Biosphere founding father returns to deliver inaugural lecture

A celebrated conservationist will deliver the inaugural UNESCO Biosphere Isle of Man Lecture.

Professor Peter Bridgewater will present the lecture – sponsored by Zurich International – on June 12 at the Manx Museum.

The Isle of Man is the only entire nation member of the UNESCO world network of Biosphere reserves, run by the global organisation’s Man and the Biosphere Programme. There are 686 Biospheres in 122 countries.

Biospheres balance sustainable development, conservation and education. UNESCO Biosphere Isle of Man aims to connect people with nature, celebrate our sense of place and encourage more sustainable practices.

The lecture theme is ‘Don’t ask what your biosphere can do for you, but rather what you can do for your biosphere’.

Professor Bridgewater will explain and explore the role of Biospheres and a wide range of related issues, including practical steps that local communities can take to become involved in projects.

Geoffrey Boot MHK, Minister for the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture, said: “Professor Bridgewater is one of the founding fathers of our UNESCO Biosphere and we are delighted to welcome him ‘home’ to deliver our inaugural Biosphere lecture. As a former global director of the UNESCO Man and the Biosphere Programme and a current member of the Intergovernmental Coordinating Council, he knows the project and its potential for our Island very well. He is a thoroughly knowledgeable and engaging speaker who will hopefully inspire more people to get involved.”

Zurich International is a UNESCO Biosphere Isle of Man partner which means that the company supports the initiative’s six principles. Peter Huber, CEO, Zurich International, commented: “We recognise the need to respect the Island’s environment, which is why we’re very proud to support the principles and aims of UNESCO Biosphere Isle of Man, and delighted to sponsor the inaugural lecture. We have an extensive programme of initiatives to minimize our environmental footprint, so we are already taking many practical steps to make sure we do everything we can to respect and protect this beautiful Island. We hope that more businesses are inspired by our example, and by Professor Bridgewater’s lecture.”

To book tickets for the lecture go to www.eventbrite.co.uk and search for ‘UNESCO Biosphere Isle of Man’. Doors open at 6pm for drinks and canapes, the lecture begins at 7pm and ends at 8.30pm.