North Devon UNESCO Biosphere
2002
- The North Devon UNESCO Biosphere has at its core the Braunton Burrows sand dune system. However, it extends far wider than this small area, taking in the vast catchment areas of the Rivers Taw and Torridge, covering 5,262 km2 in total. It also includes the island of Lundy and the sea area between the mainland and the island.
- Since becoming the UK’s first UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve in 2002, a further four Biosphere Reserves have been established in the UK, based on the North Devon model. Over the last 6 years in particular, the Biosphere Partnership has been successfully implementing projects that have cleaned up our water, supported our tourism, farming, fishing and forestry industries and supported schools, universities and colleges. It has helped thousands of people take great enjoyment in the countryside and generally contributed to the wellbeing of the people in northern Devon. It has literally brought millions of pounds into the area.
- The North Devon Biosphere is managed by a strong partnership of stakeholders.
- In recent years, the Biosphere has been involved with various marine-related categories including: coastal management, responsible marine stewardship, fishing in North Devon, recreation and marine biodiversity. The Biosphere’s marine activities are governed by a Marine Forum and a Marine Policy Working Group.
- The Biosphere is responsible for the North Devon Marine Wildlife Aware Accreditation Scheme. This Scheme is designed for charter boat operators and offers instruction in responsible marine wildlife interactions. Boats which have had staff participate in the Scheme are able to display a sticker on their boats to indicate they are ‘wildlife aware’.
- The Biosphere is represented on the Lundy MPA Advisory Group and provides the Group with a link to various marine initiatives happening on the mainland. It has supported the Lundy MPA in various ways, particularly with projects relating to tourism and interpretation.
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