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Clayoquot Biosphere Reserve (not a “Preserve”)
It was with mixed feelings here in Tofino when Clayoquot Sound was declared a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve in 2000.
Of course we were thrilled that UNESCO Clayoquot’s unique attributes that make it worthy of worldwide attention: its convergence of ecosystems ranging from alpine to forest to shoreline and ocean; its vast tracts of pristine oldgrowth rainforest, and the unique human communities that live within this wild landscape.
But the worries came from the media attention. Clayoquot’s designation as a World Biosphere Reserve was reported across the country as if, after a decade and half of protests against clearcut logging, Clayoquot were finally “saved.”
The reportage made it sound like the “reserve” was actually a “preserve.” Unfortunately, that one little letter makes a big difference to what this designation means.
UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) is an international organization, a specialized section of the United Nations. UNESCO identifies sites around the world that are significant in terms of culture or natural heritage by designating them as “World Biosphere Reserves” or “World Heritage Sites.”
But there is not much that UNESCO can do to “preserve” these important sites. UNESCO has no authority over the sites; it is up to federal, provincial and municipal governments to choose whether or not to accept UNESCO’s recommendation by creating laws that protect that site.
Clayoquot Sound
There are fifteen Biosphere Reserves in Canada. Among them, Clayoquot is unique because of its high level of funding: at the time of its designation our federal government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Jean Chrétien, endowed it with a $12 million trust fund. The Clayoquot Biosphere Trust uses this fund to support community projects and research.
Many people believe that Clayoquot Biosphere Reserve is a park—but the Biosphere Reserve is much larger than a park, both geographically and conceptually. The boundaries of the biosphere reserve are natural boundaries—all the lands whose waters drain into Clayoquot Sound (from the Hesquiaht Peninsula in the north, southward to the south end of Long Beach). Several provincial parks, and parts of Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, are contained within the Biosphere Reserve boundaries.
Fishing in Clayoquot Sound
The Biosphere is not a preserve—and it does not try to be. Rather than pretending that people do not live here, the Biosphere focuses upon the idea of sustainability: that we can be here and use its resources without destroying this place; that we can be here for the long term. As such, the stated mandate of the Clayoquot Biosphere Trust is: “providing funding and logistical support for research, education and training initiatives that promote conservation and sustainable development.”
The Clayoquot Biosphere Trust has moved to new offices on the waterfront in Tofino, at 316 Main Street (between Tofino Sea-Kayaking Co. and House of Himwitsa). They welcome visitors and can provide you with all sorts of information about the region—and, if you feel inspired to support the Biosphere initiative, they welcome donations as well.
- Text & photos by Jacqueline Windh©
