The Clayoquot Sound UNESCO Biosphere Region Turns 25

The Clayoquot Biosphere Trust (CBT) is the organization that upholds the UNESCO Biosphere designation by promoting sustainable development, biodiversity conservation, and reconciliation. Led by a board with directors from each First Nation and community, CBT helps find local solutions to global challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss, food security, poverty and overtourism. 

The Clayoquot Sound Biosphere is in the central region of Nuu-chah-nulth ḥaḥuułi (territory). Nuu-chah-nulth means "all along the mountains and the sea," and includes 14 First Nations along the west coast of Vancouver Island.

Read on for the inspiring words shared by Clayoquot Biosphere Trust Executive Director, Rebecca Hurwitz, at the celebration event: 

Good morning, everyone.

My name is Rebecca Hurwitz, and on behalf of the Clayoquot Biosphere Trust, welcome. We are so pleased to have you here with us today.

I’d like to begin by thanking ƛaʔuukʷiʔatḥ (Tla-o-qui-aht First Nations) for their warm welcome, for co-hosting today’s celebration, and for opening our gathering in a good way. It’s with deep respect and gratitude that I acknowledge we are gathering in ƛaʔuukʷiʔatḥ territory, and that we are held by the lands, waters, and skies of the central region nuučaan̓uł (Nuu-chah-nulth) peoples. With this acknowledgment comes a responsibility to listen, to learn, and to act in support of this place and its stewards.

Today is a day of celebration and appreciation. We’re here to mark the 25th anniversary of the Clayoquot Sound UNESCO Biosphere Region, a milestone not just for an organization, but for an entire region. A day of culture, connection, and community, and we’re so grateful you’ve chosen to be part of it.

But we are celebrating much more than 25 years.

We are here to honour the generations of stewardship by the nuučaan̓uł Nations, whose connection to and care for these lands goes back to time immemorial. And to remember that not so long ago, Clayoquot Sound stood at a crossroads. People from all walks of life came together, facing conflict, complexity, and uncertainty, with a shared vision for a better future. Out of that vision, the Biosphere designation was created.

A UNESCO Biosphere Region is more than a title. It’s a living commitment to a world where people and nature thrive together. Where sustainable development, biodiversity conservation, and cultural vitality are not separate goals, but deeply interconnected.

There are more than 700 Biosphere Regions around the world, each one unique, shaped by the land, waters, cultures, and communities that define it.

In our region, the Clayoquot Biosphere Trust (CBT) was created at the time of the UNESCO designation to bring people together around this shared vision. Over the past 25 years, we’ve worked closely with Nations, communities, and organizations to uphold the spirit and intent of the Biosphere.

And we are part of something much larger.

We are proud to be part of two national networks - what I sometimes call our "two pillars" or "secret sauce." First, we are one of 19 UNESCO Biosphere Regions across Canada, working together through the Canadian Biosphere Regions Association. And in 2012, we joined Community Foundations of Canada, alongside 191 community foundations across the country to relentlessly pursue a future where everyone belongs.

With the support of these networks, and with funding from Environment and Climate Change Canada, we’ve invested over $5.5 million into local research, community projects, events, and initiatives. We hope you’ve seen, felt, and participated in some of this work. The 24 non-profits hosting booths in the school gym today are a testament to the thriving, grassroots leadership that drives this region forward.

And here is what I want to emphasize today:

The Biosphere is much bigger than CBT.

It reflects our shared values of collective action, and of a deep and abiding commitment to live sustainably in a healthy ecosystem, with a diversified economy and strong, vibrant, and united cultures.

Today is a chance to pause, to reflect on where we’ve come from, including the hard conversations and challenging histories, and to envision where we’re going together.

I'm especially grateful to ƛaʔuukʷiʔatḥ board member Lorena Frank, who suggested the theme of today's event: “Taking pride in working together.”

This idea speaks directly to what makes this place special. Through teamwork, partnerships, collaboration, and alliances, by any name, we are achieving far more than we ever could alone. When we bring together diverse cultures, generations, and experiences, we create new possibilities, deepen our understanding, and build the shared strength needed to meet the challenges ahead.

Today is also an opportunity to say thank you.

To all the people who have contributed to the vision of the Biosphere Region.

To the volunteers, board members, local organizations, businesses, and everyday champions whose values and actions carry us forward, thank you.

To those who have travelled to be here today, and to our past staffers, researchers, collaborators, donors and friends, your presence today means a great deal.

I want to take a moment to honour those who are no longer with us, people whose hearts and spirits were deeply rooted in this work. Elders, community members, leaders, your legacy lives on in our work today.

Throughout the day, you’ll hear stories, reflections, and aspirations from people across the region, sharing what it means to be part of this Biosphere and how we are taking pride in working together.

I know it will be a day filled with inspiration, connection, and celebration.

 - Rebecca Hurwitz, Clayoquot Biosphere Trust, Executive Director

To learn more about the projects that CBT is working on, please visit clayoquotbiosphere.org