Niagara Escarpment Biosphere Reserve - Frequently Asked Questions

A "Biosphere Reserve" is an international designation of recognition from UNESCO (the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization) for an area in the world which is deemed to demonstrate a "balanced relationship between humans and the biosphere." By this is meant that collaborative efforts among people in the designated area serve to promote the sustainability of local economies and communities, as well as the conservation of the terrestrial/or coastal ecosystems they are in.

Why are they called "biosphere reserves"?

The UNESCO designations are made under the "Man and the Biosphere" Program which was created in 1971. There are now over 140 countries participating in this program. They promote the development and exchange of knowledge and experience among countries about working towards a sustainable future within different kinds of environments.

To find practical examples of places where this is being done effectively, UNESCO developed identification criteria and adopted a distinctive name as a "label of excellence" for them. "Biosphere" indicates a link to the Man and the Biosphere program, and "Reserve" refers to one of the requirements for designation; that is, that each area includes protected lands for conservation purposes. Because the word "reserve" has negative connotations in some places, and because having a protected area is only one of the requirements, "reserve" is sometimes replaced by "region" for local use.

The origin of Biosphere Reserves dates back to the "Biosphere Conference" organized by UNESCO in 1968, the first intergovernmental conference to seek to reconcile the conservation and use of natural resources. The early foundations of the Biosphere Reserve Concept were derived from this conference. The aim was to establish terrestrial and coastal areas representing the main ecosystems of the planet in which genetic resources would be protected, and where research on ecosystems as well as monitoring and training work could be carried out for an intergovernmental program. This "Man and the Biosphere" (MAB) Program was officially launched by UNESCO in 1970. One of the MAB projects consisted in establishing a coordinated world network of new protected areas, to be designated as "Biosphere Reserves".

How many of them are there?

There are no absolute limits. In general, a biosphere reserve must be large enough to conserve most of the biodiversity found in the core areas and buffer zones, and provide sufficient scope to carry out the other functions of a biosphere reserve. The complexity of the institutional overlays which constitute the "governance" for the biosphere reserve area may also pose practical limitations about how large an area might be considered for a designation. There is also considerable variation among biosphere reserves concerning the relative sizes of the three zones within them - core, buffer and transition area (in Canada, the area of cooperation).

For information on Canadian biosphere reserves, visit the CBRA webpage, which includes an overview and CBRA's newest brochure. For additional information about UNESCO's Man and the Biosphere Program, visit the MAB Website.

There are no set requirements from UNESCO about how this should be done. In Canada, each biosphere reserve has its own community-based organizational arrangements which are judged by those involved to be appropriate for the local circumstances. Most biosphere reserves in Canada are incorporated as non-profit organizations with charitable status. Some work, at least initially, through a steering committee with stakeholder representation. At least two are administered through an existing organization in their area. Biosphere reserve program activities are decided locally, but some can be linked to national or international programs.

What roles might a biosphere reserve consider for itself as one community organization among many?

This depends very much on the situation and on the interests and expertise of staff and volunteers. Some biosphere reserve groups work in partnership with a number of other organizations to help carry out a range of projects. Others, especially if they have limited resources, tend to "specialize" in a particular niche, such as monitoring, or promoting eco-tourism.

In some cases, a biosphere reserve group will take the lead for major projects of wide interest in the community. Generally, a biosphere reserve group should at least strive to promote collaboration and networking, in part by (co)sponsoring neutral forums or workshops for people to come together to discuss issues of mutual interest and decide how best to deal with them.

It should also take a lead in disseminating knowledge about conservation and sustainability, especially by keeping up-to-date on all that is happening in their area in terms of the functions of a biosphere reserve, and reporting on this from time-to-time.

A biosphere reserve group should be cautious about involving themselves directly in local political disputes and strong advocacy, leaving this to others with either the authority or special competence to undertake these roles. Biosphere reserve groups should be recognized as the non-partisan players who maintain the broader, long-term "big picture" overview of the whole area.

Although biosphere reserves have very different geographical, economic and cultural contexts, they do have a common interest to seek solutions to reconcile the conservation of biodiversity with the sustainable use of natural resources. The World Network fosters exchanges among biosphere reserves -- for example, research results or experience in resolving specific issues -- and facilitates cooperative activities, including scientific research and monitoring, environmental education and specialist training. Cooperation can take the form of exchanges of information material, articles in the international bulletin and cooperative projects.

What does UNESCO need in order to decide on a designation?

When it is clear that there is sufficient local support for a biosphere reserve to proceed, then the detailed nomination submission with supporting maps and other background materials must be completed and signed by authorities responsible for the ownership and management of the core areas and buffer zones.

Letters of support from appropriate local municipalities, other government agencies and key organizations should be obtained. When this is complete, the nomination has to be signed by an official on behalf of the Canadian Commission for UNESCO. This documentation is then formally submitted to UNESCO by the Commission. UNESCO invokes its own review and approvals procedures and makes the final decision. The approvals process in UNESCO is undertaken only once a year, so deadlines for submissions are important.

What other criteria are necessary besides having protected lands for conservation?

There are seven criteria altogether. Three relate to the configuration of land uses, depicted as generalized "zonations". Another three relate to the functions of biosphere reserves, and the last relates to organizational arrangements.

The configuration of land uses in the area must correspond to the general concepts of core areas, buffer zones and a transition area (referred to in Canada as the area of cooperation.) Core areas are areas which are protected from human disturbances to the extent possible; for example, an existing national or provincial park or other defined natural area. Buffer zones are areas usually associated with core areas in which resource uses do not impact significantly on the natural landscape nor intrude into core areas. The transition area, or area of cooperation, is an area where a full range of human uses occur, including some which may be unsustainable.

The three functions of biosphere reserves are:
1) Conservation (mainly but not entirely associated with core areas and buffer zones);
2) Promotion of sustainable resource use and local economies; and,
3) A "logistic function" defined as developing the collaborative capability among agencies and other organizations to undertake research, monitoring, demonstration projects, education and training, and public information activities all of which address particular local or regional issues of conservation and sustainability. This calls for local organizational arrangements being in place that can foster the capacity to sustain the functions of a biosphere reserve.

A biosphere reserve must include some protected area(s) for the conservation of ecosystems and native biodiversity; therefore, it shares some of the conservation goals of a park or protected area. In addition, however, it also emphasizes the importance of community-based efforts to manage, and where necessary, restore land and other resources through adoption of best practices that contribute to stable and sustainable economic activities. It recognizes that quality economies require quality environments, and that conservation is important for both.

What advantages does a biosphere reserve designation have?

A biosphere reserve designation gives an area International recognition for the important ecological and cultural values in an area. It also provides a mechanism, based on local commitment and local ability, to apply sound stewardship (and protection, where necessary) to the use of resources in an area to support present and future generations.

The designation identifies an internationally significant area where sustainable development and conservation efforts are striving to work in harmony. People from elsewhere can learn from this achievement.

A local proponent group to "champion" the idea of a biosphere reserve is essential. It ideally should include people already well known and respected in the community. They should determine early on that the area they want to consider meets the "zonation" criteria, and has the organizational potential to develop the capacity to carry out the functions of a biosphere reserve.

From there on, it's a matter of discussing the idea and answering questions from key people in organizations whose cooperation is essential to make it work. The proponents should be ready to provide public information in various formats and forums to explain the idea, its advantages and the fact that participation in it is strictly voluntary on the part of local people.

Extensive documentation about the area also has to be compiled following a format prescribed by UNESCO. See www.unesco.org/mab/docs/brnomform.htm. Altogether, this can take in the order of five years. During this period community work will be going on in parallel to build local support for the idea of a biosphere reserve, decide on governance structures and partnerships and to confirm the commitment to make it work once it is approved.

No; this is definitely not a designation with regulations. The international recognition does not, nor cannot intrude on property rights, Aboriginal rights, jurisdictional and administrative authorities, or on the responsibilities of elected bodies. Nor does it create a new body to own or manage land.

No. However, UNESCO does require that a "periodic review" be undertaken for each biosphere reserve in the world every ten years. The required documentation and procedure for periodic reviews are similar to those for a new nomination. The main purpose of the review is to document the activities, results, and experience of each biosphere reserve, and to make suggestions on directions it might pursue in the years ahead. If a biosphere reserve has become dormant, it will be dropped from the world list. This gives UNESCO some assurance that its "world network" is composed of functioning biosphere reserves.

Biosphere reserves strive to conserve the diversity of plants, animals and micro-organisms which make up our living "biosphere" and maintain healthy natural systems while, at the same time, meeting the material needs and aspirations of an increasing number of people.

Biosphere reserves have been designed as tools for reconciling and integrating the conflicting interests and pressures that characterize land use planning today. Ontario's Niagara Escarpment is particularly prone to such conflicts due to its proximity to Toronto and the surrounding Greater Toronto Area region and due to its unique resources (aggregate resources, prime agricultural lands, wetlands, forests and parks).

The Niagara Escarpment Biosphere Reserve (NEBR) has been planned to reconcile conservation of natural resources with their sustainable use by permitting various land uses through the administration of the provincially adopted Niagara Escarpment Plan. The Plan strives to attain a balanced relationship between the basic needs of society and the natural world to ensure a sustainable future.

The Niagara Escarpment Biosphere Reserve consists of a backbone of heavily protected lands at and near the cliff face. Moving away, there is a core area consisting of parks, open spaces and most importantly, natural land cared for by thousands of individual private landowners. It also involves a buffer area of limited resource use and consists of areas designated "Protection" and "Rural" by the NEP. The area of cooperation is the large outer part of the biosphere reserve where people live and work, using the natural resources of the area in a sustainable manner.

Biosphere reserves are organized into three interrelated zones or areas: the core area, the buffer area and an area of cooperation (also known as a transition zone). Ontario's Niagara Escarpment is well suited for biosphere reserve designation. There is a backbone of heavily protected lands at and near the cliff face. Moving away from this area, there is a series of land use designations with decreasing levels of protection, corresponding to the core, buffer and cooperation zones of a biosphere reserve.

The biosphere reserve consists of the provincially adopted Niagara Escarpment Plan Area (183,311 ha) including two national parks for a total of 190,270 ha. It involves a core area of minimum disturbance (Natural), buffer area of limited resource use (Protection and Rural) and an area of cooperation (Urban, Minor Urban, Recreation, Mineral Resource) of lands in the vicinity where a variety of human uses may occur.

The Niagara Escarpment Biosphere Reserve conserves Ontario's natural and social capital by protecting prime agricultural lands, forests, water, wetlands, heritage properties and recreational spaces. Sustainable development and land use on the Niagara Escarpment is governed by the Niagara Escarpment Plan, which contains seven land use designations.

For example, the Plan's "rural designation" safeguards prime agricultural lands. Production within the Plan Area includes market gardens, tender fruit, mixed farming, apple orchards and beef cattle. Within the last decade wineries along the Escarpment's Beamsville bench have gained international recognition. The Escarpment's rich soils and the microclimate it creates, along with a warmer climate, offer excellent growing conditions for vinifera grapes (including Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon and Riesling).

The biosphere reserve also includes cliff faces, slopes and aquatic ecosystems. The physical characteristics of the Escarpment landform and the 131 parks and open spaces within the Plan contribute to some of Ontario's best outdoor tourism opportunities. The Niagara Escarpment Biosphere Reserve provides numerous areas for skiing, camping, hiking, boating, swimming and viewing in addition to four season resorts. The Escarpment's 131 existing parks and open spaces are linked by the world famous Bruce Trail, which contributes over $100 million per year to local and regional economies through tourism.

Q. Where can I obtain information about the Niagara Escarpment Biosphere Reserve?

For information on the Niagara Escarpment Biosphere Reserve, contact the Niagara Escarpment Commission (NEC). The NEC has many background studies, maps, books, technical reports, articles and periodicals in its Resource Centre at its Georgetown Office. Or, take a look at our Related Biosphere Links page for a listing of biosphere-related websites.

The Niagara Escarpment Biosphere Reserve is situated in the Canadian province of Ontario. It is a provincially and internationally significant geological landform and one of Canada's most magnificent landforms. Ontario's Niagara Escarpment is a forested ridge travelling 725 km from Lake Ontario (near Niagara Falls) to the tip of the Bruce Peninsula (between Georgian Bay and lake Huron).

The NIagara Escarpment rises above Ontario's farmlands, cities and industries. Its mountains, streams, scenic valleys, waterfalls, woodlands and natural areas contain more than 300 bird species, 53 mammals, 90 fish and 37 types of wild orchids, and it is home to the oldest living eastern white cedars in Canada.

In 1990, UNESCO recognized Ontario's Niagara Escarpment as a World Biosphere Reserve. This international designation recognizes the Niagara Escarpment Plan and management system, which is complemented by continual research, monitoring activity and education. Ontaroi's NIagara Escarpment is one of 12 Canadian biosphere reserves and part of a worldwide network of 440 biosphere reserves in 97 countries.

The Canadian Biosphere Reserves Association (l'Association Canadienne des Reserves de la Biosphere) was created in 1998 as an organization with representatives from each biosphere reserve. The biosphere regions in seven provinces share experiences and work together on strengthening the effectiveness of biosphere reserves in Canada. As new biosphere reserves in Canada are designated by UNESCO, they are invited to join the Association. For more information about the Association please see other subject headings on this website.

Who funds biosphere reserves in Canada?

Canada does not have a program of core support for Canadian biosphere reserves. One biosphere reserve was established with a federal-provincial endowment fund. The others have had to seek funding and in-kind support from a variety of sources including government programs and private foundations. Project funding may also come from a variety of sources.

Is there some pre-defined limit on the number of biosphere reserves there can be in Canada?

No. Currently, there is no planning system to distribute and limit the location of biosphere reserves to pre-defined ecoregions (such as those for national or provincial parks). Instead, biosphere reserves are viewed as on-going experiments in sustainability. Because they are generated by community initiatives, and much hard work at the local level, they are welcomed whenever they can meet the UNESCO criteria. In cases where biosphere reserves are in the same general region of Canada, mutual cooperation and learning among them is encouraged.

Do First Nations participate in biosphere reserves?

Yes. The practice is that consultations about a proposed biosphere reserve include representatives of First Nations (Chiefs and/or Elders) from the area who then decide the extent or nature of their subsequent involvement. A biosphere reserve designation is "without prejudice" to Aboriginal Constitutional and Treaty Rights, or outstanding issues that may exist concerning these. Designation of a biosphere reserve does not change current or evolving jurisdictional authorities for management of land, water or air.