It's officially autumn and the GSA Biosphere is misty, mellow, fruitful, and full of news and views! As ever, we're sharing key updates on our projects and events.
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The photo below was taken at The Antonine Wall during a recent day trip along Scotland's UNESCO Trail. GSAB is one of thirteen UNESCO sites in Scotland and the trail is a wonderful way of exploring national heritage sustainably on an autumn/winter break.
It was our privilege to welcome a delegation from Sweden earlier this month for an international learning journey. Representatives from six municipalities covered by the Nedre Dalälven Biosphere Reserve visited for a four-day tour that stretched from East Ayrshire's coalfield communities to 'Scotland's Book Town' in the Machars. This was an opportunity to share experiences and ideas on economic development including how to achieve sustainability in farming, fishing, tourism and jobs. Thanks to all the partners, community leaders and volunteers who took the time to meet our guests, including Biosphere Proud Supporters Crawick Multiverse, pictured below.
The assessment panel for the Biosphere Certification Mark met in August and confirmed new awards to four Biosphere businesses, and renewal for four more who had held certification for three years. This is quite the landmark as it marks 50 awards since the scheme was launched in 2019. Biosphere Certification is a goal for Proud Supporter businesses that wish to share and inspire sustainability, and to maximise partnership and marketing opportunities across our region and beyond. Read more on the latest awards and find out how to apply via the link below.
Still on the theme of Biosphere business: we're working with D&G artists' collective Upland to host a series of informal gatherings in which we'll discuss the value of the UNESCO Biosphere to creative enterprise and how sustainability can be part of artistic vision. Whatever stage your business has reached please do consider joining us at Kirkcudbright, Thornhill, Stranraer or Wigtown. All free and bookable via Eventbrite below or email esther@gsabiosphere.org.uk for more information.
We were with international colleagues in Venice earlier this month as representatives from sites in Europe and North America gathered at the UNESCO Regional Bureau for Science for Culture. GSAB is one of five UNESCO sites to be selected as a test area for pioneering research in sustainable development; our proposal - which examines how to audit natural capital on farms - has been awarded $25,000 over a 12-month project duration. Read more on this and the other winning proposals submitted by designations in France, Montenegro, Romania, and the USA in the article below.
The 33rd Dalmellington Scouts have been out at Culzean Castle & Country Park earning their Biosphere badges. The castle is atop the headland in the photo below, as our young explorers traverse the rocks on South Ayrshire's ancient coast. The Biosphere badge for scouts and guides plus activity booklet are available to group leaders upon request and are just one of the offers within our lifelong learning programme; click the link below for more info on free, bookable workshops and training courses for individuals and groups.
GSAB is once again a partner organisation for the Wild Goose Festival, which is put together each year by our friends at The Stove Network. We'll be Birding for Brents on Loch Ryan on 21st October with the British Trust for Ornithology and Scottish Ornithologists' Club, just one event in a brilliant programme of talks, workshops, music, film, and outdoor experiences celebrating the connection between nature and the creative arts. The lovely capture of Brent geese below is shared by our colleagues at Dublin Bay UNESCO Biosphere.
Thanks to everyone who came along to the Green Fayre on 09/09 which GSAB co-hosted with the Newton Stewart Initiative. We lost count somewhere around 200 visitors who were able to enjoy some fantastic activities and displays provided by our partner organisations, all of whom have plenty of ways to get involved in ongoing projects and/or standalone events. Among them: MAC-CAN, the Solway Firth Partnership, D&G Sustainable Food Partnership, and SWSEIC.
Finally...a warm welcome to all the individuals, businesses and community groups that have signed up as Proud Supporters of our UNESCO Biosphere recently. They include development strategists (and enthusiastic rewilders) Saltbox Training & Events Ltd; community paper publishers Ayrshire Media Services; picturesque getaway providers Wigtownshire Holidays; and visionary community collectives the Stranraer Development Trust and St Oswald's Church at Maybole. The commitment of local people to sustainability is amazing and everyone on Team GSAB firmly believes it demonstrates how southwest Scotland can be a model of better living for communities at home and abroad.
