Biosphere Set For South West Scotland?

Published 14 Mar 2010 17:00 1 Comment

South West Scotland, including large parts of South and East Ayrshire and Dumfries and Galloway Council areas, could be in line for international recognition as a place of world class environment and sustainable development.

The Councils together with Scottish Natural Heritage and the Forestry Commission Scotland have for some time been discussing the possibility of applying to UNESCO for Biosphere status for the area. Biospheres are locations recognised under UNESCO's Man and the Biosphere Programme, which innovate and demonstrate approaches to conservation and sustainable development. They remain under national sovereign jurisdiction, yet share their experience and ideas nationally, regionally and internationally within the World Network of Biosphere Reserves. Biosphere status does not impose any new regulatory or legislative controls on an area or on the activities within it.

Studies have shown the concept would generate significant economic opportunities and broad community support for the concept, which in turn has won local political support.

Commenting on the proposal Cllr Robert McDill (East Ayrshire Council) said:

"We are interested in exploring how proposals for a Biosphere can be linked to our broader community regeneration objectives. Biospheres can only be nominated by national governments, but importantly their status imposes no additional restrictions in terms of the use of the land. Biospheres are intended to place development proposals within a wider, more integrated and sustainable context, very much in line with our thinking."

Cllr Peter Convery of South Ayrshire Council said: "What interests me is that a Biosphere is much more than just a protected natural environment. They are places which seek to reconcile economic and social development and environmental protection through a partnership with communities that live in the area. It gives communities a direct say in the future of their area."

Cllr Graham Nicol from Dumfries and Galloway added:"A Biosphere for South West Scotland would be a great asset. We have a wonderful environment that is often overlooked in national tourism promotion and a whole range of quality small businesses linked both to tourism and the use of the land. A Biosphere could become a powerful brand for marketing the whole area on the world stage."

There are two existing Biospheres within the UK, one in North Devon the other in the Dyfi Valley in Wales. If the SW Scotland project goes forward it could be the third in the UK and the only one in Scotland. There are more than 500 Biospheres in over 100 countries around the World including Uluru (Ayers Rock) in Australia, Yosemite in USA and the Danube Delta in Europe.

There is already strong interest in some local communities within the potential Biosphere and there are proposals for biosphere-type projects linked to local marketing or promotion initiatives. Over the next few months additional community biosphere champions will be identified to spread the message about the significance and benefits of having a UNESCO designated biosphere in this area and to assist with the task of applying for Biosphere status. It is hoped to submit the application later this year to UNESCO after further discussions with the Scottish and UK Government.

Community representatives and other interested stakeholders are meeting in Prestwick on the 23rd March in The Municipal Buildings, 15, Links Road starting at 5.00 pm and on the 25th March in New Galloway at the Catstrand starting at 7.00 pm. Anyone interested in finding out more is welcome to attend.

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• 

  David Sloan
  Unregistered User
  Mar 15, 11:47
  Report comment

  Aye and Bobby McDill kens whaur, or even cares aboot Dalmellington. Just like his SNP pal Filson. But then again, nae doot the SNP loving Chronic ill will have an "in depth" love in wae them.
  
  Biosphere Smiosphere! whit aboot decent services. Services CUT by £7 million, roads a disgrace. High unemployment, Dalmellington Area Centre wae naebuddy in it. The SNP cooncil have emptied it, by the back door, removed and shut doon services in a development that cost £3 million and what have the SNP loving Chronic ill reported?? Nowt, hehaw, not a sausage. But they report wee Bobby McDill seleverin oan aboot Biospheres. Whit has Cathy Jamieson said or done? NOWT, whit a waste o space. Davie Sneller will sort that lot oot when he becomes oor MSP.
  
  Recommend?   Yes 0     No 0

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