Biosffer Dyfi Biosphere

Pete FrostCountryside Council for Wales

Allan Wynne JonesCadeirydd/Chariman

Partneriaeth Biosffer Dyfi Biosphere Partnership

The journey so far

Seven Steps1. Inception

2. Raise awareness

3. Engage key stakeholders

4. Talk to everyone else!

5. Get formal approval

6. Make the case

7. Create representation

The very start: 1977

1. Inception

2. Raising Awareness

3. Engaging key stakeholders

4 Talking to everyone!

5. Formal approval“The Dyfi Biosphere will be recognised and respected internationally, nationally and locally for the diversity of its natural beauty, heritage and wildlife, and for its people’s efforts to make a positive contribution to a more sustainable world. It will be a self confident, healthy, caring and bilingual community, supported by a strong locally-based economy.”

6. Making the case

7. Creating representation

Community

Partnership

support

Culture

Research

Education

Tourism

Another Another

Reminders: key local 'Bro Ddyfi' factors

• Peripheral to 3 local authorities• Relatively small size and population, plus

Aberystwyth• Bilingual, distinctive local Welsh participative

culture, accent, dialect - Mwynder Maldwyn?• Green cluster: substantial environmental

committment and knowledge - C.A.T. = catalyst, so....

• Fairly good local environmental record: ecodyfi etc. so UNESCO status must 'add value'

Achievements: modest start• Annual meeting: well attended, across spectrum,

buzzing but some bewilderment• Partnership and support group initiated

processes: strategic planning, constitution, branding

• Projects: pathway improvements, langauge and landscape events, junior passport, tourism strategy

• Thematic groups: education, language and culture, tourism, land use/agriculture, research, natural and built heritage, marketing and branding, business clusters, community

Frustrations: to date!

• Engagement: some residents still unaware.....

• No core funding, yet......

• No dedicated staff, officer, but....

• No office, telephone number

• No permanent local presence

Priorities: shared and personal

• Secure core funding for officer/animateur• Agree strategic plan: evolving, rolling,

outline programme• Improve community awareness,

engagement, credibility• Ensure Biosphere relevant to Welsh

speakers, community groups, Aberystwyth • Thematic groups: initiate, develop,

consolidate, invigorate