STEERING
COMMITTEE

The Isle of Wight UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve Steering Committee 

Following the designation of the Isle of Wight as a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve the governance of this important global designation has been arranged with the appointment of seven (now six) individuals through a public recruitment process together with local authority appointees, officers and local politicians. We also have a Youth Biosphere representative who is connected to a network of Youth Reps in other Biosphere reserves, and a co-opted member from Creative Island, Cultural Development Agency for the Isle of Wight to ensure a connection with local arts and heritage.

The Steering Group meets monthly to promote the understanding and awareness of the IW Biosphere to both residents and visitors on the island for its sustainable future and to find ways to use our Biosphere status to support and boost local efforts to improve island living and the environment. All appointed members are unpaid volunteers.

The Steering Committee members are:

Appointees:

  • Ian Boyd

  • Sally Chaucer (international coordinator, maintaining links to UK and global Biosphere Reserves)

  • Barnes Edwards (comms officer)

  • Martha Henson (comms officer)

  • Keith Herbert

  • Robert Sauven (our formal link to Together for Mission Zero)

 IW Council:

  • Cllr Jonathan Bacon

  • Alaster Sims (Service Manager for Climate, Coast & Environment)

  • Katy Hurd (Climate Change and Biosphere Coordinator)

Biosphere principles developed by Steering Committee

Biosphere Steering Committee Constitution (Word doc)

Biosphere Steering Committee announcement: June 2023 (PDF)