Thank you to everyone who has shared their photos and thoughts for our International Biosphere Day celebrations!

Over the past couple of weeks we have been asking people various questions to reflect on what their local UNESCO Biosphere means to them so we can share them with our fellow Biospheres around the world to mark the first International Biosphere Day.  Here is a collection of what people had to say on our social media channels – use the left and right arrows to scroll through the slider:

Our poll questions have shown that:

• Local businesses find that being in the Biosphere helps them network with other like minded businesses (50%) and also to market themselves using the Biospheres natural assets (50%)
• 44% of people found that living and working in the Biosphere inspired them to think more about the environment and 44% also found it inspired them to spend more time in nature.  11% found it inspired them to shop and travel more sustainably and 1% found it primarily inspired them to focus on their health & wellbeing.
• Being involved in The Living Coast Biosphere helped people to support local, sustainable businesses (14%), learn more about their natural environment (29%) and discover local nature and sustainability events (57%)

Biosphere partners also shared their thoughts on our UNESCO Biosphere:

Rob – Teacher, Dorothy Stringer School & part of Big Nature

1. Working in The Living Coast Biosphere inspires me to keep looking for new opportunities to improve biodiversity in our local area.
2. Being involved in The Living Coast Biosphere helps me draw on a wide community of like minded people to support me in nature based projects.
3. Who do you think The Living Coast Biosphere is for? It should be for all the living things that both live and visit here.
4. Do you have a photo or could you describe your favourite place for nature in The Living Coast that you’d be willing to share and let us know why this is your favourite spot? The Liz Williams Butterfly Haven – having been involved in the creation and development of the site over the last 15 years it is a truly delightful spot that illustrates how given the space and a little help nature can rebound and flourish Working with the Friends of LWBH gives me purpose and brings me joy in seeing the butterflies and interest it creates with students and locals.
5. What is your number 1 recommendation of local, nature-based things to do or try in The Living Coast Biosphere – track down the ‘Friends of’ group of your nearest green space or the one you enjoy visiting the most. Find out what they are doing and get involved. You will meet new people and can get the satisfaction that you are doing something to help your local area.
6. In one word tell us what The Living Coast Biosphere means to you: Nature

Nigel – Managing Director, So Sussex

1. Working in The Living Coast Biosphere inspires me to look to the future and consider what decisions we can be making now that will be positive for our environment in the future.
2. Being involved in The Living Coast Biosphere provides a framework and guidelines for our work and to provide a meaningful storyline to our customers.
3. Who do you think The Living Coast is for? The biosphere should be for everyone, but in terms of communications there are some priority audiences such as local children and their families and visitors to the areas.
4. Favourite place for nature in The Living Coast – the view from Kingston Ridge over Lewes and the view along the coast from Rottingdean towards Brighton.
5. Number 1 recommendation of local, nature-based things to do or try in the Biosphere – Get on your bike using The Living Coast by Bike website and explore the many faces of The Living Coast.
6. In one word tell us what The Living Coast means to you: Connected

Sarah – Biosphere Co-Ordinator, The Living Coast

Jess – Education Ranger, Wilding Waterhall & Greening the Cities

We are celebrating this day with our fellow Biospheres around the world so why not also have a look at these reflections on Biospheres from our friends in Galloway & Southern Ayrshire Biosphere and Biosphere Isle of Man?

This first International Biosphere Day is being launched as an annual celebration of the Biosphere programme – which is UNESCO’s oldest intergovernmental scientific programme – and will showcase the World Network of Biospheres’ contributions to global sustainable development over the past 50 years.

There will be special celebratory events being held at UNESCO headquarters in Paris as well as in Biospheres around the world.

To find out more about the International Day of Biospheres please visit the UNESCO website.