The Forest of Dean is applying to become a UNESCO Biosphere, an internationally recognised place where people and nature thrive together, and the Forest Economic Partnership will be taking a lead on the project's governance.
In 2019, FEP was at the forefront of the Biosphere conversation when it worked with key partners to build an economic case exploring the benefits of designation. The resulting report projected a range of long-term benefits for the Forest of Dean, including job creation, emergence of new industries, business growth, and sustainable farming practices. You can read more about our past work here.
Following a proposal from the Forest of Dean District Council’s Biosphere Action Group, directors from FEP formally voted to continue its support for a Forest of Dean Biosphere and provide through its independent structure, the interim governance arrangements for the Council’s UNESCO Biosphere application.
This decision was based on FEP’s leadership in the project’s early stages and its alignment with FEP’s mission to champion a thriving, resilient, and innovative economy that benefits all communities and businesses within the Forest of Dean.
The Biosphere Action Group will be renamed the Biodiversity Steering Group and remain the formal decision-making and administrative group, while utilising FEP platforms to continue community engagement and raise awareness. Project officers from the Forest of Dean District Council will continue to run the the day to day operations of the project.
Find out more about the Bisophere application here.
Read the full press release here.
How you can help
FEP are now looking to involve the local business community as the project moves forward, and we want to know what you think of the Biosphere. We have put together a survey to understand what businesses know of the biosphere, the potential opportunities it brings, and any concerns you might have.
Fill out the survey here.