Creating a sustainable future for The Living Coast – the UK’s only urban biosphere
Proposals to secure the future of The Living Coast UNESCO Biosphere for the next 10 years have been awarded £10,000 from the Greater Brighton Economic Board (GBEB).
The members agreed to support work to retain the important Biosphere status, and to work closely with The Living Coast, to maximise opportunities. GBEB also opened the door to a potential geographic expansion in the future as part of the strategic review process.
Since 2014, The Living Coast has been internationally recognised by UNESCO (the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation) for its outstanding natural environment and as a site of excellence for sustainability. It includes the Downs, towns, a city and the coast and has two rivers running through it.
Connecting people and nature through partnership
The Living Coast is a partnership of more than 40 voluntary conservation, education, local government and private sector organisations with a common aim to connect people and nature to inspire a positive future.
Councillor Beccy Cooper, chair of the Greater Brighton Economic Board and Leader of Worthing Borough Council, said: “We are pleased to be supporting The Living Coast which is truly unique and recognised by UNESCO for our local natural jewels such as the South Downs and Marine Conservation Zone, and our capacity to foster sustainable development.
“The work also provides an opportunity for the UNESCO biosphere and the Greater Brighton Economic Board to address together some of the objectives of the GB10 Pledges on the Environment, notably by sharing knowledge of cost-efficient and replicable projects.”
Martin Harris, chair of The Living Coast, said: “By working together with our partners and local communities we have achieved real and tangible results. This work is having a positive impact on habitats, biodiversity, carbon reduction, climate, food production and distribution, and arts and cultural benefits for the people who live and work in Greater Brighton and wider area.”
Involving communities to shape the future
Every 10 years UNESCO requires biospheres to take stock of the work that has been delivered and to consult all local stakeholders to shape the future strategy, leading to an official renewal of the designation.
The Living Coast UNESCO Biosphere has led and supported many projects tackling conservation, sustainable development and environmental education, such as supporting local eco tourism, wilding local habitats and community engagement with schools and communities on nature-based solutions to address flood risk and biodiversity loss.
You can share your thoughts, feedback and wishes for The Living Coast UNESCO Biosphere by completing a 10-minute survey.
More information
Biospheres receive no core funding from UNESCO or national government and the Living Coast estimates that the review and relaunch will cost around £80k. These costs include consultancy fees, and key activities such as research, stakeholder engagement and communications.
Discover The Living Coast and get involved
Find out more about Greater Brighton
More about the GB10 environmental pledges
See the latest film of Wilding Waterhall - one year on- a project in the heart of The Living Coast area.
