Galloway and Southern Ayrshire will celebrating the local environment on November 3rd as the world marks the first ever International Day for Biosphere Reserves.

The GSA Biosphere team have been coordinating with other UNESCO Biospheres in the UK and Ireland to create a digital showcase of the relationships and interactions that local people have with the Biosphere where they live, work and play. Q&As with community representatives and others involved in tourism, outdoor learning, nature restoration and more will be published on the GSA Biosphere's website and social media platforms, and shared worldwide via UNESCO's international network. Interviewees include Paul Osborne, Director of The Biking Explorers at Girvan, and Howard Wilkinson, Chair of the Ayrshire Food Network and Trustee of the Colmonell Community Association. Each participant has spotlighted their favourite places to spend time and boost wellbeing, as well as their recommendations for how others can make new connections and immerse themselves in 'Biosphere life'.

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There are currently 738 UNESCO Biospheres in 134 countries, all of which are considered places of international importance for their natural and cultural heritage and local opportunities for sustainable development.  Galloway and Southern Ayrshire was the first to be designated in Scotland and reaches its 10th anniversary in 2022/3.  UNESCO Biospheres all work to the ethos of 'Think Global, Act Local' through projects and partnerships that cover conservation, education, sustainability and climate resilience.

Tamara Fulcher, Communications & Marketing lead with the GSA Biosphere, said: "The first International Day for Biosphere Reserves is a truly global opportunity, not only to spread the word that Galloway and Southern Ayrshire stands on this international stage, but that it really does belong to everyone who lives here.  I'd encourage anyone with time to spare on November 3rd to look at our blog, visit our social media platforms - and drop us an email if you want to know more!  We've got stories to share, places you might not have explored, and so many opportunities for all ages to get involved."

Councillor Alec Clark, Cabinet Member for Tourism and Rural Affairs who represents South Ayrshire Council on the UNESCO Galloway and Southern Ayrshire Biosphere Board said: "This is a great way to help celebrate a decade of the Galloway & Southern Ayrshire UNESCO Biosphere. Thankfully, we live in an age where we can connect at the click of a button, so you can get involved and find out more about our Biosphere along with hundreds of others. Lasting change can only come from working together and learning from each other, so this is a great opportunity."