What is a Biosphere?
A Biosphere is a special status awarded by UNESCO to a unique and valuable landscape. Biospheres connect people, economies and nature to create a secure future we can all look forward to. They are about developing new ways of living, exploring new ideas and working together.
Our Biosphere
The Fens Biosphere will give global recognition to a unique and valuable area.
Benefits
- Sustainable growth for future generations
- Sharing valuable professional knowledge and expertise
- Boosting the Local Economy
- Encouraging Innovation
- Improving the Environment
Myth busters
- Is a Biosphere the same as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty or a National Park?
No. These are protected areas for conservation. Biospheres are not protected areas (apart from the already protected Core Zones) and as such can’t prohibit any activity.
Biosphere Area
The geographical boundaries of the proposed Fens Biosphere have been built around the following key aspects of this landscape:
- Peat Soils
- Ditch and Waterways network
- Farming and land use
- Internationally important lowland wetland habitats
- Urban centres
We have a wide range of maps which outline the area and various aspects of the Biosphere.
News & updates
- Enhancing biodiversity along Engine Drain (and the learning from this)
This Spring, Ely IDB (Internal Drainage Board) contracted Waterbeach/Old West IDB to install just… Read more: Enhancing biodiversity along Engine Drain (and the learning from this) - First Fens Biosphere conference – how did it go?
The first Fens Biosphere Conference was held on the 13 January 2021, it was… Read more: First Fens Biosphere conference – how did it go? - The Social and Economic value of a Biosphere for the Fens
This summer the Fens Biosphere Partnership commissioned a report to demonstrate the benefits to… Read more: The Social and Economic value of a Biosphere for the Fens
