The watersheds of the Carron and Oykel Rivers in Sutherland are suggested as a possible area for the establishing of a new Biosphere Reserve in northern Scotland. In due course, even the entire Kyle of Sutherland catchment area could potentially be included in this community-centred model for sustainable development.
More information about the area, and protected areas in the vicinity, can be found on the Ardgay.org information website; specifically on the page dedicated to protected areas.
Biosphere reserves are…
learning places for sustainable development… for testing inter-disciplinary approaches to understanding and managing changes and interactions between social and ecological systems, including conflict prevention and management of biodiversity. They are places that provide local solutions to global challenges. Biosphere reserves include terrestrial, marine and coastal ecosystems. Each site promotes solutions reconciling the conservation of biodiversity with its sustainable use. (Source: What are biosphere reserves?)
The three main functions of a biosphere reserve are (i) conservation of biological and cultural diversity, (ii) economic development that is socio-culturally and environmentally sustainable, and (iii) logistic support for the conservation and sustainable development of the region, through research, monitoring, and education and training.
These functions are pursued through the designation of 3 main zones: core areas, buffer zones, and transition areas.
There are currently 7 biosphere reserves in the United Kingdom. See the UNESCO UK site for more details about these reserves, along with other designations such as Geoparks and World Heritage Sites.
The Wester Ross Biosphere Reserve is an excellent example from northwest Scotland.
Why apply to become a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve?
Biosphere Reserves promote solutions that reconcile the conservation of biodiversity with its sustainable use. They are learning areas for sustainable development under diverse ecological, social, and economic contexts, affecting more than 250 million people.
There are over 700 biosphere reserves in more than 125 countries. These can be seen and explored in greater detail in the UNESCO site, World Network of Biosphere Reserves.
To assist stakeholders with the designation process, Technical Guidelines have been created by the MAB International Co-ordinating Council.
The full process from initial concept development to expression of interest, development of the nomination form, its review and revision, then its formal submission to UNESCO, review, and decision (and hopefully approval) is outlined on the UNESCO UK’s website, Become a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
For more information
This concept is in the early stages of development. It started to materialize in the summer of 2024 and initial ‘floating’ of the idea amongst other local community members began in November 2024 – and it is being received very positively. If wishing to discuss this notion further, please feel free to write to me. Contact information is available through my SoGE, Oxford academic profile.