Biosphere collaboration

The Southern Uplands Partnership was established by local people wanting to see a new approach to land use across the Southern Uplands. The land provides the basis for all our livelihoods, and if we are creative and wise, we can sustain ourselves and our communities while at the same time allowing ecosystems to thrive. Where we damage the environment, we only make problems for ourselves – increasing climate change, worsening flood risk, reducing biodiversity and often undermining the local economy. The Biosphere concept captures much of what we have been working towards. A fully-functioning Biosphere is one where businesses and communities are fully aware of the importance of the environment. This does not mean leaving it alone. Indeed, it might mean making more use of it, but in ways that allow the ecosystems to function, adding value to the products it generates and celebrating the importance of the land to the people who live on it now and those who have used it before. Biospheres offer the chance to develop new and dynamic approaches to local development and nature conservation. The Biosphere is currently looking for people interested in a collaborative project aimed at restoring special Biosphere habitats, find out more here.

The fact that there are Biospheres all around the World that are grappling with the same issues, means we can learn from each other and share ideas across borders and cultures. As we get better at developing truly sustainable local systems in our Biosphere, we can apply the lessons learnt to the wider area. The Southern Uplands Partnership is delighted to be part of the Biosphere Project and see it continuing to help local people to make integrated and sustainable development a reality.  

Pip Tabor
Southern Uplands Partnership