Dyfi Biosphere opinions needed

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Contact details
Ty Bro Ddyfi, 52 Heol Maengwyn, Machynlleth, Powys, SY20 8DT, UK. phone: 01654 703965 e-mail: info@ecodyfi.org.uk

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01/05/2007

A unique project enters a new phase on Tuesday May 8th, when the Dyfi Biosphere Partnership launches its detailed consultation document. People are invited to pick up their copy from Llanbrynmair Community Centre or at one of the other public events in the valley.

Modern Biosphere Areas explore how local people can benefit from protecting the things they value - local knowledge, language and culture as well as the local and global environment.

Possible benefits of modern Biosphere status include using the UNESCO 'brand' to promote the quality of local agricultural products and tourism experiences - both in the UK and internationally.

The Partnership's Consultation Report summarizes what people have said about the idea so far. It also includes proposals for projects, maps, and ideas about who would co-ordinate the programme if it goes ahead.

Part of the lower Dyfi Valley is internationally recognised as a 'special place for people and nature'. UNESCO made it one of their 'Biosphere' areas in the 1970's - but nobody has ever used this designation to gain any real benefit for the area.

There are 482 such areas in the world, but the Dyfi is the only one in Wales.

Now UNESCO is saying "use it or lose it". Either we need to tell them we are going to take advantage of this special status (and how) - or tell them that we don't want to be part of this network any more.

Biosphere status is entirely voluntary. No application will go to UNESCO without community support. The Biosphere Partnership is appealing for as many people and organisations as possible to complete the response form in the document so that it can assess the level of support.

Delyth Richards is the Community Engagement Officer. Delyth is happy to discuss the Biosphere Area with individuals or groups and can be contacted on 01654 703965 or delyth@dyfibiosphere.org.uk. More information is available at www.dyfibiosphere.org.uk.

The document will be launched at 4pm on Tuesday May 8th at Llanbrynmair Community Centre. All are welcome to drop in there, or at any of the other four consultation events in the valley.

Each event will open at 3pm and include a short presentation at 7pm. Locations include the Owain Glyndwr Institute in Machynlleth on Thursday May 10th and Dinas Mawddwy on Monday May 14th.

Further information:

Delyth Richards 01654 703965 or delyth@dyfibiosphere.org.uk.

Andy Rowland, ecodyfi Manager 01654 703965

Aled Griffiths, ecodyfi Co-Chair 01686 624200 / 01650 511406

Each event will open at 3pm and include a short presentation at 7pm:

A Partnership has been formed to consult local residents and businesses about the Dyfi Biosphere opportunities. The members are:

• Ceredigion County Council

• Powys County Council

• Gwynedd Council

• Snowdonia National Park Authority

• Welsh Language Board

• Countryside Council for Wales

• Welsh Assembly Government:

  • Department of Enterprise, Innovation and Networks

  • Department of Environment, Planning and Countryside

• Ecodyfi

• National Farmers Union

• Farmers Union for Wales

• The Environment Agency

• Tourism Partnership Mid Wales

• Forestry Commission Wales

• Allan Wynne Jones (co-opted to focus on cultural aspects)

For further information or an informal chat, contact her on 01654 703965 or send an email to delyth.richards@ecodyfi.org.uk.

Editors notes

More information is available on Biosphere Project

Public Meetings

Dyfi Biosphere Areas

Come and learn more about the proposed Dyfi Biosphere Area by UNESCO. Here's your chance to discuss its importance to your business, school, farm, shopping and standard of living.

Each meeting will start with a buffet made of local produce followed by a presentation and an open discussion. The second part of the evening will be to see how relevant the designation will be to the specific themes, which are noted below: