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. 

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 Neighborhood 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.

Vital Grants - Looking Back & Looking Forward

January 18, 2023
Five years ago, CBT launched Vital Grants: a stream of partnership funding to address regional priorities and complex challenges that influence sustainability in the Clayoquot Sound Biosphere Region. Vital Grants were launched in response to grantee feedback that small grants (e.g. $5000) and short timelines make it difficult to address larger issues

Join our team as Director of Partnerships for Conservation

January 9, 2023
Reporting to the Executive Director, the Director of Partnerships for Conservation will build out a new role collaborating with partners on conservation projects, as well as leading research, planning, and engagement activities linked to the Clayoquot Sound UNESCO Biosphere designation and Canada Target 1. The individual participates in relevant networks and committees aligned with key projects and contributes to the objectives of the Canada Fund Agreement, the MAB Statutory Framework and the MAB Lima Action Plan.

The 2022 Holiday Giving Catalogue is here

December 2, 2022
'Tis the season for giving and standing tall as a region. We're honoured to bring back the Giving Catalogue—an annual collaborative holiday initiative.

Living Building Challenge

October 5, 2022
CBT has committed to achieving the Living Building Challenge! LBC provides a sustainable framework for the design and construction of buildings and cultivates a symbiotic relationship between people, communities, and nature. Living Buildings are regenerative and inspire innovative methods of construction throughout the building!

2022 Discretionary Grants

September 6, 2022
Each year, the CBT provides funding up to $5,000 for small projects that promote the health of individuals, communities and ecosystems throughout the Clayoquot Sound Biosphere Region. Each granting stream is overseen by an advisory committee of local volunteers who have an interest and expertise related to the grant.

Announcing Spring 2022 Neighbourhood Small Grants !

June 14, 2022
We are excited to share nearly 20 grass-roots community projects that will be receiving Neighbourhood Small Grants this cycle.  As usual, the West Coast Community Resources Society, our community partner for creating the cheques for community members. NSG makes empowering, accessible opportunities for residents from all demographics rise up and make their communities more inclusive, vibrant places to live. Check out the projects below and reach out to colin@clayoquotbiosphere.org if you want to connect to a project leader and participate. 

Biosphere Centre: moving forward on the land in a good way

June 13, 2022
On June 2nd, the CBT board, staff, and partners gathered at the future site of the Clayoquot Biosphere Centre for a small ceremony led by Tla-o-qui-aht cultural workers Chris and Hayden Seitcher. The intentions were simple yet profound: to reflect with gratitude on the work done to bring the Biosphere Centre initiative where it is today and to envision the next phase of the project.

CBT Granting Update and Equity Pathway

February 22, 2022
We continue to reflect on key learnings from our UNESCO periodic review, our Vital Signs research, and the pandemic. We’ve committed to work with volunteers, First Nations, communities, and partners on making CBT a more equity-driven organization: in our granting program, in our organizational culture, and beyond.

The Coastal Family Resource Coalition is hiring

February 22, 2022
The Coastal Family Resource Coalition (CFRC) is looking to hire a qualified proponent to provide leadership capacity and coordination services for the CFRC, a regional network coordinated and administered by the CBT and guided by the CFRC Executive Committee.