{"id":69861,"date":"2026-06-01T16:11:12","date_gmt":"2026-06-01T15:11:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/news\/?p=69861"},"modified":"2026-06-01T16:11:47","modified_gmt":"2026-06-01T15:11:47","slug":"devon-sets-new-plan-protect-north-devons-unesco-biosphere","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/news\/devon-sets-new-plan-protect-north-devons-unesco-biosphere\/","title":{"rendered":"Devon sets out new plan to protect North Devon\u2019s UNESCO Biosphere"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

A new 10-year plan to protect and improve the North Devon UNESCO Biosphere was endorsed by Cabinet on Wednesday 20 May, and it sets out how partners propose to restore nature and tackle climate change within the Biosphere.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The North Devon UNESCO Biosphere Strategy 2026\u20132036 brings together organisations, communities and businesses to work towards healthier rivers, stronger wildlife habitats and a more sustainable local economy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s the first UNESCO Biosphere in the UK and one of only a few in the country. It is part of a global network recognised by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO). The Biosphere is run as a partnership, with Devon County Council acting as the host organisation and supporting work across the area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It covers a wide area, from moorland and rivers to coast and sea, showing how people and nature can live and work well together. The new plan builds on work already delivered across the Biosphere, including restoring or creating 300 hectares of priority habitats, improving more than 100km of river frontage to support better water quality and flood resilience, bringing puffins back from near extinction on Lundy, from just 13 breeding pairs in 2000 to over 1,300 individuals today, and supporting the return of beavers to the River Taw.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It sets out four main priorities for the next 10 years, including helping nature to recover by improving habitats and water quality, living more sustainably and preparing for climate change, supporting local jobs and nature-based businesses, and learning from the environment through research and education.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The plan has been shaped with input from partners<\/a> and local communities and supports wider work to improve the environment and build stronger, more resilient communities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Councillor Jacqi Hodgson, Cabinet Member for Climate Change and Biodiversity, said:<\/p><\/div>\r\n \t\t

\u201cThis is an important step forward. By approving this plan, we are committing to protecting the North Devon UNESCO Biosphere while supporting communities and the local economy. It provides a clear framework for coordinated action to restore nature, strengthen climate resilience and deliver long-term benefits for Devon, positioning the area as a demonstrator for the wider world.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\t<\/blockquote>\r\n

\r\n\t
\r\n\t\t\"Councillor\r\n
\r\n Councillor Jacqi Hodgson, Leader of the Green and Independent Group and Cabinet Member for Climate Change and Bio-diversity<\/a><\/figcaption>\r\n <\/figure>\r\n <\/div>\r\n \r\n <\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

To find out more visit: https:\/\/www.northdevonbiosphere.org.uk\/<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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