COMMUNITIES across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly are uniting to support a bid for the peninsula and archipelago to become a UNESCO Biosphere – a prestigious status which could help boost sustainable development, improve wellbeing and protect threatened environments.

The campaign brings together researchers at the University of Exeter, Cornwall Voluntary Sector Forum (VSF)’s Climate and Environment Alliance, The Ocean Buffer Project and British Divers Marine Life Rescue.

The region has been experiencing significant biodiversity decline, and UNESCO Biosphere status could help secure funds and other resources to enhance conservation and improve community wellbeing. Studies of biospheres such as North Devon show status stimulates regional economic growth - for every £1 invested, these areas can gain £20 back.

Dr Tiago de Melo Cartaxo, Senior Lecturer in Environmental Law at the University of Exeter’s Centre for Environmental Law (ExCEL), said: “This work is about championing our resourceful peninsula as a global leader where world-class nature recovery, food security, and innovative blue and green growth move together.

“By uniting our heritage of farming, fishing, and mining with modern industries, we can create a unified strategic voice that proves land and sea stewardship is inseparable from the wellbeing of our people.”

Achieving designation would require Cornwall and Isles of Scilly councillors to support a motion, along with sign-off from central government via Cornwall MPs. Final approval would then be decided by UNESCO’s International Coordinating Council.

Two workshops will be held at the Penryn Campus in Cornwall on Friday, May 22 and Thursday, June 25 to gather community feedback.

A steering group chaired by Cornwall VSF will support the progress of the campaign. Kirstie Edwards from Cornwall VSF said: “At its heart, the biosphere model is a bold commitment to long-term ecological resilience and community wellbeing, proving that when nature and people succeed together, the possibilities are extraordinary.”