“Biosphere Reserve” is a designation awarded by the United Nations that recognizes globally significant terrestrial or marine ecosystems where permanent residents, farmers, cottagers, businesses and government have made a commitment to living and working in harmony with nature. The three principles that are the foundation of biosphere reserves are conservation, sustainable economic development and capacity building.
The Niagara Escarpment is designated by the UNESCO as one of eighteen Canadian World Biospheres Reserves among 701 Reserves worldwide in more than 124 Countries. The Bruce Peninsula Biosphere Association was the first community association to promote the Biosphere concept along the Niagara Escarpment, which is part of Ontario’s Greenbelt.