The North Devon UNESCO Biosphere has launched its new Strategy for 2026–2036, setting out a bold and collaborative vision to restore nature, tackle climate change, and support thriving communities and a sustainable local economy.
The strategy, titled “Living up to world class by nature”, has been developed by the Biosphere Partnership, bringing together organisations, businesses, and communities from across Northern Devon. It builds on more than 20 years of partnership working and sets out 19 measurable targets to drive progress over the next decade.
Structured around four key themes — Helping Nature Thrive, Living in Balance with Nature, Unlocking the Local Value of Nature, and Learning from Nature — the strategy aims to position the Biosphere as a leading example of how people and nature can flourish together.
Among its ambitions, the strategy includes restoring and connecting habitats across the landscape, improving river water quality, increasing engagement with nature, supporting nature-based jobs and businesses, and establishing the Biosphere as a centre of excellence for research, innovation and learning.
The strategy has been shaped through extensive engagement with partners and the wider community, including a public consultation that helped refine its priorities and targets.
Andy Bell, CEO of the North Devon Biosphere Foundation, said:
“This strategy sets out an ambitious but achievable pathway for the next decade. It reflects the strength of partnership working in Northern Devon and a shared commitment to creating a future where nature recovery, climate action and community wellbeing go hand in hand. The launch springs from the last 20 years of successful partnership working and marks the beginning of the next phase of collective action across the Biosphere.”
Professor Mel Austen, Chair of the Biosphere Partnership from the University of Plymouth, added:
“This strategy reflects the strength of bringing science, communities and decision-making together in one place. The North Devon UNESCO Biosphere provides a unique opportunity to understand how nature recovery, climate action and sustainable livelihoods are connected — and to turn that understanding into practical, place-based solutions. This kind of collaborative, long-term approach is essential if we are to deliver meaningful change for both people and the environment.”
Spanning more than 5,000 square kilometres of land and sea — from moorland and farmland to rivers, estuaries and the marine environment around Lundy — the North Devon Biosphere is part of a global UNESCO network dedicated to sustainable development.
The Strategy for 2026–2036 sets out a clear commitment to collaboration, innovation, and accountability, with progress to be monitored and reported over time.
The full strategy is available at:
https://www.
For further information, please contact:
Andrew Bell, UNESCO Biosphere Coordinator andrew.bell@devon.gov.uk
+441392388894