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Biosphere reserves are organized into three interrelated zones, known as the core areas, the buffer zones and the transition areas. Only the core area requires legal protection.
Clayoquot Sound UNESCO Biosphere Reserve
One National Park Reserve, sixteen provincial parks and two ecological reserves are within the Reserve boundaries, providing permanent legal protection as core areas. Core protected areas in both the marine and terrestrial components constitute approximately one third of the Reserve (110,281 hectares).
Terrestrial buffer zones include all unprotected, unlogged major valleys in the Reserve, totaling approximately 58,316 hectares. These areas are subject to forest planning that may lead to further refinements in the application of the zonation model, including the establishment of further transition areas. The Province of British Columbia's 1993 Land Use Decision included land use categories equivalent to buffer zones ("special management zones"). The Tofino Mudflats Wildlife Management Area, comprising 2100 hectares in marine and upland components, is also designated as a buffer zone; it is managed to ensure that the area remains a productive natural environment for migrating birds and other wildlife while providing for compatible public use (such as transportation and tourism).
In over 179,250 hectares of transition area — private and public land and marine areas — sustainable resource management practices guide ongoing development activities and initiatives. These areas are also subject to ongoing forest planning that may lead to further refinements in the application of the zonation model.
Clayoquot Biosphere Trust
PO Box 67
Tofino, British Columbia
Canada V0R 2Z0
Phone 250-725-2219 (Tofino) 250-726-2086 (Ucluelet)
Fax 250-725-2384 (Tofino) 250-726-2087 (Ucluelet)
www.clayoquotbiosphere.org