Volunteers sought to protect Manx biosphere status

Volunteers who are passionate about maintaining the Isle of Man's biosphere status are being sought to help guide its progress ahead of a ten-year review.

In 2016 the island became the first entire island nation to be granted the title by Unesco and the heritage body will undertake a periodic review in 2026.

Biosphere Isle of Man are on the hunt for individuals to join its board to contribute to the island's "journey towards a more sustainable future".

Chairman Jason Bissell the organisation was looking for people to "help guide our important work" and ensure it continues to benefit the community, environment and economy.

Those appointed would also be "instrumental" in developing a self-funding model to "ensure the biosphere's long-term viability and sustainability goals are achieved", he said.

The Unesco World Network of Biosphere Reserves now features 759 sites in 136 countries.

Each reserve undergoes a 10-year assessment to reflect on their progress.

The Isle of Man's review will be submitted in September 2026, with the outcome expected in the summer of 2027.

The board said it would welcome applications from people with expertise in environmental and cultural conservation, sustainable economic development, community and social development, education and research and youth engagement.

Members would help shape the organisation's priorities which include protecting the island's natural environment and cultural heritage and supporting a thriving and sustainable economy, a spokesman said

If selected, they would also play "a pivotal role in guiding progress and shaping the reserve's long-term vision ahead the review", he added.

Applications are open until 2 April.

Read more stories from the Isle of Man on the BBC, watch BBC North West Tonight on BBC iPlayer and follow BBC Isle of Man on Facebook and X.