What is a Biosphere Region?
“We learn from the mistakes of our past, that’s the concept of the biosphere, is that we continue to interact with our environment, but we do it in a consciously more sustainable way so that we can live in a better future”
In the 1970s, UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) created Biosphere Reserves (now called Regions in Canada) to find better ways for people and the environment to coexist. Have you heard of World Heritage Areas? These are created and certified by UNESCO. Biosphere Regions are a similar concept, but think of them as special places where people and nature thrive together. They span diverse landscapes, from coastal waters to forests, and include vibrant communities actively working to create a sustainable future.
So, what does this look like in practice? It’s about making sure nature’s resources are used wisely, so future generations can enjoy them too. This is called sustainable development—finding ways to meet our needs without destroying our planet in the process. Conservation, on the other hand, means protecting the land, water, and wildlife to ensure their survival for future generations. It’s about conserving habitats so animals and plants can thrive, and people can continue to benefit from nature’s beauty and resources. In Biosphere Regions, these ideas come together in practical ways to restore ecosystems, support communities, and encourage learning.
In Biosphere Regions, these ideas come together in practical ways. For example, the Marine Stewardship Initiative, in partnership with the Howe Sound Biosphere, developed the Marine Reference Guide. This interactive tool brings together data about Howe Sound’s marine ecosystems, highlighting critical habitats that need protection. It supports conservation efforts and promotes sustainable practices, ensuring the health of marine life and benefiting local communities.
Biosphere Reserve or Biosphere Region?
In Canada, we refer to these places as Biosphere Regions instead of reserves. The term 'reserve' carries significant historical and cultural weight, particularly concerning Indigenous communities. Historically, it has referred to land designated by the Canadian government for the use and benefit of First Nations under the Indian Act. These lands are government-managed, and First Nations do not hold title to them, creating complex legal and social implications. Recognising this sensitive history, Canada uses the term 'region' to foster inclusivity and avoid unintended associations with colonial practices.
How Do Biosphere Regions Regenerate?
At Biosphere Bathing we talk a lot about Regenerative Tourism, where explorers actively participate in projects that promote conservation and restoration, ultimately enhancing the local environment and community of the regions they visit.
At their core, Biosphere Regions focus on regeneration—the idea of not just sustaining what’s left but actively restoring ecosystems and communities to thrive again. Take the Howe Sound Biosphere Region as an example. Decades of industrial pollution left the area’s marine life struggling. But through community advocacy, partnerships, and conservation efforts, the sound has seen a remarkable recovery, with whales and orcas returning to the sound after a centuries absence. Today, it’s a living example of how regeneration is possible with collective effort.
Regeneration in these regions goes beyond nature. It’s about rebuilding economies, preserving cultural heritage, and fostering partnerships between conservation groups, local businesses, and First Nations. These collaborations create innovative solutions for challenges like climate change and biodiversity loss, which scientists have identified as key drivers of the ongoing sixth mass extinction. Unlike previous mass extinctions caused by natural events, this one is primarily driven by human activities such as habitat destruction, pollution, and overexploitation of resources.
The Role of Regenerative Tourism
Tourism plays a pivotal role in many Biosphere Regions. Instead of simply minimising negative impacts, regenerative tourism actively contributes to the environment and local communities. Visitors are encouraged to participate in activities that restore natural habitats, support local economies, and engage with Indigenous knowledge. Imagine planting trees or learning about marine conservation from local experts while kayaking. These experiences not only enrich the visitor but leave a positive legacy behind.
In a time when climate change and biodiversity loss are at the forefront of global challenges, Biosphere Regions provide a blueprint for what’s possible. They show us how we can live in harmony with the planet, regenerating what has been lost and creating vibrant, resilient communities. There are over 700 Biosphere Regions worldwide and Biosphere Bathing is here to bring them to you in the form of travel guides, blog posts, volunteer opportunities, and events.
Which Biosphere will you travel to next?
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