«The Bras d’Or Lake is a unique estuarine ecosystem, with cold (Arctic) and warm water (Virginian) species thriving within a few kilometers of each other. The coastline of the Bras d’Or Lake is a complex sequence of barrier beaches, rocky headlands, barachois ponds and wetlands. The watershed is a place where Mi’kmaq, and descendants of early French, Scottish, and English settlers live together with more recent newcomers, working to build healthy and vibrant communities. Four languages are spoken in the watershed, English, French, Mi’kmaq and Gaelic. Many rural residents make their living from the forest, mineral extraction, agriculture and fisheries sectors. Others in established communities benefit from the seasonal tourist industry, the presence of schools, small health centres, museums and government offices. Throughout the Bras d’Or Lake watershed, in fact throughout all of Cape Breton Island artisans, musicians and storytellers steeped in local history and culture, abound. The first flight in Canada took place on the ice near Baddeck / Beinn Bhreagh one hundred years ago!» BLBRA.CA

The Bras d’Or Lake Biosphere Reserve Association (BLBRA) is made up of volunteers who have worked to have the Bras d’Or Lake and its watershed designated as a UNESCO Man and the Biosphere Reserve. They are a registered society in the province of Nova Scotia. They now oversee the activities of the Biosphere Reserve.  The BLBRA works at promoting a more sustainable way of living through a:

• healthy environment
• healthy economy
• healthy society
• healthy culture.

Check out the new video about the Bras d’Or Lake Biosphere Reserve : http//blbra.ca