Scotland’s Environment Minister has paid a visit to the Galloway and Southern Ayrshire UNESCO Biosphere.
Màiri McAllan attended a special reception in the biosphere community of Dalry to launch celebrations of the biosphere’s first decade.
That included unveiling The State of the Biosphere report which outlines what the organisation has achieved since biosphere status was granted in 2012 and the goals for the next decade.
Following presentations by the biosphere team spotlighting schemes such as the Wool Gathering Project and Biosphere Footsteps, Ms McAllan spoke about how the UNESCO biosphere model is pioneering solutions to the twin challenges of climate change and biodiversity loss and meeting demand for transformational
change.
Commending the leadership of the biosphere’s director Ed Forrest, its chairs and partnership board, Ms McAllan described a hugely successful 10 years with a demonstrable and collective commitment to environmental and cultural enrichment.
Ms McAllan said: “I was delighted to be in Dalry marking 10 years of the Galloway and Southern Ayrshire UNESCO
Biosphere.
“As Environment Minister and being from the south of Scotland, the communities, landscapes and distinctive way of life in south west Scotland is close to my heart.
“Over the past 10 years, the biosphere has been a shining example of the intrinsic link between environment, community and an inclusive, local economy. There is a strong connection between people and land in the south of Scotland and this is well represented by the biosphere.
“I warmly congratulate them on a decade of success and wish them very well for the next 10 years.”
Among those invited to the reception were partners and supporters, including councils and the chairman and chief executive of South of Scotland Enterprise, which has provided funding to support recruitment and expansion since
2020.
Current chairman of the partnership board Melanie Allen said: “On behalf of the partnership board and team, I would like to thank the minister for joining us to celebrate this momentous occasion of the biosphere’s 10 year anniversary, whilst sharing her appreciation and understanding of the work and success the biosphere brings to our people, businesses and community.
“With ongoing support from SOSE and our three local authority funders, we are very much looking forward to progressing our UNESCO review and extending the Biosphere boundary into the Rhins of Galloway and marine environment.
