What are the benefits of Biosphere status?
Possible benefits of modern Biosphere status include:
- Taking advantage of help and advice from UNESCO and other Biosphere Areas or Reserves across the world
- Keeping and improving the area as a great place to bring up children and creating more opportunities for them to stay here
- Placing a greater value on our natural environment and on Welsh language culture
- Increased voluntary activity in nature conservation, for example in controlling invasive species or in creating ‘wildlife corridors’
- New mechanisms that encourage discussion and agreement between people with different values and priorities
- A more self-reliant local economy; less dependent on fossil fuel, with growth driven by local knowledge and resources
- A more sustainable area; with residents and visitors choosing locally-produced goods more often and reducing our impact on the world
- Using the UNESCO ‘brand’ to promote the quality of local agricultural products and tourism experiences – both in the UK and internationally.
In March 2008, DEFRA published a report of research into "The potential for Biosphere Reserves to achieve UK social, economic and environmental goals". It was based on four case studies, including North Devon.
