We had the honor of welcoming the annual gathering of UNESCO UK and Ireland Biospheres. Over two days, representatives from across the country and beyond came together in our beautiful Biosphere to exchange ideas, celebrate environmental progress, and explore the innovative projects shaping a more balanced relationship between people and nature.

Delegates traveled from Wester Ross and Galloway & Southern Ayrshire in Scotland, the Isle of Man, the Isle of Wight, Dyfi in Wales, Dublin, and Binevenagh & Coastal Lowlands in Ireland. We were also delighted to welcome representatives from Doncaster and the Forest of Dean, two regions currently working toward becoming designated Biospheres.

This diverse gathering of conservationists, policymakers, and community leaders reinforced the shared commitment to restoring natural environments, addressing climate challenges, and supporting thriving communities. Alongside discussions and site visits, the event provided a platform for young voices, strengthened national collaboration, and even featured a world-renowned chef.

At the heart of the UK’s Biosphere movement is the UK Man and the Biosphere (MAB) National Committee. This group brings together representatives from all UK Biospheres, government agencies, and independent experts to help drive forward efforts in conservation, community development, and climate resilience.

The committee plays a crucial role in:

• Connecting the UK’s Biospheres with global efforts through UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme. They work closely with the UK National Commission for UNESCO and the UNESCO MAB Secretariat in Paris to align the UK’s work with international goals.
• Promoting and supporting UK Biospheres, helping them grow their impact through research, partnerships, and innovative projects.
• Providing a platform for collaboration, ensuring that the incredible work happening in one Biosphere can inspire and inform others.

With seven designated Biospheres covering ten percent of the UK’s landmass, along with marine areas and communities of 850,000 people, these landscapes are leading the way in tackling some of our biggest environmental challenges. From restoring marine habitats and protecting rare species to finding new ways for people to coexist with nature, the UK Biospheres are proving that conservation and community go hand in hand.

Photos from the UNESCO UK Biosphere Meeting

A Celebration of Food, Culture, and Biodiversity

Another standout moment of the gathering was the participation of three Michelin-starred chef and UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador for Biodiversity, Chef Mauro Colagreco. A passionate advocate for regenerative food systems, Chef Colagreco highlighted the deep connection between culinary traditions, farming practices, and environmental health.

To mark the occasion, he hosted two exclusive dinners at his Michelin-starred restaurant, The Raffles in London, celebrating the exceptional produce and environmentally responsible farming techniques found across the UK’s Biospheres. These events reinforced a powerful message: nature is a part of our everyday lives, from what we do to what we eat.

The First UK Biosphere Youth Representative Forum

This year’s gathering also marked an exciting first—the UK’s inaugural Biosphere Youth Representative Forum. For the first time, young leaders from different UK & Ireland Biospheres came together to discuss their role in shaping the future of these landscapes.

Two newly appointed Youth Representatives for The Living Coast joined their peers to exchange ideas on community-driven conservation, youth engagement, and the challenges of restoring natural environments in an era of climate uncertainty.

This forum was an exciting step toward building a stronger youth network within the UK & Ireland Biosphere movement, ensuring that younger generations have a voice in decision-making and can lead the way in future conservation efforts.

The gathering wasn’t just about discussions. It was also a chance to experience firsthand some of The Living Coast’s most inspiring environmental initiatives. The two days event highlighted community-led projects making a lasting impact on our region.

March 26: Learning from the Landscape

• Cockshut Stream Restoration Project.– A visit to this ambitious project in Lewes, which is transforming a neglected and rare chalk waterway into a thriving natural habitat.

• Nature-Based Solutions in the South Downs National Park – Presentations and discussions on key conservation efforts, including:
  • Sussex IFCA’s trawling ban, protecting marine ecosystems and restoring fish populations.
  • Sussex Wildlife Trust’s Kelp Recovery Project, bringing life back to the Sussex coastline.
  • The Re-wilding Waterhall project, transforming a former golf course into a haven for wildlife.
  • The Greening The Cities project, reconnecting communities with nature by restoring precious chalk grassland habitats.

• Royal Pavilion Reception – A stunning evening in one of Brighton’s most treasured landmarks, where leaders, conservationists, and supporters gathered to reflect on the power of collaboration. The evening featured remarks from Cllr.Bella Sankey, Lead Councillor at Brighton and Hove City Council, and James Bridge, Secretary General of the UK National Commission for UNESCO, who both emphasized the importance of Biospheres in shaping the future of conservation and community-driven environmental action.

• Dinner at The Real Junk Food Project– An inspiring evening at this community hub, where meals are created from surplus food to highlight the importance of reducing waste.

• UK MAB National Committee Meeting and Youth Forum – Hosted at the University of Brighton, this was a key moment for decision-making and youth engagement in the Biosphere movement.
• Goldstone Primary School Visit – A visit to Goldstone Primary School, where ecological awareness and gardening are integrated into the curriculum as part of the Our City Our World environmental education programme. This approach connects students with nature from an early age, inspiring the next generation of environmental stewards.

• Brighton and Hove Food Partnership Visits – A closer look at the Community Kitchen and Edible Community Garden in Saunders Park, where locals are growing fresh produce and learning about sustainable food systems.

• Biosphere Partnership Meeting: “Nature Starts on Our Plate” – A dynamic panel discussion featuring Chef Colagreco and local food and conservation experts, exploring how our diets influence the environment. The event also showcased the Brighton and Hove Food Strategy and the City Downland Estate Plan. With expert speakers from Sussex Wildlife Trust, Ridgeview Wine Estate, The Real Junk Food Project, and local farmers. During the Q&A we were pleased to see students from Brighton, Sussex, and Plumpton College actively participating.

Looking Ahead with the Living Coast

This year’s gathering was especially significant as we are in the final stage of renewing our UNESCO Biosphere designation for 2025-2034. As part of this process, we have also proposed an expansion of our Biosphere’s geographic area, which, if approved, will further strengthen our ability to protect and restore natural habitats. A final decision is expected following the 5th World Congress of UNESCO Biospheres in September 2025.

Hosting this event was an incredible opportunity to share our work with a national and international audience, inspire new partnerships, and celebrate the progress being made across all UK Biospheres. A huge thank you to our premium partners—Brighton and Hove Buses, Ridgeview Wine Estate, and the University of Brighton—for their invaluable support in making this gathering a success.

As we look ahead we remain committed to inspiring action, strengthening partnerships, and ensuring that our Biosphere continues to thrive for future generations. Whether through conservation projects, community-driven initiatives, or youth engagement, this gathering reaffirmed that real change happens when people come together.