The Isle of Man gained from attending a global gathering of UNESCO Biosphere Reserves, held in South Korea.

UNESCO admitted the Island to the world network of Biosphere Reserves in March, recognising it as a ‘special place for people and nature’.

The accolade is boosting the Island’s reputation globally, promoting investment, tourism and pride.

Peter Longworth, the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture scientist who led the Island’s successful bid for admission to the network, was among delegates at the training event for island and coastal reserve managers, held at the World Natural Heritage Centre in Jeju Island from 28th September to 1st October.

‘The gathering allowed Biosphere Reserve managers to share experiences and build capacities for climate change adaption and working towards more sustainable development,’ Mr Longworth said.

‘We discussed climate change impacts on island and coastal regions and good practices; ecotourism and eco-education programmes; regional marketing for Biosphere Reserves and management policy.

‘I updated the gathering on the role the Island has pledged to play in tackling climate challenges via two major strategies that Tynwald approved in July.’

Mr Longworth joined delegates from the host country, Tanzania, the Gulf of Guinea, the Azores, the Philippines, Cambodia, Haiti, South Africa, Chile and the Maldives.

He said: ‘It was particularly interesting to understand more about the challenges facing other parts of the world. While the event took place, Jeju had heavy rain from the outer edges of a typhoon which made landfall in Japan. Our colleague from Haiti travelled home into Hurricane Matthew.

‘The Isle of Man’s attendance at gatherings such as this will give us a greater understanding of, and commitment to, resolving global challenges.’

Follow news about the Island’s Biosphere Reserve membership via www.biosphere.im (web), UNESCO Biosphere Isle of Man (facebook), @BiosphereIOM (Twitter) and BiosphereIoM (Instagram).

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