Last week, Common’s Head of Projects attended the Forest of Dean’s UNESCO Biosphere Partner Conference at The Wilderness Centre, Mitcheldean. As a key partner organisation, Common is working alongside the Forest of Dean Council and the Biosphere Steering Group to support the Forest’s exciting application to become a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. The day was packed with crucial talks and collaborative workshops focused on sustainability, future governance, and community impact.
Inspiring Keynote: Lessons from Wales
The morning began with an inspiring keynote address from our esteemed colleague, Jane Davidson, who shared her invaluable experience with the Dyfi Biosphere and the pioneering Future Generations Act in Wales.
Two powerful points from her talk especially resonated:
- Financial Sustainability is Critical: The long-term survival and effectiveness of biospheres hinge on their financial security. Without sustainable funding and resources, these vital programs cannot deliver the significant ecological and community impact we need.
- A Clear Definition of Sustainability: We must never lose sight of the UN’s powerful definition: “Meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.”
Meeting an Exemplar: North Devon’s Success
The conference provided a fantastic opportunity to finally meet Andy Bell, the CEO of the North Devon UNESCO Biosphere. The North Devon Biosphere truly stands out as an exemplar. Their iterative approach, constant evolution, and successful delivery have created a model that other emerging biospheres, like the Forest of Dean, can adopt.
It was fascinating to hear about their plans to increase their ‘core zones’ following public consultation, and the sheer diversity and volume of projects they are leading across their region—a testament to what effective biosphere management can achieve.
Collaborative Workshops: Defining Our Future
The afternoon shifted to interactive workshops focused on the core objectives for the Forest of Dean Biosphere. Our group engaged in deep discussions about:
- Developing Local Culture and Attitudes towards sustainability.
- Fostering genuine Community Ownership of the biosphere’s goals.
- Addressing local economic challenges, specifically working to stop the extraction of wealth from the area.
This was followed by a crucial, longer session dedicated to Governance. We explored how to structure the biosphere to meet the long-term needs of both the community and the environment, how to safeguard its mission against changes in government, and creative ways to explore different funding options to ensure resilience.
Looking Ahead
The Forest of Dean Team leading this application continues to do outstanding work as they prepare to draft the final submission to UNESCO. We at Common are proud to be a partner and look forward to continuing our strong relationship, offering support and expertise over the critical months ahead as we help secure a sustainable future for the Forest of Dean.