Minister praises Biosphere partners’ Covid efforts in video

UNESCO Biosphere Isle of Man partners are praised for the part they played in the Island’s response to Covid-19 in a video released this week.

UNESCO named the Island as a Biosphere in 2016, after recognising it as a special place to live, work and visit.

Since then, more than 200 Island organisations, ranging from businesses to charities and schools, have signed the UNESCO Biosphere Isle of Man Pledge and committed to make a positive environmental impact, protect natural resources, develop the economy in a sustainable way, engage with the community and support and promote our cultural heritage.

In a video message, Geoffrey Boot MHK, Minister for Environment, Food and Agriculture, says: ‘Biosphere partners played a vital role in the Island’s response to Covid.’

The Minister adds: ‘It has been an incredibly difficult year but one that has again demonstrated the Island’s strong sense of community – which is one of the key reasons UNESCO recognised the Island as a Biosphere.

‘During lockdown and beyond, our partners kept us safe, maintained services, adapted what they delivered, ensured we were fed, supported our community, connected us with nature and raised our morale.

‘Covid-19 altered life for us all and instead of our UNESCO Biosphere Awards this year, we wanted to share a video to thank all our partners for honouring their Biosphere Pledge to work together for a sustainable future. Thank you!’

Watch the video here.

To apply to Partner UNESCO Biosphere Isle of Man, visit www.biosphere.im or email Biosphere@gov.im

The 2021 UNESCO Biosphere Isle of Man Awards will be launched next summer.