biosphere Trust (CBT) is building a Biosphere Center? You might have read about it online or in local print media, maybe you heard it on the radio, or perhaps you joined us for the open house that took place at the current CBT office. However, you might not be aware that the CBT has been working on this project for over a decade and has taken many steps to create a space that will serve and reflect the values held by each community in the region.

We're looking for a new team member! (PDF) 221.42 KB

April 21, 2023
PLEASE NOTE: This position has been filled. The Clayoquot Biosphere Trust is seeking an intern to provide support for a range of projects across the organization. This position will provide opportunities to work alongside and be mentored by different team members, learning about and providing administrative support for projects aligned with the candidate's skills and interests.