This coming Sunday (3rd November 2024) is the International Day for Biosphere Reserves.
One of seven in the United Kingdom, and 727 worldwide, the Isle of Wight has been a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve since 2019.
The Island’s Biosphere Reserve status doesn’t relate just to the natural world we’re surrounded by, but includes the people who live within it: the way they interact with nature, preserving, protecting and educating, and how the economy fits within this celebration of the Island’s unique distinctiveness.
In the words of UNESCO:
“With each passing year, the urgency of tackling environmental issues becomes clearer: we only have one planet, and it is in danger.
“Our relationship with nature and with other living beings needs a radical rethink in order to address these issues – we need to design and create a truly shared world. Biosphere reserves have shown that it is possible to live in this world while also establishing a sustainable and harmonious relationship with nature.
“The International Day for Biosphere Reserves is an invitation to take inspiration from the solutions already implemented in these spaces to build genuinely sustainable development everywhere, with full respect for nature and for the living world.”
Henson: Being part of an international UNESCO family is something very special
Martha Henson from the Isle of Wight Biosphere Steering Committee told OnTheWight,
“Being part of an international UNESCO family is something very special. We are in a worldwide network of over 750 Biosphere Reserves who have become friends and colleagues and potential partners.
“We are also part of a national network of UNESCO sites and in particular form a south-east cluster including the Living Coast Biosphere Reserve and world heritage sites like Westminster Abbey and Kew Gardens, who are all working together to share learning and resources.
“This Sunday on the International Day for Biosphere Reserves, if you have a related event, have any reflections to share or little celebrations of your own why not tag Isle of Wight Biosphere on our Facebook or Instagram or use the hashtag #iwbiosphere and will we share them on.”
2025 sees the return of the Isle of Wight Biosphere Festival, which runs from 28th June to 6th July, so make sure you pop this in your diaries.
A recent festival planning meeting had a good turnout and lots of ideas were generated.
If you’d like to be involved, get in touch with IW Biosphere at [email protected].
