Jeihosphere: Celebrating Ten Years of Our Biosphere

This autumn, on 2nd October, an exhibition at the Manx Museum will mark ten years since the Isle of Man became the world's first whole-nation UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

But rather than focusing on policies, plans or statistics, Jeihosphere will tell the story through the people, places and ideas that have shaped the Island over the last decade. 

Named after the Manx Gaelic word jeih, meaning ten, the exhibition brings together ten objects that reflect different aspects of Biosphere Isle of Man, alongside photographs and art celebrating key achievements. From culture, education and community to environmental projects, conservation and business initiatives, the exhibition highlights the many ways Biosphere values have been put into practice across the Island.

Together, the exhibits paint a picture of a Biosphere woven through everyday life. 

Jeihosphere is appropriately launching during Blein ny Gaelgey, the Year of the Manx Language. This island-wide initiative aims to encourage more people to use Manx, reach new audiences and celebrate an important part of our Island identity. Themes include identity and sense of place, creativity, lifelong learning and community participation; ideas that align closely with the wider aims of Biosphere Isle of Man. 

The celebrations will not stop at the museum doors. Throughout October, Biosphere Partners will be hosting fringe events across the Island, providing opportunities for people to explore different aspects of the Biosphere in their own communities. 

Organised and delivered by partners, these events will reflect the diversity of the Biosphere itself, from nature and heritage to culture, learning and community life, while helping us celebrate ten years of achievement together. Information on events will be shared through the Biosphere Isle of Man website and social media channels.  

As Jeihosphere looks back on the first decade of Biosphere Isle of Man, it is really telling a much broader story: how people across the Island have contributed to making the Isle of Man a place where nature, culture, community and economy can thrive together. The exhibition may focus on the last ten years, but it also invites us to consider what role each of us will play in the next ten. 

The exhibition will be available to visit until the end of February 2027. We would like to extend a gura mie mooar eu / a big thank you, to Manx National Heritage and the team at the Manx Museum for making this exhibition possible.