#MyBiosphere: Rachel Smith

In our regular feature in Isle of Man Newspapers, authors from different walks of Manx life offer a personal perspective on #MyBiosphere. This month, Rachel Smith writes:

The Island That Inspired Me to Think Bigger.

The Isle of Man has always been my home, but it wasn’t until I left it that I truly began to understand its beauty, complexity, and potential. Growing up in the quiet village of Kirk Michael, life was simple. My childhood was filled with bike rides, muddy adventures, and mystery potions crafted from garden flowers. Back then, the Island was just the backdrop to my small world, a place of safety and imagination.

It wasn’t until high school, during a simple ecology lesson, that the world began to unfold in a new way. I became fascinated by the intricate systems that underpin our planet. How they work, how fragile they are, and how often they are taken for granted. This spark of curiosity grew into a calling, propelling me to study ecology at university.

My studies opened my eyes to the delicate balance of ecosystems and the heavy footprint humanity leaves behind. Midway through my degree, I returned to the Isle of Man for a year-long internship with the Manx Wildlife Trust. I saw the Island in a new light. Not just as my home but as a treasure trove of biodiversity and possibility.

One project, the Creg Y Cowin Temperate Rainforest, captivated me. I spent hours imagining its potential - what it could look like in 20, 40, or even 100 years. It was a living example of how, with care and collaboration, we can restore what has been lost.

Meanwhile, a friend and I had been talking about the lack of opportunities for young people passionate about nature conservation to connect, share ideas, and collaborate. So when I saw an advertisement for the role of Biosphere Isle of Man Youth Representative, I knew I had to apply. It felt like the perfect chance to help create the space we had dreamed of.

It was around this time that I began delving into the Isle of Man’s designation as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Initially, I didn’t fully understand the significance of this status. But as I stepped into the role, everything began to make sense and my real journey of understanding began. I came to realise that being a Biosphere Reserve is far more than a prestigious title. It’s a commitment and a promise to balance conservation, sustainable development, and cultural heritage. It’s an opportunity to lead by example, showing the world how people and the rest of nature can thrive together in harmony.

The more I learned, the more my worries about the planet’s future eased. Across the world, biosphere reserves are proving that when communities work together, sustainability isn’t just a dream, it’s achievable.

The Isle of Man taught me to think bigger. Our Island may seem small, but its potential is vast. We have the power to restore habitats, foster innovation, and build a community rooted in respect for nature.

Our Biosphere isn’t just a status; it’s a call to action. It’s a reminder that we are part of something larger, something dynamic. By looking to our past, embracing our present, and collaborating for our future, we can create a legacy of harmony between people and the planet.

Together, we can unlock the secrets of sustainability and perhaps inspire others to do the same. The Isle of Man has already inspired me. Imagine what it could inspire in the world.

Find out more about the Biosphere Youth Network.