Fundy Biosphere Reserve, Canada

Located on the western side of the upper Bay of Fundy in New Brunswick, Canada, the area is renowned for its Acadian mixed wood forests, rugged coast line, extreme tidal ranges, salt marshes, tidal mudflats as well as for its terrestrial and marine biodiversity. The area also has a rich cultural heritage starting with the original Mi’kmaq aboriginal inhabitants. The first settlers from France and other European countries, during colonial times, had an influence in shaping of the landscape that is evident today. The southern half of the proposed area is one of the least developed areas on the east coast of North America where steep, forested river valleys are deeply incised into the landscape creating gorges with waterfalls, rapids and steep rock walls. Topographical elevations range from 30 m below sea level in the estuarine area to 400 m inland. At the head of the bay is a broad gently undulating landscape with wide ranging salt marshes in the coastal area.

Ecological Characteristics

Located on the western side of the upper Bay of Fundy in New Brunswick, Canada, the area is renowned for its Acadian mixed wood forests, rugged coast line, extreme tidal ranges, salt marshes, tidal mud flats as well as for its terrestrial and marine biodiversity. The area also has a rich cultural heritage starting with the original Mi’kmaq aboriginal inhabitants. The first settlers from France and other European countries, during colonial times, had an influence in shaping of the landscape that is evident today.

The southern half of the proposed area is one of the least developed areas on the east coast of North America where steep, forested river valleys are deeply incised into the landscape creating gorges with waterfalls, rapids and steeprock walls.

Topographical elevations range from 30 m below sea level in the estuarine area to 400 m inland. At the head of the bay is a broad gently undulating landscape withwide ranging salt marshes in the coastal area. The land area is represented by the watersheds and coastal areas that extend from St. Martin Through to the Tantramermarch that drains into the upper Bay of Fundy.

The area is unique in its geological formations, terrestrial and marine ecosystems, cultural heritage, and its cross section of rural communities and urban areas.

A range of fauna and flora can be found in the Bay of Fundy region and the size is sufficient enough to enable them to make a significant contribution to the conservation of biodiversity. The area has eight animal species at risk, these include bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucephalus), Canada lynx (Lynx canadensis), Eastern cougar (Filis concolor), harlequin duck (Histrionicus histrionicus) and peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus).

 

Socio-Economic Characteristics

Included in the Fundy Biosphere Reserve area are the three urban areas of Moncton, Dieppe and Riverview; referred to as the Greater Moncton area. This urban environment has a rich bilingual culture and heritage that is indicative of the collaboration that exists between the francophone and anglophone societies that co-exist in province. New Brunswick is the only legislated bilingual province in Canada while the City of Moncton is the first and only official bilingual city in Canada. The diverse linguistic background of the area attracts many investors, businesses and visitors to the area.

The intent of the Fundy Biosphere Reserve is to provide a forum for dialogue and information sharing between communities,resource sectors, government agencies and researchers.This cooperative network of partners will assist communities in developing a more sustainable way of life based on a common understanding that healthy economy can only be supported by a healthy environment. 

 

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Last updated: October 2018