Jeihosphere Photo Wall

1. 2018 Biosphere Award Winners

The Biosphere Awards recognise individuals, organisations and businesses that help make the Isle of Man a better place for people and the rest of nature. The awards have celebrated achievements though 5 categories: Economy, Enjoyment, Environment, Energy and Engagement. The Biosphere Awards will be back, and better than ever, soon so keep an eye out for further news! 

Find out more about the Biosphere Awards and previous winners

2. Sustainable Mann

Sustainable Mann encourages practical action on sustainability through projects, events and partnerships. The awards celebrate people and organisations helping to create a more sustainable future for the Island.

Look out for upcoming Sustainable Mann workshops

4. SCRAN at the Royal Albert Hall

Scran is a youth folk band that showcases traditional Manx music to audiences locally and internationally. Their appearance at the Royal Albert Hall highlighted the growing profile of Manx culture and celebrated the hard work that this amazingly talented bunch have put into their art.

Follow Scran's musical journey and see their latest performances

5. Seals on the Calf of Man

The waters around the Isle of Man support internationally important populations of grey seals. Investment in technology, such as drones, helps researchers monitor wildlife while minimising disturbance. By using innovative research methods, we are delivering one of the key functions of being a Biosphere Reserve.

Learn more about seal conservation and monitoring around the Isle of Man

Monitoring carried out by Manx Wildlife Trust

6. Manx dancing at the Festival Interceltique in Lorient

The Festival Interceltique de Lorient is one of the world's largest celebrations of Celtic culture. Manx musicians, dancers and performers have regularly represented the Isle of Man at the festival since 1971, strengthening cultural connections across Celtic nations. This not only strengthens our own cultural identity but also allows us to showcase our Island to the world - our small Island is making a big impact.

Discover the Isle of Man's long-standing connection with the Festival Interceltique de Lorient and follow the group on Facebook

7. Young Nature Champion

The Young Nature Champion award, celebrates creativity, storytelling and the personal experiences of our young people. The competition encourages young people to explore the natural world and ignites a lifelong passion for wildlife. In 2023 the winning and runner up entries were displayed on the Calf of Man for visitors to enjoy, showcasing how our youth already have a strong connection with the rest of nature.

Read about how young writers are connecting people with nature through creativity and storytelling

This initiative is run in partnership with in partnership with Manx Wildlife Trust, Manx Ornithological Society, Love Tech and Media Isle of Man

8. Garey yn Ellan Ain

Garey yn Ellan Ain was originally created as part of the Year of Our Island celebrations in 2018. The community garden continues to bring people together, providing a space to learn about gardening, biodiversity and local heritage. By bringing all of these aspects into one space, the garden truly encapsulates our Biosphere. 

Take a visit to the Garey yn Ellan Ain and find out about upcoming events

The Garden was designed by Jane Prescott - Manx Herbalist

9. 200th Biosphere Partner

The Biosphere Partner Network brings together businesses, charities, schools and community groups that are committed to supporting Biosphere values. Membership has grown steadily since the Island gained UNESCO Biosphere status. The 200th Biosphere Partner was a significant milestone, but there are now nearly 600. How many could there be in another ten years? We would not have the Biosphere we have today without our partners, so thank you to all of those who have decided to bring a little Biosphere into everything they do.

Find out how you can benefit from becoming a Biosphere Partner

10. Manx Blue Carbon

Seagrass meadows provide vital habitats for marine wildlife and play an important role in storing carbon. Seasearch volunteers have helped identify new seagrass areas around the Isle of Man, while corporate sponsors have supported conservation efforts to protect these valuable ecosystems. Public awareness and education are also being enhanced through the Manx Wildlife Trust's Festival of the Sea. Together this collaboration shows how community action, environmental stewardship and education can help safeguard our natural heritage for future generations.

Learn more about seagrass restoration and the Island's Blue Carbon Project

12. Biosphere Conrhenny Shelter

This shelter was designed as a part of the National Development Strategy for Culture and the Arts and combines contemporary design with references to Manx heritage and landscape. The collaborative project provides a space where visitors can pause and appreciate both culture and nature. By encouraging people to take a moment to reflect on their surroundings, this shelter helps us to reinforce our connection to our Island. 

Learn about the inspiration behind the Conrhenny Shelter and its celebration of culture and nature

Supported by Culture Vannin and the Isle of Man Arts Council

13. Photographers in Residence

Following the success of the Biosphere Artist in Residence, the Biosphere Photographers in Residence programme invited photographers to explore and document the Island's landscapes, wildlife, communities and culture through a creative lens. Their work helped us to tell the evolving story of our UNESCO Biosphere and celebrate its beauty.

Learn about the Biosphere Photographers in Residence

Supported by Visit Isle of Man and Manx Wildlife Trust

14. REIMAGINING: Our Biosphere - Shaping the future with the Biosphere Team & Youth Network

Members of the Biosphere Isle of Man youth network volunteered their time to support the Biosphere Team at several public engagement events through 2025. They helped members of the public to play the REIMAGINING: Our Biosphere Game, developed by Ali Hodgson during her time as Biosphere Artist in Residence, and gather their thoughts on the future of our Biosphere that will later be fed into the new Biosphere Strategy. Their time meant that the new strategy will reflect the thoughts of nearly 300 people of all ages.

Explore the Biosphere Game and discover how young people are helping to shape the future of our Biosphere

17. The Innovation Challenge

The Innovation Challenge brings together entrepreneurs, researchers and businesses from around the world to develop solutions to significant challenges. A dedicated award focussed on “Biosphere” encourages entrants excelling in sustainable innovation. The Innovation Challenge helps to place the Isle of Man at the forefront of creative innovation, sharing our Biosphere with a global audience.

Learn more about the Innovation Challenge and the winners from 2026

Created by Digital Isle of Man, Manx Care and Public Health Isle of Man

18. Biosphere Partner Forum 2024

The Biosphere Partner Network connects organisations and community groups that share a commitment to the values of UNESCO Biosphere Isle of Man. By playing to the strengths of our small Island and bringing Biosphere Partners together, there is greater potential for communication and collaboration, taking our Biosphere to the next level.

Meet our Partners and subscribe to the Biosphere IOM newsletter to be the first to find out about future events

19. Formal Inauguration

In 2016, the Isle of Man became the world's only entire-nation UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, joining a global network of places recognised for demonstrating how people and nature can thrive together. The designation was formally celebrated at an inauguration ceremony, where the Isle of Man received its official UNESCO Biosphere Reserve certificate from the Secretary of UNESCO's Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme.

Since then, Biosphere Isle of Man has worked closely with the UK MAB Committee, which provides support, expertise and opportunities to collaborate with other Biosphere Reserves. Through this partnership, we share knowledge and best practice while contributing to national and international efforts to promote Biosphere values

Learn more about our connections with the Biosphere Reserves in the UK and the wider MAB Programme

20. Refill Scheme

The Refill scheme encourages people to carry reusable water bottles and reduce single-use plastic waste. Participating locations help make sustainable choices easier for residents and visitors, helping keep our Island clean.

Find participating Refill locations and learn how to reduce single-use plastic waste

21. Manx language taster session

Manx Gaelic was once considered critically endangered but, through dedication and collaboration, has experienced a remarkable revival. Today it is taught in schools, used in community events and spoken by a growing number of people. Be sure to sign up for upcoming classes and support our amazing language!

Interested in learning a few words yourself? Check out the upcoming courses and range of digital resources.

Learn Manx is delivered by Culture Vannin

23. Oie Voaldyn

Biosphere partners, Oie Voaldyn Manx May Fire Festival, are taking traditional festivities and turning them into modern fun for all of the family. This is a glowing example of how our community can work together to celebrate all things Manx, preserving our culture for future generations.

Find out how traditional Manx customs are being reimagined for modern audiences

24. 2017 MAB Youth Forum Representatives

Young people have been representing the Isle of Man in the Biosphere community since early in our designation. Ruth, Alfie and Graihagh led the way through attending the first ever MAB Youth Forum in 2019. Since then, Rachel and Alice have represented the Isle of Man at EuroMAB Conferences, and Rachel also attended the 3rd MAB Youth Forum in 2026. There are many opportunities for the young people from our Biosphere to get involved internationally and shape the future of the MAB Programme.

Read about Rachel's experience, the role young people play in the global Biosphere network and get in touch with our Youth Representatives to find out more.

25. Research Festival 2025

The Research Festival brings together all who are researching or are interested in the research that is taking place on our Island. It also provides an opportunity for researchers to visit the Island to showcase their work and for us to learn from research that is relevant to our own community and environment. On a small island, it is important that we are able to collaborate on research and this festival gives us the opportunity to do just that. Further information will soon be available for the 2026 research festival. 

Take a look at the presentations that were delivered in 2025 and sign up to attend the Biosphere Lecture

Run by University College Isle of Man and Research Vannin

27. Sustainable Finance Symposium

The Sustainable Finance Symposium supports the development of responsible finance that delivers positive environmental, social and economic outcomes. The annual symposium brings together experts and practitioners to discuss sustainable investment and innovation. Working to build sustainable economics into the heart of our Island will help us invest in the future of our Biosphere.

Get your free ticket to the 2026 Sustainable Finance Symposium

Created by Finance Isle of Man

28. Chough

The chough is one of the Island’s most recognisable bird species, known for its red bill and acrobatic flight. The Island supports approximately one third of the British Isles chough population, which depends on traditional farming practices and suitable coastal habitats. Despite ongoing conservation efforts, the chough remains a species of conservation concern, alongside many other bird species. Protecting wildlife such as the chough requires collaboration between farmers, landowners, conservation organisations and the wider community, reflecting the partnership approach at the heart of UNESCO Biosphere Isle of Man.

Learn about other Birds of Conservation Concern on the Isle of Man.

29. Youth Network Formation

The Biosphere Youth Network gives young people a platform to meet likeminded people, share ideas, lead projects and help shape the future of UNESCO Biosphere Isle of Man. This network has been built entirely by its members and receives support when required from the Biosphere Isle of Man team. The growth of the network has demonstrated how dedicated our youth are to the future of their Island and creating new opportunities for themselves.

Are you or someone you know aged between 18-35? Find out more about the network and join today!

30. Manx Birdlife Point of Ayre Nature Reserve

Manx Birdlife’s Point of Ayre National Reserve is an important site for migratory birds, breeding wildlife and rare habitats. It offers opportunities for conservation, research and nature-based recreation and has delivered many guided walks since its opening in to the public in 2024. A wonderful example of collaboration between Manx Birdlife, RSPB and Island Aggregates, the reserve utilises used quarry land, showcasing sustainable development in the North of our Island.

Plan a visit and discover the wildlife that makes Point of Ayre such a special place

Created by Manx Birdlife, supported by Island Aggrigates

32. Silver Lapwing Awards

The Silver Lapwing Awards celebrate farmers and land managers who demonstrate outstanding commitment to nature-friendly farming and environmental stewardship. The award highlights the important role agriculture plays in maintaining healthy landscapes and biodiversity and the competition is open to farms across the UK. The image shows a group of visitors to the Island for the awards enjoying a tour of the uplands, proudly presenting our Biosphere to visiting farmers.

 Learn more about the prestigious award and David and Rob Cooil’s success

Organised by FWAG

33. Baton Passing

Biosphere Youth Representatives led the way and hosted the first leg of the King’s Baton Relay ahead of the 2026 Commonwealth Games. The event was held at Curragh’s Wildlife Park and included live Manx music, dancing and celebration of our Biosphere. The baton, designed by archer Lesley Sleight, was also inspired by Manx culture and wildlife.

Find out more about the King’s Baton Relay

35. A Beacon at the Edge of Our Isle

‘A Beacon at the Edge of Our Isle’ is a collaborative poem written at the Ayres National Nature Reserve. The outcome of a group writing session, this poem was written as part of ‘Skeealyn Feie: Wild Tales’, an outdoor poetry and songwriting workshop hosted by Fourth Biosphere Artist in Residence Alice Dudley and Fifth Manx Bard Annie Kissack.
The aim of the workshop was to encourage creatives to connect not just with nature, but with each other. Taking inspiration directly from the landscape of the Ayres, participants were led on a guided walk around the reserve and given a series of writing prompts to help them connect with their surroundings.

Annie Kissack, on the process: “We’d asked our participants to contribute a line or a short phrase emerging from their notes as we moved around the footpath and onto the shore. They had no idea in what ways these random lines would be combined, so I was very grateful for their willingness to hand over their words without restriction. Then it was a case of matching up phrases that might belong together, thinking about the overall sound and the shape of a poem on the page. This was very much a co-operative project and it was a pleasure to take part and work with such positive people”.

Alice Dudley, on the outcome: “The resulting poem invites readers to go on the same journey we each did, to tune into the small details in a vast landscape and to reevaluate their own connection to the world around them. Inspiration can often be found in unexpected places, and working outdoors and as a group gave us the opportunity to experiment with new ways of writing. It all comes back to the idea that everything is connected, and with this year marking ten years of our Island as an Entire Nation Biosphere, this was the perfect project to celebrate that connection with our Island and with
each other”.

Compiled by Annie Kissack and Alice Dudley
Illustrated by Alice Dudley, Biosphere Artist in Residence
Written by Alice Dudley, Annie Kissack, Cath Dudley, Gyp Buggane, Jacqueline Shirtliff, John Dudley, Kim Etherton, and Ryan Morrison