New exhibition marks 10 years of Isle of Man's UNESCO Biosphere status

A new exhibition marking 10 years since the Isle of Man became the world’s first whole-nation UNESCO Biosphere has opened at the Manx Museum in Douglas.

Titled ‘Jeihosphere’ – with jeih being the Manx Gaelic word for 10 – the exhibition features 10 curated objects and artefacts highlighting the island’s journey since receiving Biosphere status in 2016.

The collection includes items from both land and sea, reflecting the fact that much of the Isle of Man Biosphere lies beneath the waves.

The exhibition draws on findings from the recently submitted UNESCO periodic review, which will help determine whether the island’s Biosphere status is renewed in summer 2027.

Among the objects on display are locally produced goods including Manx-grown and ground flour and sea salt, highlighting links between the island’s natural environment, culture and economy.

Other exhibits include a honey jar and a traditional woven ‘bumbee’ cage, exploring the Isle of Man’s disease-free bee population.

Ferns are also featured, representing the slow recovery of the island’s temperate rainforest habitats, while a trophy awarded to farmers demonstrating innovation in sustainable practice highlights efforts to develop more sustainable approaches to agriculture.

Jason Bissell, chair of Biosphere Isle of Man Board, said: ‘There's much to celebrate from our first decade, and much still to do.

‘I'd encourage everyone across the island to come along and see the exhibition and reflect on what we can achieve together over the next 10 years.’

A new State of the Biosphere report has also recently been published, which translates the findings of the UNESCO periodic review into an accessible account of the progress made and the challenges facing the Biosphere.

The exhibition’s title also reflects the island’s Year of the Manx Language, known as Blein ny Gaelgey.

Jeihosphere is on display at the Manx Museum in Douglas until February 28.