Welcome to the Clayoquot Sound UNESCO Biosphere Reserve

The Clayoquot Sound Biosphere Reserve is situated in the coastal temperate rainforest on the west coast of Canada and in the northeast Pacific Ocean coastal environment.

A diverse range of ecosystems exist within the Reserve boundaries; these ecosystems include significant expanses of ancient temperate rainforest, large and small lakes, many rivers and streams, alpine peaks, open ocean, rocky coastal shores, long sand beaches, estuaries and mud flats. Given continued development in temperate rainforests worldwide, these areas are of global ecological significance.

The Clayoquot Sound UNESCO Biosphere Reserve has as a guiding principle the Nuu-chah-nulth First Nations philosophy "Hishuk ish ts’awalk", or "everything is one." This stresses the importance of recognizing and learning about the interconnections within and between ecosystems in order to promote truly sustainable local communities and economies, while protecting the environment for future generations.

The Clayoquot Biosphere Trust is the organization responsible for the spirit and intent of the Biosphere Reserve and works to address the following three questions:

• How can we ensure both a healthy environment and a robust economy for today and tomorrow?
• How can quality data be generated and shared in order inform effective decision making?
• How can we create working examples of sustainable development in our communities?

The Clayoquot Biosphere Trust thanks the Government of Canada for their support of local First Nations and communities through their generosity in providing a $12 million endowment fund.

Please visit the new Core Priorities page for information about our current projects. A link to the Ucluelet Community Food Initiative's Survey Analysis can be found on our Healthy Food, Healthy Communities page or by clicking here.