The Clayoquot Sound Biosphere Reserve is situated in coastal temperate rainforest on the west coast of Canada, and within the northeast Pacific Ocean coastal environment. The reserve is part of the Park Reserve Pacific Rim, and Vancouver Island serves as a backdrop. The biosphere reserve spans a total area of approximately 349,947 hectares and its permanent population is less than 3,000.

A diverse range of ecosystems can be found within the reserve boundaries, including significant expanses of ancient temperate rainforest, lakes, rivers and streams, alpine peaks, open ocean, rocky coastal shores, long sand beaches, estuaries and mud flats. Given continued development in temperate rainforests worldwide, the reserve contains areas of global ecological significance.

The reserve follows the guiding principle taken from the Nuu-chah-nulth First Nations philosophy of ‘Hishuk ish ts’awalk’, or ‘everything is one’. This principle 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 reserve includes five small coastal communities and several other adjacent small communities. The local economy is based on tourism, aquaculture, forestry and fishing.

For more information, visit: http://www.clayoquotbiosphere.org.