Managing Director of Brighton & Hove Bus Company, Martin Harris, has been appointed as the new chair of The Living Coast, Brighton & Lewes Downs UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve Delivery Board.
The board is responsible for the ongoing governance of the Biosphere.
Martin will take up the role from 30 October, succeeding Ben Earl, from Southern Water who has chaired the board since 2016.
Brighton & Hove Bus Company has been a member of the Biosphere Partnership since 2014, and is one of several private sector bodies on the multi-organisation board.
The board represents organisations from across the Biosphere, including local authorities, national statutory bodies, voluntary, educational and arts organisations and the private sector.
The incoming chair, Martin Harris, said: “I would like to congratulate Ben on the great work he has done as Chair and I am very excited to have the opportunity to work with the Biosphere board and partners to build on this.
Our ambitions as a sustainable transport service provider are perfectly aligned with the objectives of the Biosphere and everything any of us can do to protect and enhance the environment that sustains us is becoming ever more critical.”
UNESCO World Biosphere Reserves are designated to be international demonstration areas for sustainable development, bringing together nature conservation, sustainable socio-economic development and environmental education. The Living Coast Biosphere was designated in 2014 and is one of only seven Biospheres in the UK.
Brighton & Hove City Council is a lead partner to the Biosphere Partnership.
Councillor Anne Pissaridou, chair of the environment, transport and sustainability committee said: “I’d like to congratulate Martin on his appointment. Brighton & Hove Bus Company has worked with the council for many years, to deliver a sustainable and accessible public transport network for the wider city region.
“The bus company’s innovative approach –which includes its world-first fleet of hybrid electric zero-emissions mode buses – is a fantastic compliment to the vision of our UNESCO World Biosphere Region: To create a world-class environment, that is economically successful and enjoyed by all, forever.”
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