The UNESCO-Designated Fundy Biosphere Region
The Bay of Fundy and its adjacent landscapes form a unique region in its geological formations, terrestrial and marine ecosystems, and cultural heritage, as well as its variety of rural communities and urban areas. It compares with more than 600 unique landscapes in over 100 countries in the world that have been recognized as World UNESCO biosphere sites.
The Fundy Biosphere Region designation by UNESCO provides not only international recognition for the uniqueness of the Bay of Fundy, its culture and history, but also emphasizes the importance of conservation and sustainability in the region.
The Fundy Biosphere Region includes an area of over 430,000 hectares of the upper Bay of Fundy coast, stretching from St. Martins to the Tantramar Marsh near Sackville and inland to Moncton.
As a non-profit organization, the Fundy Biosphere Region is a community-based initiative comprised of individuals and representatives of various stakeholder groups, organizations and local communities working to promote the sustainable development of the region by enhancing the research and innovation capacity and by creating a forum for various groups to share information, knowledge and best practices.
Mission
The UNESCO-designated Fundy Biosphere Region contributes in building vibrant and resilient human and environmental communities through conservation and promotion of sustainable development.
Vision
Communities, stakeholders and partners of the UNESCO-designated Fundy Biosphere Region in various sectors have achieved a greater level of sustainability in the region, while conserving the area’s cultural and natural heritage.
Learn more about the Fundy Biosphere Region organization and its communities:
- Our Communities
The intent of the Fundy Biosphere Region is to provide a forum for dialogue and information, and sharing this information between communities, resource sectors, government agencies and researchers. This cooperative network of partners aims to assist communities in developing a more sustainable way of life based on a common understanding that a healthy economy can only be supported by a healthy environment.
The Fundy Biosphere Region works with its communities to achieve or enhance:
- An acceptable standard of living in a healthy environment;
- Greater economic self-sufficiency and self-determination through capacity building;
- Linkages to the wider regional, national, and international sustainable economic development initiatives;
- Capacity and leadership that enables communities to monitor change and to participate in resource management decisions making.
- Funding
The Fundy Biosphere Region is managed by an incorporated non-profit organization called the Fundy Biosphere Initiative Inc. (which is sometimes also just referred to as the Fundy Biosphere Region or FBR). It is the dedicated staff of the FBR who manage the projects and initiatives that are delivered within the FBR area.
The FBR receives no funding from UNESCO, nor directly from any federal, provincial, or municipal government. The FBR solicits funding yearly for individual projects, and receives some funds from its Membership Program, as well as from donations.
The FBR seeks funding for individual projects from various funding programs and foundations, such as Environment Canada’s EcoAction Community Funding Program, the NB Environmental Trust Fund, the NB Wildlife Trust Fund, Mountain Equipment Coop, the NB Department of Healthy and Inclusive Communities' Active Communities Grant, etc.
Want to support the work of the FBR?
As an organization that works to improve the relationship between people and their environment, the Fundy Biosphere Region relies on the support of the public to implement initiatives that benefit local communities. It is the support of individuals, communities and other organizations allows the FBR to complete their innovative projects and initiatives.
Want to support our work? Visit the Get Involved section of our website for more information.
- Team
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The Board of Directors and the executive staff members of the Fundy Biosphere Reserve share the responsibility for the administration and performance of the FBR’s Regional Network. The governance structure is intended to be open and transparent. The Executive Director and the Board of Directors work to maintain effective communications to ensure the success of the FBR’s projects, initiatives and activities.
Interested in being part of our Board of Directors?
Board Members serve a three-year term and are elected during our Annual General Meeting, which is open to the public. If you have an interest in taking on an active volunteer role on our Board of Directors, please contact us. All Board of Directors should first become members of the Fundy Biosphere Reserve.
STAFF
Join our team!
Current job openings with FBR
Executive Director – Dr. Jennifer Dingman
Jennifer was born and raised in Calgary, AB but is proud to call New Brunswick home and has lived in Riverview for almost half her life. She holds an undergraduate degree in Environmental Biology from the University of New Brunswick and stayed on to complete a PhD investigating algal population cycling and marine microbial ecology. Jennifer has a strong scientific background and has a wide range of research and project management experience from sectors including municipal and federal government, NGOs and academia. She has a passion for community service and community development, science outreach and education. As the Executive Director, she is responsible for implementing the mandate of the UNESCO-designated Fundy Biosphere Reserve and guiding the organization to meet its strategic objectives around conservation, sustainable development, and capacity building.
Conservation Manager – Clarissa Hoffman
- Official Documents
UNESCO Designation
UNESCO Designation Application - SummaryUNESCO Designation Application - Overview
Strategic Plan and Partnerships
Strategic Plan 2019-2021
Strategic Plan 2012-2015
Memoranda of Understanding - Fundy Park
Policies
FBR Policy - 001 - Membership
FBR Policy - 002 - Endorsement
FBR Policy - 003 - Logo Usage
By-Laws
Supporting Documents
FBR Logo Style Guide
FBR Charter
Annual Reports
Read about current as well as past projects and initiatives in our annual reports:
Annual Report 2019-20
Annual Report 2018-19
Annual Report 2017-18
Annual Report 2016-17
Annual Report 2015-16
Annual Report 2014-15
Annual Report 2013-14
Annual Report 2012-13
Annual Report 2011-12
Annual Report 2010-11
Annual Report 2009-10
Annual Report 2008-09
