Isle of Wight Awarded Unesco Biosphere Reserve Status

Just off the coast of Hampshire harbors the natural beauty of Volcanoes and game reserves which may not have sprung to mind when visiting the Isle of Wight but the island now ranks alongside the iconic landscapes of Mount Olympus in Greece and the Everglades in the United States.

Unesco’s reserves are rare and unique areas of environmental significance, where people co-exist with nature without impacting its beauty and wildlife.

For over 55 years, the island has been a recognised Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and praised for its “strong tradition of environmental action”. There is rare wildlife depending on it as its base, such as red squirrels, glanville fritillaries (butterflies), and Ventnor wall lizards.

The island is also renowned for its white chalk stacks known as the Needles, locally produced foods, and activities such as walking, cycling, watersports, or even fossil hunting.

Richard Grogan, lead officer for the IW AONB, said: “This is global recognition that our island is not only an area of outstanding natural beauty, but that islanders have played their part in looking after it.

“In spite of the modern day pressures brought about by the progress of human beings, nature continues to thrive here.”

“In the Isle of Wight Council we know that the unique landscapes, coast and wildlife of the Island bring people here not just as tourists, but also to live, work and do business,” added Dave Stewart, Isle of Wight Council Leader.

“We believe that the key to economic success is living and working sustainably on our island, and we are very proud of the new Biosphere Reserve status and recognition given today by Unesco.”

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