The Galloway and Southern Ayrshire UNESCO Biosphere (GSAB) has received a massive cash boost of £1.9m, which they will be given over the next five years.

It will help create 12 new full-time jobs, as well as bringing a range of economic, community and environmental benefits to the area.

The area received the UNESCO designation, the first in Scotland, in July 2012 for its “world-class environment for people and nature”.

It covers parts of South and East Ayrshire as well as Dumfries and Galloway, and is home to 95,000 people.

The funding award is the second biggest investment to date from South of Scotland Enterprise, a government funded body to ‘drive inclusive growth in the area’.

It will allow the Biosphere to increase activities around its four key strategic objectives of Climate and Adaptation; Land-use and Biodiversity; Research and Learning, and Sustainable Development, widening its reach and impact.

Joan Mitchell, Chair of the Biosphere Partnership Board said: “The support of SOSE shows real commitment and understanding from the new agency, that having the environment and sustainability at the heart of everything we do will ultimately be better, not just for the environment itself, but also for our future economy, and all the people who live, work and visit this amazing region.

“This funding represents a real step-change for our organisation and demonstrates the value of the ongoing commitment shown by our other funding partners. We are hugely excited at the opportunities it creates for us to grow the team; broaden the range of partners we work with and the initiatives we can help deliver.”

Rural Affairs and Natural Environment Minister, Mairi Gougeon added: “I am pleased that South of Scotland Enterprise is investing in the Galloway and Southern Ayrshire Biosphere Reserve which is part of an important global UNESCO initiative developing ways for people and nature to interact harmoniously and sustainably.

“As we build a green recovery from COVID-19, this funding will help promote biodiversity, boost jobs, bring investment and increase sustainable tourism in an already popular area.”