UNESCO is the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation. It was established after World War Two and seeks to build peace through international cooperation and understanding.
Biosphere is a scientific programme created under the UNESCO Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme, a sister programme to UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Creative Cities and Global Geoparks. The MAB Programme is 52 years old.
No. Membership of the World Network of UNESCO Biosphere Reserves is earned and not paid for.
Biospheres must deliver the three global functions but as all Biospheres are so different, they have their own management plans delivered according to their own imperatives. UNESCO Biosphere Isle of Man delivers these via its strategy 'Working Together for a Sustainable Future' and its five Es of economy, education, engagement, enjoyment and environment.
Two-full time officers, a Higher Executive Officer and an Administration Officer, work for, and the budget is held at, the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture, a Department of the Isle of Man Government.
A Stakeholder Partnership Group, chaired by the Chief Minister and comprising 15 bodies, steers UNESCO Biosphere Isle of Man. The group has its own terms of reference. The Biosphere reports to the UK Man and the Biosphere Committee and, ultimately, oversight is with UNESCO's Man and the Biosphere Programme secretariat in Paris. The UK National Commission for UNESCO guides all UNESCO designations in the UK and Isle of Man and involves the Isle of Man in initiatives and reports.
Core areas are at the heart of the Biosphere and are areas that are already legally protected because of their special features. They include the Ayres National Nature Reserve and the Calf of Man. See 'UNESCO Biosphere Isle of Man' and this more detailed list.
Care areas are managed in a way that’s compatible with conservation and include Manx Wildlife Trust nature reserves and Manx National Heritage monuments. See 'UNESCO Biosphere Isle of Man'.
This is the rest of the Isle of Man, urban and rural, and where most of us live and work. See 'UNESCO Biosphere Isle of Man'.
A detailed report on a standard form provided by UNESCO MAB Programme has to be submitted by 30 September in the 10th anniversary year of designation, so in September 2026, and every 10 years after that. The form can be seen at the Unesco website