The Southwest Nova Biosphere Reserve encompasses the predominant and representative landscapes of Nova Scotia and hosts ecosystem structures, processes and functions that are virtually intact. The designation recognizes the importance of two large, contiguous protected areas: Kejimkujik National Park and the Tobeatic Wilderness Area, and of the potential in the broader region for multi-sector cooperation and sustainable development.

Covering a total area of 1,546,374 hectares, the Southwest Nova Biosphere Reserve is located in the boreal needle leaf forest biogeographical region. The landscape includes rolling plains, river plains, glacial plains, hills, drumlins and coastal cliffs. As a result of its unique southerly position in the Maritimes, the region contains significant populations of Atlantic coastal plain plant species, Blandings turtle, ribbon snake and southern flying squirrel.

The Mi’kmaq who once occupied this territory left behind a wealth of cultural heritage that bears witness to their use of land and water bodies for sustenance, medicine and trade. Several significant archaeological sites are preserved throughout the region. About 99,500 people live mostly in the transition zone of the biosphere reserve. The traditional economic activities within the region include forestry, mixed agriculture, near-shore coastal fisheries, professional backcountry guiding for recreational angling and hunting, as well as mineral prospecting and mining.

For more information, visit: http://www.snbra.ca/