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, InstagramLinkedin & 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. 

Welcoming our 2024 Summer Intern

July 15, 2024
We're excited to welcome Zahur Ashrafuzzaman (she/he/they), our new summer intern who is already making valuable contributions to a variety of projects across the organization!

Our Team's Experience at EuroMAB 2024

June 11, 2024
In early June 2024, two members of the CBT team, Colin Robinson and Janessa Dornstauder had the opportunity to attend EuroMAB 2024 in the Elbe River Landscape, Germany – a UNESCO Biosphere. Because there are so few countries in North America, Canada, and the USA participate in the European network, while Mexico participates in the Latin network. Read more about their experience! 

Marcie Callewaert Reflects on her Leadership Journey

May 6, 2024
“Participating in LVI gave me back my leadership confidence that I had lost somewhere along the way. It was a great reminder of what I am capable of and provided me with tools to strengthen my skills as I move forward in new roles. Because of LVI, I took chances that I never would have taken just a few years ago and they paid off! I am so thankful for the community of support that LVI creates during the program and in the months and years afterwards."

Share the Fare: Elevating Sustainability for the Biosphere Centre

May 2, 2024
Harbour Air, renowned as the Pacific's premier seaplane airline, has recently forged a partnership that aims to redefine the skies. Collaborating with the Clayoquot Biosphere Trust (CBT), Harbour Air's mission goes beyond flight; it's about flying with purpose, with its new support for the Clayoquot Sound Biosphere Centre.

Harbour Air Expands Share the Fare Program to Include the Clayoquot Biosphere Trust

April 10, 2024
arbour Air, North America’s largest seaplane airline, announced today its partnership with the Clayoquot Biosphere Trust (CBT) as part of its Share the Fare program. This collaboration underscores Harbour Air’s commitment to supporting coastal communities in British Columbia and advancing sustainable initiatives.

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.

Pani's Journey : From receiving CBT's Education Award to Pursuing Medicine at UBC

March 8, 2024
Pani Ayoubizadeh from Ucluelet received the Clayoquot Sound Biosphere Education award in 2022 and is currently studying science at the University of British Columbia to become a cardiac surgeon. She has recently gotten in touch to share an update on her academic journey as well as her personal growth since receiving the award.

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.