BIOSPHERE
PRINCIPLES
What are the Biosphere Principles?
These nine principles aim to help organisations and individuals increase their locally specific "biosphere thinking". They can be used to inspire, to inform strategies and policies, to spread the word. They recognise that everyone and everything within the Biosphere is interconnected, and must work together to realise our potential and protect our environment.
How can you bring them into your life and work?
Value Our Island
Heritage
The Isle of Wight Biosphere Reserve is home to over three thousand specially protected areas that conserve a critical network of natural and cultural diversity.
As people living in this unique environment, we learn about and respect these places, and work to preserve them for future generations.
Protect and Sustain
Nature
Across the Island, communities of nature share our neighbourhoods. Biodiversity is integral to the Island's special character and there are over 15,000 species recorded here.
We must prevent the neglect, damage and destruction of both the special and the everyday places where wildlife thrives.
Restore Island
Ecosystems
Restore ecosystems that are degraded by unfavourable land management, development and industry. The ecological health of land, river and sea is a fundamental buffer against social and economic stress.
We must understand that damaged nature is not only a symptom but also an accelerator of climate break down.
Share Biosphere
Knowledge
Participation in the work of the Biosphere and in the global family of UNESCO World Biosphere Reserves, is available to all.
We will support widespread learning networks that freely share open-source information, connecting people and projects across the Island in a growing body of community intelligence.
Celebrate Local Distinctiveness
We recognise that every place on the Isle of Wight has its own unique cultural and natural character.
We must both value the best of the past and demand the best of the future, adding new content, traditions, and cherished places that enrich our sense of place and develop our own local stories.
Build a Liveable
Island
A high-quality built environment is crucial for a society that believes in individual and collective health, social justice, and prosperity.
We must design and manage our communities and neighbourhoods to reflect a better way of living together. Everyone has the right to belong to a community that values sustainability and well-being.
Embrace a
New Economy
The Isle of Wight Biosphere creates a new relationship between people, places, climate and the natural world, extending fresh opportunities for community wealth and economic health.
We must seize these chances to create socially useful, culturally and environmentally productive work for a better future.
Take Climate Action
Most people agree on the need to tackle climate change and restore the balance between people and nature in their local areas.
We will support the Island’s mission towards net zero in 2040 using the Biosphere platform to communicate the inherent links between ecological, social and climate thresholds.
Safeguard Future
Generations
We must think more about the long-term impact of our decisions now, and work better with business, government, and each other, to see that the needs and interests of future generations are protected.
We must ensure that voices of young people are heard, because they are crucial actors, partners and pioneers in the Biosphere, embodying hope for more effective solutions to the Island’s challenges.
Have you adopted the Biosphere Principles within your organisation? Let us know.