Fundy Biosphere Reserve

UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, inscribed 2007, in 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 coastline, extreme tidal ranges, salt marshes and tidal mudflats, as well as for its terrestrial and marine biodiversity. The area also has a rich cultural heritage that begins with the original Mi’kmaq Aboriginal inhabitants. The first settlers from France and other European countries during colonial times also influenced the shaping of the landscape, which is still evident today. The southern half of the area is one of the least developed 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, a broad, gently undulating landscape features wide-ranging salt marshes along the coast.