But what about UNESCO Biospheres?

Forbes contributor Michelle Greenwald joined us in Brighton during the 2025 UK UNESCO Biospheres Annual Meeting (link to article) to explore that very question. Her article, UNESCO’s Man and Biosphere World-Changing Program That Needs More Awareness (Link to article), shines a light on these remarkable places and the pioneering work happening within them.

“Each biosphere reserve functions as a ‘living laboratory’ for sustainable development,” she writes, “with hundreds of local initiatives ranging from biodiversity conservation to regenerative agriculture, and sustainable businesses.”

We were proud to welcome Michelle to our area and thrilled to see the profile of UNESCO Biospheres raised through international coverage like this. Her visit coincided with our annual gathering of UK Biosphere sites, a vital moment for knowledge exchange, community, and collective action.

Her article highlighted local projects such as:

• The exceptional Our City Our World Program implemented throughout the elementary school system, that incorporates sustainability concepts into every subject students learn, including the gardening projects at the Goldstone Primary School Brighton. Read an excerpt below
• The Sussex Kelp Recovery Project which has restored kelp beds along the southeast coast of England, removed years ago to make it easier for fishing boats to go out to sea. The Project has gone a long way in replenishing local marine life.
• A project to rewild public lands and bring back wildlife, like the golf course atop a chalk bed at the Waterhall nature reserve.
• Utilization of hybrid buses to help Brighton and Hove reach Net Zero.
• Creation of Living Coast by Bike paths to further eco-tourism in the region.

So what exactly are Biospheres, and why do they matter?

UNESCO Biosphere Reserves are places where nature and people thrive together. They are internationally recognised areas that support sustainable development by bringing together communities, scientists, businesses, and local authorities to test and share new ways of living in balance with the natural world. Each Biosphere is unique to its region but connected through a global network of over 750 sites. From restoring ecosystems to supporting sustainable economies, Biospheres act as real-world demonstrations of how we can tackle today’s environmental and social challenges, locally, practically, and with lasting impact.

In the UK, there are currently seven UNESCO Biospheres, with more on the way. Each one reflects the character of its region while connecting to a global network that shares knowledge, learns together, and drives forward new models for living within planetary limits.

Michelle’s article is a welcome reminder that these sites deserve more attention. Not as static landscapes, but as active, hopeful spaces for innovation.

You can read the full article here