Schools to celebrate UNESCO Biosphere Isle of Man

Tue, 21 Jun 2022

Schools are to explore and celebrate the Isle of Man’s UNESCO Biosphere status with a special week of activities.

The Isle of Man is the only entire nation member of UNESCO’s world network of Biospheres. 

Globally, Biospheres promote conservation, learning and sustainable development. UNESCO Biosphere Isle of Man has a complementary layer of local aims and ambitions, delivered under five Es, including education.

All the Island’s schools have signed up as Partners of UNESCO Biosphere Isle of Man and promote its aims through learning both in and out of the classroom. 

Throughout next week, starting on 27 June, schools will mark this partnership by exploring what Biosphere status means and how it benefits the Isle of Man.

The week has been chosen as it falls before the Isle of Man’s national week and as such schools will not only be learning about sustainability and environmental issues, they will also be focusing on our local traditions and Manx language and culture through a host of special lessons, speakers, trips out, crafts and creativity.

As part of the week the Yn Ellan Ain Garden (Year of Our Island Garden) in Station Road, St John’s, has had an environmentally friendly revamp. This is a community project, in the spirit of Biosphere, and a collaboration between the Isle of Man Prison and Probation Community Service Group, the Department of Education, Sport and Culture and the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture.

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