Waterton Biosphere Region

Located in the southwestern corner of Alberta, the Waterton Biosphere Region (WBR) is one of only 19 biosphere reserves in Canada. The WBR area encompasses some of the most spectacular and ecologically diverse landscapes in the Canadian Rockies and prairie grasslands. Designated in 1979 by UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization), the WBR fosters and encourages a sustainable, community-based regional economy, with quality biodiversity, landscape and social values.

Biosphere reserves are recognized internationally for demonstrating practical approaches to balancing biodiversity conservation and sustainable human use of the land. The World Biosphere Reserve Network currently consists of 738 reserves in 134 countries (July 2022) — each a celebrated part of UNESCO’s ‘Man and the Biosphere’ Program.

Photo by Kim Pearson

What Are Biosphere Reserves

Biosphere reserves are traditionally organized into three zones, known as the core area, the buffer zone, and a transition zone or “area of cooperation”. Waterton Lakes National Park, has formed the core of the biosphere reserve since designation in 1979. Adjacent provincial and private lands, with high conservation value, form a buffer zone where most activities are compatible with conservation objectives.

Beyond that lies a broad transition zone or “area of cooperation”, where communities work together to manage the land in a sustainable way. Biosphere reserves are voluntary cooperative areas; land use is not regulated or restricted in any way by having biosphere status.

Currently WBR includes Waterton Lakes National Park; the municipalities of Pincher Creek, Cardston and Ranchland; Castle Provincial Parks; and public land south of Highway 3.

Photo by Kim Pearson

More About Canadian Biosphere Reserves

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