Entries invited for UNESCO Biosphere Isle of Man Awards

Entries are invited for the first UNESCO Biosphere Isle of Man Awards, with categories for Energy, Economic Sustainability, Environment and Education/public awareness.

Geoffrey Boot MHK, Minister for the Environment, Food and Agriculture, said: 'The Island is the only entire nation member of the UNESCO world network of Biosphere Reserves.

'Central to the Biosphere is sustainable economic development, which brings benefits to our people and our environment.

'These awards acknowledge the contribution of organisations and individuals from the private, public and third sectors in assisting with reducing energy consumption, sustainably growing the economy, carrying out environmental projects and raising awareness of environmental issues.'

Entrants should give an overview of their project and detail what it achieved. Entries can be accompanied by photos, but not reports or documents.

Entries can be made online via www.gov.im/biosphereawards

Alternatively, visit the page to download an entry form and return it to:

UNESCO Biosphere Awards, Ecosystem Directorate, Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture, Thie Slieau Whallian, Foxdale Road, St John's, Isle of Man, IM4 3AS

or email it to biosphere@gov.im - marking the subject field 'UNESCO Biosphere Awards'.

Entry forms can be requested via the same email.

The closing date for entries is Friday 31st August 2018 and results will be announced in late September.

The awards will be judged by representatives from Government, non-Governmental organisations, commerce and education.

In line with the Biosphere ethos, they will weigh up projects' contribution to the economy, and/or environment, and/or community and will take into account innovation and impact.

If you have questions about the awards, email biosphere@gov.im or ring 01624 686080.

The awards have grown from the Isle of Man Energy Awards, which ran successfully for several years.

Posted up on 2nd July 2018

GET INVOLVED

If you love the Isle of Man and want to help keep it special, there are a variety of ways to get involved in UNESCO Biosphere Isle of Man projects. Here are a few suggestions.

Please help us spread the word about Biosphere Isle of Man!