sustainable Enterprise

All around the world UNESCO Biospheres are leading initiatives that support sustainable enterprise.

Here in Galloway and Southern Ayrshire we do this through promoting local production and employment, skills development and vocational training. We have a key role in bringing climate awareness into industry and helping businesses of all sizes achieve regional and national Net Zero goals.

Sustainable enterprise brings long term benefits to everyone who lives in or visits Galloway and Southern Ayrshire. Our Biosphere works with partners in multiple sectors, from the creative arts to renewable energy via hospitality and social enterprise. We are raising awareness of how the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals can be incorporated into everyday working life, and the value of future-focused thinking to our local economy.

 

Business Proud Supporters

Proud Supporter businesses have signed up to our Biosphere charter of six principles that demonstrate their support for community, education, and the natural environment. Our Proud Supporter scheme encourages connection and cooperation across diverse business sectors, and invites residents and visitors alike to ‘live local’ in where they eat and shop. We use our social media platforms to share the achievements our Proud Supporter businesses have made in becoming more sustainable, showing others some of the incredible ways they too can join the journey towards Global Goals.

Our business Proud Supporters recognise the value that the UNESCO Biosphere designation brings to people and nature and are working hard to make southwest Scotland a great place to live, work and play. Their incredible variety and dynamism inspire people to explore the Biosphere – to try new activities, visit places they haven’t seen before, and to learn more about our unique natural and cultural heritage.

Become a proud supporter

The Biosphere Certification Mark

Many of our Proud Supporter businesses choose to go that bit further and apply for the Biosphere Certification Mark. This is a trademarked quality scheme which recognises businesses that are achieving Sustainable Development Goals through their support for our environment and local communities. Certification can be achieved whether an enterprise is large or small, and the scheme covers a wide range of business sectors. The Biosphere Certification Mark logo represents a connected and collaborative network of sustainable enterprises who together are contributing to a more resilient economy in southwest Scotland – bringing an exciting variety of attractions, activities and experiences for residents and visitors to enjoy.

Meet our Certified Businesses

Find out how to apply

Green Stories

We always encourage local businesses to talk about their connection with our UNESCO Biosphere and share their Green Stories

– tales from the road towards sustainability! It is not always a straightforward journey but none of us has to travel alone.

The Biosphere team provides an ongoing programme of business and marketing support for Proud Supporter and Biosphere-certified businesses, which take places both in person and online. We hope that this will help our local businesses extend their reach and communicate more confidently with their customers about environmental issues.

Below we have compiled a list of resources to help you become more sustainable in business and to share your own Green Story. For the latest in our business development programme check out our News page or contact our team via info@gsabiosphere.org.uk.

Read more

Are you ready to discover the wonders within?

For visitors who want to experience the very best the country has to offer, Scotland's UNESCO Trail offers an opportunity to create a unique and sustainable journey