THE BIOSPHERE REVIEW
The unique quality of the landscape, wildlife, space, tranquility and history of the area has been recognised by UNESCO since 1977. Every 10 years the MAB secretariat undertakes to review the status of Biospheres throughout the world. To sustain Galloway & Ayrshire's standing it must evolve to meet current criteria or cease to be classified as a Biosphere. A Biosphere is not a 'nature reserve' but rather a place where people and the environment sustain each other. They should be used to explore and demonstrate approaches to regional conservation and sustainable development.

A steering group of three Local Authorities, South Ayrshire Council, East Ayrshire Council and Dumfries and Galloway Council, together with Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) and Forestry Commission Scotland (FCS) has been formed to investigate how this might work.

Between now and August 2007, an extensive consultation exercise will take place. UNESCO needs to know that we want to keep our Biosphere and how we might use it.

The central or 'core' area of a Biosphere is the statutorily designated conservation areas of Cairnsmore of Fleet, Merrick Kells and Silver Flowe. Surrounding this is a buffer zone and a transition zone where sustainable resource management practices are promoted and developed.

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