Biosphere A new dawn for the Fens Fens

Biosphere: A new dawn for the Fens? Fens Biosphere Working Group - represented by: Kate Carver, Wildlife Trust BCN Mark Nokkert, Cambridgeshire ACRE 21 st March 2019 All Member Seminar, March FDC

What is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve? Special places for people and nature that deliver 3 linked Biosphere functions: • Nature conservation • Sustainable socioeconomic development • Developing and sharing knowledge, learning & awareness • Global accolade • Worldwide network • 686 biospheres in 122 countries

Why would the Fens make a great Biosphere? This region has exceptional natural, cultural and economic assets ranging from unique landscapes and wildlife, world class cities , ancient sites and buildings, vibrant urban and rural communities, peerless universities , cutting edge science and digital industries and innovative businesses. It has governance structures with vision to seize opportunity and build legacy. Biosphere status enables us to draw it all together, unifying around a big idea that benefits everyone. It will enable us to grow towards a sustainable future together.

Biosphere for the Fens: Where are we? • Since 2016: Fens Biosphere Working Group: core group of 15 partners plus 15 others – group actively growing • Ongoing: Advice from Prof. Martin Price UK Man & Biosphere Committee; input UNESCO Secretariat • 2018: Biosphere Route Map developed = Feasibility study: Report, Jul 2018: ‘Route Map towards developing a UNESCO Biosphere for the Fens’

And then, last week…

Water Works Our Dream is to change the face of farming now and in the future and transform how people work together within a Fens Biosphere

Where would the Fens Biosphere be?

What needs doing? Route map - Created £ 200 k development funding to support UNESCO application - Secured Build consensus and partnerships Nomination & development - 2 year process UNESCO Biosphere status by 2022 Global recognition of Fens

What would UNESCO Biosphere bring to the Fens? √ International recognition & Branding √ Socio-economics: Agri-tech sector; Visitor Economy; Local Pride √ Framework to manage change, sustainably

BIOSPHERE DEVELOPMENT Key Challenges ahead: ØGain widespread Political & Stakeholder Buy-in ØDefine & develop focus for ‘Sustainable Development’ in Fens ØDevelop Sustainable Funding Model, to bring in funding for first 5 -10 years of implementation

Cambridge News, 1 June 2018, reporting on Combined Authority plans

Any further thoughts? Contact us: Kate. Carver@wildlifebcn. org 01954 713513 Mark. Nokkert@cambsacre. org. uk 01353 865030