Welcoming Nature2020 at ONCA Community Barge

Becoming carbon neutral by 2030

To mark the end of the UN International Decade of Biodiversity, Brighton & Hove City Council as well as partners including the Royal Pavilion and Museums are supporting Nature2020, a year-long community led celebration of biodiversity in The Living Coast Biosphere.

The Living Coast is Brighton & Lewes Downs UNESCO World Biosphere Region, stretching from the Adur to the Ouse and North over the Downs to Ditchling. 

We are one of only 7 Biospheres in the UK, and the only UK Biosphere to contain a large urban environment as well as rural and marine. 

UNESCO Biospheres are designated to be international exemplars of sustainable development with 3 core themes: nature conservation; sustainable socio-economic development and environmental education and awareness.

We as a council recognised the biodiversity emergency in 2018 and have committed to become carbon neutral by 2030.

Nature2020

Nature2020 is an exciting year-long event aimed at educating and engaging residents, young people, communities and visitors to enable them to get involved in combatting the climate emergency and encourage projects that support natural habitat creation and biodiversity.

We are proud to support todays launch as it closely aligns with Brighton & Hove City Council’s commitment to become carbon neutral by 2030.

This is one of several flagship events for 2020 alongside a multitude of community led events including a schools’ youth conference in the summer.

More species are under threat and in decline and more habitats are in poor condition than ever before, Nature2020 aims to re-connect people and nature to help stop this decline.

Alan Robins, Chair of the Tourism, Equalities, Communities & Culture Committee said: “As a council we have declared a Biodiversity emergency. 

“We are lucky to have such a diverse climate on our doorstop in Brighton & Hove so it is the responsibility of all of us to contribute to keeping it this way. 

“I’m glad to welcome Nature2020 as it can help to inspire us to connect with our natural environment and understand what we can do to make a difference.”

Find out more about Nature2020 as well as the other organisations involved in the event on their website, like them on Facebook and follow them on Twitter.

Picture credit Cary Creed