Dickson Falls, Fundy National Park. Photo by New Brunswick Tourism.

by Naomi Meed

How would you explain what a biosphere is? Even though we’ve covered this question here before, we still often hear that people are unfamiliar with the term biospheres, and part of our work at Fundy Biosphere Region is to spread awareness of what biospheres and their driving principles are worldwide.  We in New Brunswick have had the Fundy Biosphere Region designated by UNESCO since 2007, but we still interact with many locals who are unfamiliar with UNESCO, let alone all 13 designations in Atlantic Canada (3 biospheres, 3 geoparks, and 7 world heritage sites).  We currently have a total of 19 biospheres across Canada and 759 worldwide, featuring places like the Amazon Rainforest, the Galapagos Islands, Patagonia, and the Serengeti.

 

Here in Fundy, we describe biospheres in a variety of ways.  When interacting at festivals or events, sometimes we refer to biospheres as places where “people live in balance with nature”.  Others of us use the term “living laboratories” to describe the active learning and research that occurs in these hubs of biodiversity.  Although biodiversity is often the main thing highlighted, we can also say biospheres are places with cultural, environmental, and biological diversity. At other times, we highlight the work that we do with other NGOs and local communities, from conservation efforts, to investing in projects that will help foster and develop sustainable communities.

 

With all of these amazing ways of describing biospheres, we can best say that they are globally-recognized regions known for their vibrant diversity in cultural and natural heritage.  They are valued for the environments they host and the communities they nurture, and we hope to maintain and further cultivate the relationships between people and nature in these regions.

 

Since 2022, UNESCO has celebrated the International Day for Biosphere Reserves on Nov. 3 each year.  With 759 biospheres worldwide, there is certainly a lot to celebrate!  UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere (MAB) department describes biospheres here in further detail, and they have a map of all of the biospheres around the world that you can explore for yourself.  Here in Fundy, we recently released our Amazing Places podcast and the last of our 12 episodes will be live on Nov. 3 so you can listen to all of the content while you explore or plan your next trip to Fundy Biosphere Region.  We also will have the UN flag raised in the town of Riverview to bring attention to the values UNESCO holds and encourages in sustainable development.  Take some time to appreciate the nature around you on Biosphere Day!

 

So tell us, what do biospheres mean to you?