Coastal biosphere looks to expand
October 8, 2024
The only urban biosphere in the UK, The Living Coast, is planning to increase in size to include half a million residents.
The Living Coast has been a designated UNESCO Biosphere since 2014, stretching from Shoreham to Newhaven, from the South Downs to the sea. The biospheres are places of international best practice, promoting sustainable development in nature conservation, cultural diversity, and economic development.
Now, as part of a bid to renew the area’s status for the next 10 years, the partnership is looking to expand the biosphere from over 330,000 residents to nearly 550,000, embracing all of Adur & Worthing, Lewes District Council, and Brighton & Hove, bringing in Seaford in the east and Goring in the west.
It will take in landmarks in the National Park such as Cissbury Ring, the largest hill fort in Sussex, and Charleston, former home of the Bloomsbury artists’ group.
Priorities for the future include promoting sustainability education and using the designation to promote a sense of local pride.
Martin Harris, chair of The Living Coast partnership, which is led by Brighton & Hove City Council, said: “We have created an inspiring and shared vision that will connect and balance the needs of humanity and nature over the next 10 years and beyond.”
The Living Coast is involving more young people, recently recruiting two youth volunteers to ensure diverse youth voices are represented in the biosphere.
Vanessa Rowlands, Chair of the National Park Authority, said: “As a UK National Park, we share a core mission with UNESCO Biospheres: to conserve and enhance the natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage of our area.
“We want UNESCO to continue to internationally recognise the collective efforts and ambitions of the Biosphere Partnership, where biodiversity conservation and sustainable development are compatible and mutually dependent goals.”