The island’s Unesco Biosphere designation is not only good for the environment but for the economy too, according to a new report.

The whole Isle of Man is a Unesco Biosphere Reserve and encourages protection of the environment and sustainable living.

The island’s Biosphere is one of 160 sites that come under the UK National Commission for UNESCO (UKNC).

As well as eight fellow UK and Ireland Biospheres, there are World Heritage Sites, Global Geoparks and Creative Cities.

The National Value of Unesco Designations to the UK, published by the UKNC, is the first report to comprehensively examine the environmental, cultural and financial contribution Unesco designations make to their locations.

Unesco projects help build a greener world, as aspired to in the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the report says.

The report examines 76 Unesco designations in the UK and estimates that they generated £151 million for their economies annually.

There is no specific figure for the Isle of Man.

The report features chapters on Unesco Biosphere Isle of Man’s badge for Girlguiding Isle of Man, which encourages Rainbows, Brownies, Guides and Leaders to carry out tasks relating to the SDGs.

It also features the work of Bill Dale BEM and Beach Buddies Isle of Man.

Geoffrey Boot MHK, Minister for Environment, Food and Agriculture, said: ’The Isle of Man is proud to be the world’s only entire nation, land and sea, Unesco Biosphere, and to be playing a part in creating a more sustainable future for us all.

’The role of our Unesco Biosphere - to work together to find balanced and innovative solutions that benefit our communities economically, environmentally and culturally - is in sharp focus as we begin to emerge from Covid-19.

’This comprehensive report demonstrates the huge value of us belonging to, working with and learning from, the UNESCO movement throughout the UK and beyond.’

James Bridge, secretary-general of the UKNC, said: ’Our research reveals the unique value offered to us all by the UK’s Unesco projects.

’They embody community, enabling us to preserve and enjoy our most special places and culture.

’They also pioneer solutions to some of the world’s most pressing problems and inspire hope in these unprecedented times.’