The Living Coast UNESCO Biosphere

📢 Historic first! The Sussex River Ouse becomes the first river in the UK to have its rights recognised! 💧🌿 @lewesdistrictcouncil champions a pioneering Charter - a visionary framework recognising the river as its own living entity. The Charter sets out the essential needs of the river to live, thrive and evolve, and reflects local communities highest aspirations for it. Such rights include the right to native biodiversity, to be free from damaging pollution and the right to a say in decisions which affect it. This sets out a renewed relationship between people and nature in which the river's essential rights are clearly articulated alongside human’s duty of care and responsibility to uphold these rights. This sets a bold precedent for protecting UK rivers & ecosystems! 💙 Read all about it here: https://lnkd.in/ebvdtwJ7 https://lnkd.in/eUsrue3U #RightsForRivers #RightsForNature #RiverOuse #WaterIsLife #ProtectOurRivers #LoveOurOuse

Let's come together to explore how what’s on our plate can shape a better future. Join us for 'Nature Starts on Our Plate', where we will explore the deep connections between the food we eat and the landscapes we live in. Hosted by The Living Coast UNESCO Biosphere, this in person event will bring together expert speakers to highlight why choosing local food matters—for our health, our communities, and the environment. Register here: https://bit.ly/3X9OBks Every meal we eat connects us to nature. But are we making choices that support a healthier future—for ourselves, our communities, and our environment? 🌾 #Biodiversity is declining, but we can support regenerative farmers and buy local 🏡 #LocalFood systems are the key to resilient communities 🍽️ #FoodWaste contributes to nearly 10% of global emissions This event is all about real solutions— from reducing food waste to supporting sustainable businesses and making conscious food choices that help both people and the planet. Join us for an inspiring conversation 📅 March 27, 2025 ⏰ 2:00 – 4:00 PM GMT 📍 Sallis Benney Theatre, University of Brighton Hear from leading voices in food and sustainability: Martin Harris– Chair, The Living Coast UNESCO Biosphere Mauro Colagreco - 3 Michelin star Chef and UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador for Biodiversity  Victoria Williams– Chair, Brighton & Hove Food Partnership & CEO, Food Matters Mardi Roberts– Brand Ambassador, Ridgeview Wine Estate (B Corp) Paul Loman – Director, The Real Junk Food Project 🎤 More to be announced! Whether you're a business looking to embed #sustainability, a student passionate about tackling food waste, or simply someone who wants to make a difference through your everyday choices, this event is for you. Let's come together to explore how what’s on our plate can shape a better future. 🔗 Register now: https://bit.ly/3X9OBks The Living Coast UNESCO Biosphere is a collaborative network that promotes and delivers solutions for sustainable living. Our quarterly partnership meetings provide a space to share knowledge, discuss pressing environmental challenges, and foster action on climate change and biodiversity loss. #FoodSustainability #ZeroWaste #SustainableBusiness #TheLivingCoast #ClimateAction #Biosphere #CircularEconomy

Happy #SustainableTourismDay! 🌍✨ Travel isn’t just about where you go—it’s about how you explore, who you support, and the impact you leave behind. In our Biosphere, we’re lucky to have a stunning blend of coast, countryside, and culture, all waiting to be discovered responsibly. Did you know tourism contributes approximately 8% of global greenhouse gas emissions. This includes emissions from transportation, accommodations, food consumption, and even everyday activities from tourism (Nature, 2021) But we can still be sustainable tourists, check out our tips below 👇 🚆 Travel sustainably – Swap the car for a bike, take the train, or choose eco-friendly transport like GTR (Govia Thameslink Railway). Did you know Brighton & Hove Buses and Metrobus has the most routes outside of London? The best adventures tread lightly on the planet while still creating unforgettable memories. 🏨 Hotels are going green – Many hotels are adopting eco-friendly practices like solar power, water-saving systems, and zero-waste initiatives. Look for sustainability certifications like EarthCheck, Green Key, or LEED when booking your stay. 🛍️ Shop & eat local – Every coffee, meal, and souvenir counts. Supporting local businesses—especially ethical brands and B Corps—means investing in our communities and protecting what makes them special. Supporting local businesses has a significant positive impact on the UK's economy, with 56p of every £1 spent staying within the local community (UK Chamber). Check out VisitBrighton, Time for Worthing Experience Sussex Partnership for ideas! 🏛️ Dive into culture – Our museums are more than just exhibits—they’re windows into the rich history, art, and science of our region with Brighton & Hove Museums, Ditchling Museum of Art + Craft, Lewes Castle & Museums, One Garden Brighton. A visit supports conservation, education, and keeps heritage alive. 💎 Discover hidden gems - East Sussex, Brighton & Hove and West Sussex Local Visitor Economy Partnership (LVEP), is an incredible resource for fantastic local destinations across Sussex, and is recognised by VisitEngland ⛰️ Hike & explore – The rolling trails of South Downs National Park Authority offer breathtaking views, rare wildlife, and peaceful escapes into nature. Every step reminds us why protecting these landscapes is so important. Want to see it by bike? We've put together an entire site: https://lnkd.in/dCv7QsBv 🤝 Give back – Want to do more than just visit? Get involved! With plenty of volunteer opportunities, from beach cleanups to conservation projects, there are so many ways to make a real impact. Check out our website for a list of how you can get involved. Sustainable #tourism isn’t about doing less—it’s about experiencing more while caring for the places we love. What’s your favorite way to explore #sustainably Let us know in the comments! ⬇️

Turn down the lights and turn up the stars! The dark skies festival celebrates the South Downs National Park Authority designation as an international DarkSky reserve.

As climate change increases the threat of flooding, it's vital we work with nature to limit its impacts. We've updated our internationally recognised Working with Natural Processes Evidence Directory to show the multiple ways nature can improve the nation's flood and coastal erosion resilience. Find out more 👇 https://lnkd.in/e_WJ6mZ6

Turn Down the Lights, Turn Up the Stars ✨🌙 Ever looked up at the night sky and struggled to see more than a handful of stars? That’s light pollution in action—and it’s getting worse. The biosphere should be a place where the night sky still dazzles, but light pollution is washing out the stars, disrupting wildlife, and even affecting our sleep. Want to see the difference a truly dark sky makes? Join the South Downs National Park Authority Dark Skies Festival, running from February 13-23. This festival celebrates South Downs as an International Dark Sky Reserve DarkSky, showcasing the beauty of our starry skies and the importance of keeping them that way. ✨ What’s on? ✨ - Stargazing nights - Night-time wildlife walks - Astronomy talks and workshops 🌟 Highlight Event: Walk the Planets & Star Party! 📍 Seven Sisters Country Park 📅 Saturday, February 15 ⏰ 18:00 – 20:30 What’s Causing the Glow?💡 Light pollution isn’t just about bright city lights—it comes from excessive, misdirected, and unnecessary artificial lighting. The main culprits? - Lights left on unnecessarily – It may seem obvious but this is one of the biggest contributors to local light pollution. Turn off the lights before you leave. This simple step can improve not only light pollution but reduce energy costs. Try a smart or sensor light that's set to a timer and avoid light waste. - Badly positioned fixtures – Lights pointing upwards or sideways spill into the sky instead of where they’re needed. Check out Lewes District Council guidance on how to fit and light outside of your home. 🔗 in comments -Overpowered lights – A 150-watt security light is plenty; these bulbs are designed to light up a specific area without overpowering. Anything more just wastes energy and money. Something we all want to avoid. Check out the CPRE The countryside charity light population map of the UK, showcasing where pollution is heaviest, a snippet showcasing how bright Brighton is in the photos. Full details 🔗 in the comments Why Does It Matter? It’s not just about losing our view of the stars (though that’s tragic enough). Light pollution has serious consequences for wildlife, ecosystems, and even the climate. - Disrupts wildlife 🦉 - Affects ecosystems 🌱 - Worsens climate change 🌡️ So let's turn down the lights and turn up the stars ✨🌙 Together we can protect our night skies, and experience the magic of a truly dark night.

Come and work with me! Brighton and Hove City Council is looking to recruit a project manager with expertise and knowledge in driving forward work to reduce carbon emissions and manage the effects of climate change at city level.   - Are you someone who enjoys collaborating with a diverse range of partners and communities? - Do you have experience in seeking and securing investment, and delivering large scale projects? - Are you a passionate advocate for protecting the environment and mitigating the effects of climate change? If this sounds like you, we have an exciting opportunity to join our Net Zero team. Please see the full job advert here: https://lnkd.in/ejqhciaY Brighton & Hove City Council #netzero #carbon #sustainability #projectmanagement #sustainablefinance #climate #hiring #localgovernment

Climate Change is having a fundamental effect on biodiversity, agriculture, water resources and communities in the South Downs National Park. But, working together as individuals, businesses, communities, land managers and local authorities we can take action. The South Downs Climate Action Knowledge Hub is a space for community groups, parish councils and local activists to share ideas, information and tips for taking climate action in their communities. It's free to join and you will be able to take part in discussions, access guides and resources, find local events and share knowledge and skills to enable community climate action across the South Downs National Park. Join 👉 https://lnkd.in/gAst8VMu #SouthDowns #ClimateAction #ClimateChange

Come and join my team!