A day of talks will be held this month for people to learn about the Isle of Man’s status as a UNESCO biosphere region and the importance of the island’s biodiversity.

The event, titled Nature’s Value -Biosphere and Biodiversity in the Isle of Man, takes place on Saturday, April 21 from 10am in the Manx Museum lecture theatre.

It is one of several events being held to mark Manx Wildlife Week 2018 which runs from April 21 to 29.

There will be speakers from the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture; Manx National Heritage; the Manx Wildlife Trust; Manx Birdlife; and Isle of Man Seasearch.

The morning session, Getting Involved - Citizen Science and Volunteering, will cover the biodiversity engagement project, volunteer bird research, wallabies in the Isle of Man, Manx Biodiversity Atlas and studying seals.

The afternoon session, Biodiversity and Protected Areas, will cover Ramsey Forest, the island’s marine protected areas, counting seabirds, lesser mottled grasshoppers on Langness, Manx whelk fishery, the giant deer, volunteer divers, UNESCO Biosphere Isle of Man and biodiversity and conservation.

DEFA member Martyn Perkins MHK said: ’The public likely hears lots of talk about biodiversity in the Isle of Man and our UNESCO biosphere status.

’This event is a wonderful opportunity to find out more about what these phrases mean, why they’re important and how they are fundamental to making the Isle of Man such a special place for people and for nature.

Chief Minister Howard Quayle MHK, who chairs the UNESCO Biosphere Isle of Man steering group, will formally open the event.

The event is free but booking is required at https://manxnationalheritage.im/whats-on/