Isle of Man Chamber of Commerce – the Island’s biggest business network – has signed up to the UNESCO Biosphere Isle of Man pledge. Chief Minister Howard Quayle MHK officially presented the pledge certificate to the organisation at a ceremony held at Chamber’s offices in Athol Street, Douglas, on April 25.
Signing up to the pledge and its six principles means that the Chamber of Commerce has agreed to:
- Protect the Island’s natural resources
- Help to develop the economy in a sustainable way
- Support and promote cultural heritage
- Make environmental impact positive wherever possible
- Engage with the local community through environmental, social or community groups.
- Act as an ambassador to promote the Island’s outstanding living landscapes through active involvement with Biosphere Isle of Man.
The Chief Minister commented:
'The Island is the only entire nation in the world to hold UNESCO Biosphere Isle of Man status, demonstrating we are a special place to live, work and visit. It is important we maximise our Biosphere status, and all it brings, as we continue to grow our economy and attract new investment and more people to our Island. The Isle of Man Chamber of Commerce has an extensive network of members and we welcome it to our growing ranks of partners acting as ambassadors for, and spreading the word about UNESCO Biosphere Isle of Man.'
Rebecca George, Chief Operating Officer, Isle of Man Chamber of Commerce, said:
'Chamber represents the voice of business in the Isle of Man, fosters business relationships, and helps to drive economic growth. While supporting new and sustainable business, we also encourage respect for the Island’s natural resources, culture and environment. Supporting the UNESCO Biosphere Isle of Man initiative complements our existing principles, and I’m delighted that Chamber has signed up to the pledge. It demonstrates that we recognise the value that this unique status brings to the Island’s business community in helping to attract inward investment. We would like to encourage all of our 300 Chamber members to apply to sign up to the pledge, where suitable, to ensure that the Isle of Man continues to be a special place to live, work and visit.'
Chamber members are being invited to attend a free breakfast seminar on May 3 which will explain Isle of Man Government’s ‘Year of Our Island’ initiative and the significance of the Island’s UNESCO Biosphere status. It will feature presentations by Jennie Wheeler, Change and Reform Programme Lead, Cabinet Office, and Jo Overty, UNESCO Biosphere Isle of Man Project Officer, Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture.
For more details, and to book a place, go to http://www.iomchamber.org.im/public/chamber-events.aspx
