The University of Plymouth is to play a significant role in a new £1.37million project to promote green growth and investment in North Devon.
The North Devon UNESCO Biosphere has won the largest green economy award nationally from the Government's Community Renewal Fund (CRF).
It will enable a new programme of work to create great jobs for local people in northern Devon at the same time as addressing the climate and ecological emergency.
The North Devon programme has two linked elements - the Green Biosphere, focused on woodland, regenerative agriculture and agri-tech; and the Blue Biosphere, focused on offshore wind, aquaculture. marine biodiversity and 'blue carbon'.
The University - through its Marine Institute and Sustainable Earth Institute - will contribute to both elements, and they have a strong focus on skills development and job creation as well as plans to redirect private investment into the area.
Tim Jones, Chairman of the North Devon Biosphere Foundation, said:
"This award recognises the unique Natural Capital assets that are within the biosphere designation. These include part of our treasured National Parks, some of the most important agricultural assets within Devon, and a huge marine area which includes the Isle of Lundy. Within this, there is a population of nearly 200,000 people all of whom have a relationship with the Biosphere but deserve to participate in this opportunity to improve their economic and social wellbeing. It is our biosphere's ambition to be the lead for Natural Capital activity, regionally, nationally and internationally, this award is a significant step forward in this journey."
Marine Institute
Representing 3000 staff, researchers and students, the University of Plymouth's Marine Institute is the first and largest such institute in the UK.
We provide the external portal to our extensive pool of world-leading experts and state-of-the-art facilities, enabling us to understand the relationship between the way we live, the seas that surround us and the development of sustainable policy solutions.
Sustainable Earth Institute
The Sustainable Earth Institute is about promoting a new way of thinking about the future of our world.
We bring researchers together with businesses, community groups and individuals to develop cutting-edge research and innovative approaches that build resilience to global challenges.
We link diverse research areas across the University including science, engineering, arts, humanities, health and business.
