Twenty-five critical areas for biodiversity nationally recognized in Nova Scotia

The presence of at-risk species across lands, waters and skies have led to 25 sites across the Southwest Nova Biosphere and within the Mi’kmaq district of Kespukwitk being nationally recognized as Key Biodiversity Areas (KBAs).

The unique climate of the Southwest Nova Biosphere Region generates many habitats that provide homes for an extremely diverse collection of species. The 25 KBAs, which cover an area of over 2,500km2, are home to myriad species including the nationally beloved Piping Plover, endangered Blanding’s Turtle, the charmingly named Vole Ears Lichen, and striking Forked Bluecurls, amongst many others.

The area joins a national network of sites that are critical to the persistence of Canada’s most exceptional biodiversity.

“This region is an incredible hotspot for biodiversity. Among all the 19 international biosphere regions in Canada, it has the most KBAs by a pretty wide margin, which speaks to how exceptional of an area this corner of Nova Scotia is,” said Peter Soroye, KBA Assessment & Outreach Coordinator, WCS Canada. “To be able to shine a spotlight on the sheer diversity of life that calls Nova Scotia home is a real privilege. We hope that KBA status will support the fantastic work already underway by the Southwest Nova Biosphere Region team.”

Despite the presence of myriad rare and threatened species, 79% of the lands and waters within these KBAs are currently unprotected.

KBA designation does not create legal protection. However, it does provide the evidence base to drive advocacy for protection where it’s needed most, as well as data to guide land-use planning and regional stewardship.

“Through our work with partners in recent years, the Southwest Nova Biosphere Association has helped protect coastal plain habitat on lakeshores for endangered wildflowers, on lakeside swamps for the Threatened Black Ash, Blue Felt Lichen and the Threatened Eastern Ribbonsnake, and on floodplains that host Wood Turtles and Snapping Turtles, and provide habitat for salmonids,” said Nick Hill, Southwest Nova Biosphere Association. “We’re excited that so many of our sites have gained KBA status and to have this new tool to support the Biosphere Association’s work.

Some of the sites receiving this new KBA recognition include:

• Kejimkujik National Park and National Historic Site: Canada’s first National Park to also receive National Historic Site status because of its rich cultural landscape, Kejimkujik supports many unique populations of plants and wildlife including rare coastal plain flora and several sensitive species. About half of Canada’s population of Water Pennywort, and virtually the entire Canadian population of Perforated Ruffle Lichen is found here.
• Tusket River and Estuary: A major river system and drainage basin in Yarmouth County, southwestern Nova Scotia, Tusket River and Estuary is a nationally significant site for 11 different species of plants, including four that are found nowhere else in Canada. About 11% of this site is formally protected.
• Middle Ohio to Port Joli: Located along the Atlantic Coast of Kespukwitk/southwest Nova Scotia, this site is scattered with eleven beaches identified as critical habitat for the recovery of endangered Piping Plovers. The site also contains some of the highest quality habitat for rare and threatened lichens in all of Atlantic Canada. About 17% of this site is formally protected.
• Brier Island and Offshore Waters: Well-known as a destination for whale watching, the waters of Brier Island are also one of the most important areas for Red Phalarope in North America. The island itself is also one of two places in the world where the rare Eastern Mountain Aven is found, and its Balsam Fir swamps hold a fifth of Canada’s Endangered Hairy-spined Shield Lichen. Only about 1% of this site is formally protected.

“In 2025, 10 Piping Plover pairs produced 24 fledglings within the Middle Ohio to Port Joli KBA - an incredible success, which demonstrates the area’s importance to this species at risk. We're thrilled to see so many valuable habitats recognized; from across the Wabanaki-Acadian forests to the ocean.” – Sue Abbott, Associate Director – Atlantic Programs, Birds Canada

"Canada's biosphere regions are places where science, communities, and First Nations combine their knowledge to care for the living world. The identification of 79 Key Biodiversity Areas across our Canadian biosphere regions, including the 25 announced today in Nova Scotia, illustrates what this network achieves in practice: contributing to Canada's biodiversity commitments and to the targets of the Force of Nature Strategy. Each designation is a collective victory that confirms the value of managing our territories by mobilizing all available knowledge, at every scale.” - Kate Potter, Executive Director, Canadian Biosphere Regions Association