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Southwest Nova Biosphere Reserve Research
Biosphere Reserves

Biosphere reserves are living laboratories where new integrated management strategies and practices are tested. There is a focus on interdisciplinary research and capacity building to improve the relationship between humans and the environment globally.

Functions of a Biosphere Reserve

Biosphere reserves are designed to foster:
  1. Conservation of landscapes, ecosystems, species and genetic variation development of socio-culturally and ecologically sustainable economic and human growth and
  2. Logistical support for research, monitoring, education and information exchange related to local, national and global issues of conservation and development.

Area of the Southwest Nova Biosphere Reserve Research
General Description

The Southwest Nova Biosphere Reserve is the largest in Canada encompassing Queens, Shelburne, Yarmouth, Digby and Annapolis counties. This is a total area of 1,546,374 ha.

The various pristine landscapes within the biosphere reserve:
  1. Rolling plains
  2. River plains
  3. Glacial plains
  4. Hills
  5. Drumlins
  6. Coastal cliffs
The area supports significant disjunctive populations of Atlantic coastal plain plant species, Blanding's turtle (Emydoidea blandingi), ribbon snake (Thamnophis sauritus) and southern flying squirrel (Glaucomys volans). Cultural heritage resources in the area depict the history of Mi'kmaq use of the lands and waters of the area for travel, sustenance, medicine and trade. Several significant archaeological sites are preserved throughout the region.

Southwest Nova Biosphere Reserve Research Commitments

The Man and Biosphere Program encourages an interdisciplinary research approach to improve the relationship of people with their environment all around the world. It is largely focused on reducing the loss of biodiversity in ecological, social and economic dimensions.

For a description of the SWNBR research commitments and current and past projects, please follow this link: http://snbra.ca/projects.htm

The Mersey Tobeatic Research Institute is a non-profit cooperative that "advances collaborative research, monitoring, and management that promotes sustainable use of natural resources in Southwestern Nova Scotia." Visit their site for more information: http://www.merseytobeatic.ca/

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