Grant boost for Biosphere

North Devon UNESCO Biosphere is to receive more than £1 million to promote green growth and investment in the area, while improving wellbeing for local communities through nature based projects. The £1.37 million pound bid was the largest green grant awarded by the government’s Community Renewal Fund.

“This award recognises the unique natural assets in our area,” said Tim Jones, Chairman of the North Devon Biosphere Foundation. “These include part of our treasured National Parks, some of the most important wildlife and agricultural assets in Devon and a huge marine area which includes Lundy Island.”

Almost 200,000 people live in the biosphere’s catchment area. The new grant funded programme has two linked elements; the ‘Green Biosphere’, focused on woodland, regenerative agriculture and agritech; and the ‘Blue Biosphere’ focused on offshore wind, aquaculture, marine biodiversity and blue carbon.

“It is excellent news for northern Devon,” added Selaine Saxby, MP for North Devon. “This project will aim to bring in a further £50 million of private sector investment into the area and potentially create up to 1300 new jobs by 2026.”

Molton Monthly is proud to be a North Devon Biosphere Business Partner, and is committed to helping promote conservation, and raise awareness of efforts to tackle the climate emergency.

To find out more about the work of North Devon UNESCO Biosphere and its trading arm the Biosphere Foundation please head to the website: northdevonbiosphere.org