UNESCO Biosphere Youth Network meets for the first time at the UKMAB Annual Gathering in The Living Coast UNESCO Biosphere

April 24th 2025, by Rachel Smith, Youth Representative, Biosphere Isle of Man

The 2025 UK Man and the Biosphere (UKMAB) Annual Meeting, hosted by The Living Coast UNESCO Biosphere, marked a significant milestone for youth involvement in UNESCO Biosphere Reserves. For the first time, youth representatives from across the UK, Ireland, and the Isle of Man met in person as part of the UK/Ireland/Isle of Man UNESCO Biosphere Youth Network - a growing initiative designed to support youth engagement, amplify voices, and strengthen collaboration between biosphere reserves.

Building Momentum

Held at the University of Brighton’s innovative Wild (Waste) House - a retrofit project built entirely from recycled materials - the inaugural Youth Forum provided space for meaningful discussion about the future of the network. Youth representatives worked together to define a shared mission, exchange best practices, and explore how to strengthen connections with young people living in their respective reserves.

“We brought together our ideas and experiences to design a collaborative platform,” said Erica, Youth Representative for Dublin Bay Biosphere. “It was a milestone moment for youth engagement across the network.” She also noted the strength of informal connections made throughout the week, adding: “From informal dinners at the pub to 4-course plated meals from sustainable food sources, drinks receptions in the Royal Pavilion, early morning hotel breakfasts, and bus rides for excursions and talks, there was not one opportunity wasted to chat with Biosphere Reserve coordinators and UNESCO representatives about our roles as youth reps and what we aim to do.”

The forum also celebrated early achievements, including the youth engagement baseline survey piloted in the Isle of Man, which is now being rolled out to other biospheres. “Our network is special,” said Rachel, Youth Representative for Biosphere Isle of Man and founder of the network. “It’s the first of its kind within UNESCO designated sites in the UK, and I’m proud to see it growing with such energy and support. I truly cannot wait to see how this network continues to develop and how youth representative roles continue to be defined and filled”.

Discussions also focused on the challenges faced by young people across biospheres and explored how to create meaningful opportunities for youth-led activity in areas such as biodiversity, climate action, and sustainability. “Talking to the other youth reps filled me with excitement and hope,” said Zoe from The Living Coast Biosphere. “It was great to have time and space to discuss challenges for youth populations within our biospheres and lovely to connect with like-minded others.

Field Trip Highlights

The broader field trip included excursions to local projects, offering practical insight into the work of biosphere reserves. Highlights included the rewilding of Waterhall, nature-based water quality improvements, and the Real Junk Food Project, which showcased how surplus supermarket food can be transformed into high-quality meals. These visits left lasting impressions. “The biodiversity projects filled me with joy,” said Rachel, while Zoe added, “I wasn’t aware of the level of care that goes into managing these landscapes. It’s changed how I think about the spaces around me.”

The excursion day ended with a reception at Brighton’s Royal Pavilion, bringing together youth representatives, biosphere staff, local partners, and members of the UK MAB Committee. The speeches and shared experiences reinforced the important role that young people can and must play in shaping the future of biosphere reserves.

The UK/Ireland/Isle of Man BR Youth Network is already building momentum, with ideas in motion to improve communication, share events and learning opportunities, and continue supporting UNESCO’s goals of sustainability and peace through local action.

The Youth Network would like to thank the UK MAB Committee, The Living Coast UNESCO Biosphere team, the University of Brighton, and all those involved in making this event possible. The Youth Network left the meeting more connected, confident, and committed to leading positive change across their biosphere reserves!