During 2018, Year of Our Island hosted and worked on projects, events and activities which encouraged residents and visitors to develop an understanding and appreciation for our natural environment in line with our UNESCO Biosphere Reserve Status.

The UNESCO Biosphere Reserve Programme is an international accreditation in which areas around the globe are recognised as outstanding places where both nature and people work together to form a ’living landscape’.

And in 2016, the Isle of Man was the first country to achieve Biosphere status, recognising the Isle of Man as a special place where people and nature co-exist.

Over the course of 2018 Year of Our Island worked closely with the UNESCO Mann in the Biosphere team and embraced many of the principles of our Biosphere status.

Through the ’Our Island’ funding stream, the project supported events and initiatives which helped to foster national pride, enhance our quality of life and develop stronger community partnerships.

This month will see the launch just one of the initiatives supported by Year of Our Island.

The Irish Sea Centre (ISC) at the Centre of the Irish Sea will be hosting its inaugural lecture on Thursday, February 21 at the Manx Museum.

The project, which was formed in 2018, aims to educate and support users of the Irish Sea ecosystem to ensure its continuing health and productivity.

The talk will aim to do just that and provide attendees with the opportunity to learn about the initiative and hear from guest speakers including Dr Peter Duncan from DEFA, who will talk about marine biodiversity, Tim Graham, chief executive officer with Manx Wildlife Trust, Erica Spencer, who will discuss river migrants, Craig Whalley, who will share his experiences with basking sharks and many more.

The free event starts at 7.30pm.

Those seeking to know more about the ISC initiative are encouraged to contact Dr Pullin at [email protected]

To find out more about what Our Island has planned during 2019 go online to ourisland.im, call 687007 or email [email protected].

by the Year of Our Island project team

www.ourisland.co.im