Welcome

The Canadian Biosphere Reserves Association CBRA is an association of Canada’s 15 Canadian biosphere reserves. People in Canadian biosphere regions develop and promote innovative approaches to conservation and economic development.

Canadian Biosphere Reserve communities live and work in balance with the biosphere — the land, water, and atmosphere that support life. People in biosphere regions recognize that high-quality economies require high-quality environments, and that conservation is important to both.

Vision & Mission

Be a leader in creating vibrant, healthy, sustainable communities across Canada while conserving Canada’s natural and cultural heritage.

CBRA supports Canadian Biosphere Reserves in the achievement of their mandates and demonstrates their collective value nationally and internationally.

Biosphere Reserves

A healthy balance between use and protection.  Canada’s 15 UNESCO biosphere reserves play the role of convenor, providing a neutral meeting table where loggers and environmentalists, outdoor enthusiasts and business people, councillors and landowners can sit down together. This leadership, absent of authority, guides stakeholders to find common ground, choose priorities, coordinate efforts and ensure the longevity of their community within the landscape.

Thinking locally, sharing globally

As living demonstration areas for projects of all kinds, biosphere reserves test and export successful results, processes and concepts throughout Canada and the world. Through their sharing network, the Canadian Biosphere Reserves Association, biosphere reserves become more effective by sharing resources and best practices. At a national level, CBRA brings collective knowledge to government policy shapers and promotes environmental stewardship. By connecting with UNESCO’s network of biosphere reserves in 107 countries, CBRA learns from international perspectives and knowledge while demonstrating the value of Canada’s multi-stakeholder, community-based leadership model.