The Niagara Escarpment: A World Biosphere Reserve

In 1990, UNESCO (the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) named the Niagara Escarpment a World Biosphere Reserve - an internationally recognized ecosystem.

Biosphere Reserves demonstrate a balance between conservation and development. A Reserve must have one or more protected core areas that conserve significant ecological features. The Bruce Peninsula was designated as the core area. Most importantly, the core area includes natural land cared for by thousands of individual private landowners.

Biosphere Reserves contain land used for a variety of human purposes. Reserves provide excellent opportunities to study and compare undisturbed land and developed areas.

Ontario's Niagara Escarpment is a working example of sustainable development.

In 2000, the Bruce Peninsula Biosphere Association was formed and became the first community committee to implement the concepts of the World Biosphere designation. The Association is a not-for-profit, non-government organization dedicated to making the community viable while retaining the beauty and global uniqueness.

For more information: