UNESCO Biosphere Proposal

What is a UNESCO Biosphere?

UNESCO Biospheres are special areas that help protect nature while also allowing people to use natural resources in a way that doesn't harm the planet. They aim to find local ways to solve big global problems.

The United Nations (UN) says that sustainability means "using what we need now without stopping future generations from meeting their needs too."

There are 738 UNESCO Biosphere's around the world, with 7 in the UK, but none in the North of England. These areas have important plants, animals, and landscapes, alongside places where people live and work.

 A Biosphere is more than just a protected area or a nature reserve. It is a place where people can learn how to take care of the environment while also meeting their needs. It helps us understand how nature, people, and the economy can work together in a balanced way.

The Biosphere will not bring any new restrictions. It is a non- regulatory designation. It aims to bring more visibility, funding and connectivity to the region. 

Sustainable Development Goals

The idea behind UNESCO Biospheres comes from the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals to make the world a better place for both people and the planet, now and in the future. This fits with the City of Doncaster's main goal,  to have thriving people, places and planet. 

 

What positives could a UNESCO Biosphere bring Doncaster?

Creating a balance between Nature and People

6% (or one in six) of 10,000 species in the UK are at risk of disappearing. The Biosphere will help protect more areas by looking at the bigger picture, both inside and outside protected places. It will also highlight new research and technology that helps humans grow without harming nature.

Attracting Money and Investment

UNESCO projects across the UK bring in around £151 million worth of additional investment annually. 

New Opportunities

The Biosphere will focus on teaching new skills, creating green jobs, and host government pilot projects. For example, North Devon Biosphere received £355,000 from government grants in 2020/2021 for a Biodiversity Offsetting Pilot.

Boosting Tourism

By making Doncaster more well-known, it could become a place more people visit, especially for its two large lowland raised bogs —the biggest in England.

Building Stronger Connections

The Biosphere will help people in Doncaster feel more connected to their environment, encouraging them to take positive action for themselves and their communities.

 What does a UNESCO Biosphere do?  

 Biospheres have three core functions:

Conservation

To preserve landscapes, ecosystems and species, protecting plants and animals.

Development

To encourage and maintain economic and human development.

Education & Research Support

To encourage environmental education, support demonstration projects and training. Monitoring of environment related to local, regional, national and global issues of conservation and sustainable development

 Where will the UNESCO Biosphere be?

The Biosphere will cover the whole of Doncaster Borough! There is potential for other neighbouring areas to be included so the boundary may change as the proposal progresses. 

 Why this area?

The Biosphere proposal encompasses two key habitats that Yorkshire Wildlife Trust’s recent State of Yorkshire’s Nature report highlighted are crucial for species of conservation concern.

Wetlands – Ranging from open water to bogs and marshes, these habitats are vital for many plant species now rare or extinct in other parts of Yorkshire. A Biosphere designation would enable enhanced restoration and protection for these delicate ecosystems. The proposed area contains 30% of the UK's lowland raised mire making it the largest area of raised bog wilderness in England.

Limestone – Home to a range of at-risk plants, these limestone-rich areas are crucial for regional biodiversity. Biosphere status would support their conservation and recovery.

Designating this area as a UNESCO Biosphere would provide essential support to these unique and vulnerable habitats, ensuring they are protected for future generations.