Three young adults will represent the Isle of Man at the first ever UNESCO Man and the Biosphere Youth Forum.

The event, being held in Italy from September 18 to 23, will bring together 18- to 35-year olds from UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere regions to discuss sustainability.

The island was welcomed to the MAB world network of biosphere reserves last year, in recognition that it is ’a special place for people and nature’.

Other members include such iconic areas as Ayers Rock (Uluru), Yellowstone in the USA, the Cape Winelands in South Africa, Mount Kenya and Central Amazon.

Maximising the biosphere accreditation will enhance the island’s economy, environment and community, the Programme for Government emphasises.

The local delegates were chosen from those who applied to the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture (DEFA).

Ruth Keggin, 28, from Port Erin, is a Manx Gaelic singer, musician and teacher and Gaelic speaker who has flown the Manx flag abroad while performing.

Graihagh Hardinge, 28, from Cranstal, is completing a PhD in marine biology, has organised and participated in many events celebrating the island’s biodiversity and is a keen diver. She works in e-gaming.

Alfie Leach, 21, from Andreas, is studying for a masters in earth science. He has a keen interest in farming, has conducted out a geological mapping project of the island and is passionate about bees.

On their return, the trio will help establish a UNESCO Biosphere Isle of Man Youth Forum, ensuring the younger generation has a major voice in Biosphere Isle of Man.

Peter Longworth, project lead for Biosphere Isle of Man, said: ’It’s fantastic that we have such strong representation at the first global Biosphere Youth Forum.’