Board members stepped forward to work closely with us to retain the important Biosphere status and have opened the door to a potential geographic expansion in the future as part of the redesignation review.

Every 10 years UNESCO requires biospheres to take stock of the work that has been delivered and to consult all local stakeholders to shape the future strategy, leading to an official renewal of the designation.

Biospheres receive no core funding from UNESCO or national government and so this funding will play a vital role in supporting the redesignation work.

Councillor Beccy Cooper, chair of the Greater Brighton Economic Board and Leader of Worthing Borough Council, said: “We are pleased to be supporting The Living Coast which is truly unique and recognised by UNESCO for our local natural jewels such as the South Downs and Marine Conservation Zone, and our capacity to foster sustainable development.”

Martin Harris, chair of The Living Coast, said: “By working together with our partners and local communities we have achieved real and tangible results. This work is having a positive impact on habitats, biodiversity, carbon reduction, climate, food production and distribution, and arts and cultural benefits for the people who live and work in Greater Brighton and wider area.”

Involving communities to shape the future

The Living Coast UNESCO Biosphere has led and supported many projects tackling conservation, sustainable development and environmental education, such as supporting local eco-tourism, wilding local habitats and community engagement with schools and communities on nature-based solutions to address flood risk and biodiversity loss.

You can share your thoughts, feedback and wishes for The Living Coast UNESCO Biosphere by completing a 10-minute survey.

Find out more

Find out more about Greater Brighton

More about the GB10 environmental pledges

See the latest film of Wilding Waterhall – one year on- a project in the heart of The Living Coast area

Photo by Liz Finlayson at Vervate