Ecosystem Policy Team
The team has responsibilities covering the preservation of biodiversity, UNESCO Biosphere Isle of Man, the reduction of use of single use plastics, and blue carbon work (a limited term Net Zero project).
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Contact the Ecosystem Policy Team
Ecosystem Policy Team
Ecosystem Policy Team
Thie Slieau Whallian
Foxdale Road
St John's
IM4 3AS
Telephone:+44 1624 651577
Email:Send Email
UNESCO Biosphere Isle of Man
The Isle of Man is a UNESCO Biosphere under the global organisation’s Man and the Biosphere Programme.
UNESCO Biosphere Isle of Man is run from within the Environment Directorate of the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture, although its activity is governed by a cross-community Stakeholder Partnership Group and the status belongs to everyone.
The three central of the Biosphere programme globally are sustainable development, conservation and learning.
Biospheres set local aims and ambitions and UNESCO Biosphere Isle of Man’s are in its strategy ‘Working Together for a Sustainable Future’, under the five Es of economy, education, engagement, enjoyment and environment.
The Isle of Man’s Biosphere status encourages its population to learn about and cherish the Isle of Man’s special attributes and safeguard them for the future by making good decisions, as individuals, as organisations and as an Island.
UNESCO Biosphere Isle of Man undergoes a periodic review (reaccreditation) by UNESCO in 2026 and is already working towards that.
UNESCO Biosphere Isle of Man
Department of Environment Food and Agriculture
Thie Slieau Whallian
Foxdale Road
St. Johns
Isle of Man
IM4 3AS.
Telephone:+44 1624 686080
Email:Send Email
Biodiversity
The team works to ensure that wildlife and natural habitats are appropriately managed and effectively conserved for future generations, including coordinating and delivering action under the Isle of Man Government Biodiversity Strategy 2015-2025, and manages the Ayres National Nature Reserve, undertaking appropriate habitat management and wildlife protection alongside public education and enjoyment. It gives appropriate protection to sites of importance for wildlife conservation and effective management incentives to encourage landowners to undertake wildlife-friendly management on important sites, such as Areas of Special Scientific Interest.
It operates licensing, to control the international trade in wildlife and wildlife products and protects species at risk, monitors the regulation of shooting relating to the Wildlife Act and the regulation of bird keepers. It provides advice and promotes best practice on biodiversity issues, especially in relation to protected species and habitats, including advice to Planning and Building Control. It protects and promotes the Island’s international relations by ensuring the Island meets its obligations under a number of multilateral environmental agreements. See also Marine Conservation.
Plastics
The team coordinates work under the Single Use Plastics Reduction Plans for the Isle of Man Government, and for the Isle of Man Community to reduce the use of fossil fuels and reduce marine litter.
For more information please email plastics@gov.im or phone +44 1624 651577.
The Manx Blue Carbon Project
This is a three year project to determine how much blue carbon is sequestered in our marine habitats, where, and at what rate, and to plan out what can be done to best maintain and increase this carbon storage, with benefits for climate change mitigation, marine biodiversity and the restoration of marine ecosystems.
