Experts call for Cornwall to be given UNESCO Biosphere status
The prestigious status would help the region secure funds to aid conservation work
Researchers at the University of Exeter say Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly would be an “ideal candidate” to become a UNESCO Biosphere.
The prestigious status would help the region secure funds to aid conservation work and protect threatened environments.
In a new study, experts say the area already meets much of the criteria for designation in Article 4 of the World Network of Biosphere Reserve Statutory Framework.
The change would aim to improve the relationship between people and their local environment.
The research was carried out by experts at the Exeter Centre for Environmental Law, who produced a comprehensive feasibility study.
Dr Tiago de Melo Cartaxo said: “We believe the time is right for Cornwall Council and the Council of the Isles of Scilly to start discussing the process of application to UNESCO officially, with the support of a wide number of local actors and organisations.
“The region's continuing landscape fragmentation and biodiversity degradation calls for local collaborative efforts to safeguard the unique ecological and heritage value of the area while boosting sustainable development.”
The region’s unique cultural heritage and biodiversity is already recognised as Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty – now rebranded as National Landscapes –, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, National and Local Nature Reserves, Sites of Special Scientific Interest, Marine Conservation Sites and Special Areas of Conservation and Special Protection Areas.