INSTITUTIONS IN THE
CLAYOQUOT SOUND biosphere reserve

Among the unique features of the Clayoquot Sound Biosphere Reserve are a number of community and regional institutions.

These institutions provide innovative experiments in ecosystem-based resource management, community participation in resource planning and cooperation between First Nations and non-indigenous governments.

Tofino Botanical Gardens Foundation
Tofino Botanical Gardens Foundation is home to the Tofino Botanical Gardens and the Clayoquot Field Station. The foundation is a non-profit organization, located on a 12-acre waterfront site in the Clayoquot Sound UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. The mission of the foundation is to inspire conservation of the world's temperate, coastal rainforests.

Clayoquot Sound Science Panel
The independent Scientific Panel for Sustainable Forest Practices in Clayoquot Sound was established in 1993 to develop new forest management practices for Clayoquot Sound. In its 1995 report, the Panel set out a new approach to forestry with an emphasis on ecosystem protection rather than resource extraction. Today, logging in Clayoquot Sound is guided by the Pane’s recommendations.

Central Region Board
In 1994, the five First Nations in Clayoquot Sound Biosphere Reserve region negotiated an Interim Measures Agreement with the BC government. The agreement established the Central Region Board. This joint management board brings together First Nations and other local communities to oversee resource management and land use activity in the area.

Memorandum of Understanding between Iisaak and Environmental Groups
Iisaak Forest Resources is one of the two major forest companies active in Clayoquot Sound. Iisaak was established in 1998 as a joint venture between local First Nations and Weyerhaeuser Canada. ( Iisaak means “respect” in the Nuu-chah-nulth language.) In 1999, Iisaak and some environmental organizations formally agreed to work together to promote ecosystem-based forestry in Clayoquot Sound.

WCVI Aquatic Management Board
The West Coast Vancouver Island Aquatic Management Board was established in 1998. It is designed to bring First Nations, west coast communities, local fishers, and provincial and federal governments together to work towards integrated management of west coast fisheries.

Clayoquot Biosphere Trust
The Clayoquot Biosphere Trust is a local trust established soon after Clayoquot Sound was designated a Biosphere Reserve. At the time, the Trust received a $12 million endowment from the Government of Canada. The mandate of the Trust is to invest in research, education and training activities that support the objectives of the Clayoquot Biosphere Reserve. The Trust also serves as the administrative cornerstone of the Biosphere Reserve.

Today the forests, rivers and oceans of Clayoquot Sound continue to support our communities. The regional economy encompasses tourism, aquaculture, forestry, fishing and various small businesses.

The Clayoquot Field Station is an important first step in the development of a Research and Education sector of the regional economy.

It has been estimated that Tofino's population can reach 20,000 on an average summer day.

Clayoquot Sound is part of an international network of Biosphere Reserves with a mandate for research and education, and sharing information on issues of conservation and development in various places around the world.