The Isle of Man will participate in delivering three workshops at a major biennial gathering of European and American Biospheres.
EuroMAB takes place in Dublin from 1 to 5 April and will explore 'Local Actions for Global Challenges'. The event will be attended by representatives from 30 countries.
UNESCO Biosphere Isle of Man has been chosen to help deliver workshops on protecting and promoting coastal and marine life (Dr Fiona Gell, Ecosystem Policy Manager at the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture), protecting and promoting indigenous languages (Dr Breesha Maddrell, Director of Culture Vannin), and tackling marine plastics (Bill Dale BEM, founder of Beach Buddies).
The UNESCO Biosphere Isle of Man delegation will also share local expertise at workshops on empowering young people, developing local enterprises (including branding and product labelling) and engagement through arts and culture.
Each workshop will decide on a 'Big Idea' that Biospheres will work together to fulfil.
The Isle of Man is participating in a World Network of Island and Coastal Biosphere Reserves' initiative to reduce plastic pollution affecting such areas and this will be launched at EuroMAB.
Sustainability – and supporting the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals – is a central aim of Biospheres.
The Isle of Man has contributed a video that will be screened at the event's opening gathering on a collaboration between Foraging Vintners and grower Will Qualtrough that demonstrates responsible consumption and production.
Isle of Man food and drink will also be showcased at an ethnic evening on the penultimate day of the conference. Isle of Man Creamery has provided a consignment of cheese to showcase Manx farming and produce.
Geoffrey Boot MHK, Minister for Environment, Food and Agriculture, said:
'The Isle of Man's membership of the UNESCO Man and the Biosphere Programmes provides us with the chance to share our knowledge and good practice with others from across the globe and to also learn from them too.
'Through collaboration, we can share opportunities and work together on solutions to challenges facing our Biospheres.
'It is an honour to be invited to assist in the delivery of three of the event's 19 workshops, under the chairmanship of UNESCO figures.
'The Isle of Man recently established nine new marine nature reserves and works hard to ensure a sustainable future for all sea users, so it's great for us to be able to share this story at EuroMAB.'
