The Isle of Man has played a major role in a decision by Unesco’s network of biosphere reserves to launch a campaign to reduce plastic pollution around the world.

A proposal by Beach Buddies, supported by the government at the three-day EuroMAB [man and biosphere} conference in Dublin, will take a series of steps to prevent plastics getting into the oceans and reduce plastics production at source.

The press statement reads: ’United by collective responsibility and the desire to share results from cutting-edge research and local action, we invite biosphere reserves individually, along with each of the existing biosphere reserves individually and Unesco [United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation] as a whole, to lead the growing call of concern about plastic pollution and raise our voice as a global network to spread this emerging awareness and take action. Enough is enough."

The aim is to take practical steps in all 669 Unesco Biosphere reserves in 120 countries around the world to end all plastic pollution.

The announcement is based on five key principles: make it simple; take it easy; lead by example; turn off the tap and enough is enough.

EuroMAB says that people around the world have had enough and want to see immediate change.

’This is the strongest message yet to go around the world, and the Isle of Man has played a massive part in this,’ said Beach Buddies’ founder Bill Dale.

’It was our proposal within the Zero Plastic Working Group, which included the Isle of Man Government, that has led to this press release, and it was fantastic to see 100% support from the other countries in our group.’

He said that the press release gave real hope for the future at a time when plastics pollution in has reached crisis point, causing massive damage to the world’s environment and wildlife.

He added: ’Never before has such a huge worldwide initiative happened. We have had massive success in the Isle of Man, not just through Beach Buddies but also because of a number of environment groups and government initiatives.

’The Isle of Man now has a very high profile within the Unesco biosphere network, enhanced considerably in Dublin, and we need to be aware that the entire world is now watching what we are doing. We have set the bar very high and have achieved a great deal, but we must - and can - do more.

’This is an other wonderful opportunity for the Isle of Man to take another lead and engage with the community to make some very positive things happen. There is no reason at all why we cannot become a model society in many different ways and this is a real chance to show that we can all work together - community, government, schools, families, companies, individuals, everyone.

’The world is watching what is happening in the Isle of Man. This is a unique opportunity we must not miss.’

â?¢ The inaugural Zero Plastic Working Group members include biosphere reserves in:- Archipelago Sea Area, Blekinge Archipelago, Cat Ba Archipelago, Commander Islands, Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria, Isle of Man, Jeju, La Hotte, Lanzarote, Menorca, Ometepe, Palawan, Peninsual de Guanahacabibes, Terres de l’Ebre, Urdaibai and the international research network Marine Sciences for Society.

The Isle of Man is recognised as a biosphere by Unesco. It says it is a special place for nature.