Man and the Biosphere Programme

He first became involved through Friends of the Earth in the early 90s, going on to help coordinate the South Coast Against Road Building campaign, and later became a central figure in the campaign to create the South Downs National Park, something that involved more than 160 organisations coming together, and eventually was successful in 2010.

Chris also chaired the partnership, which successfully secured UNESCO Biosphere status for the Brighton and Lewes Downs in 2014, spent five years with the Campaign for Better Transport, supporting communities around the country, and in 2019 he founded the Transport Action Network to campaign for more sustainable transport and to support local groups challenging damaging road schemes.

So I think it's fair to say we know where he stands on more motorways or dual carriageways in Sussex.

And he brings a really interesting perspective to the devolution debate.

The boardwalks are wooden, raised above the marsh to protect the roots and keep visitors from sinking.

It is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, a title that sounds bureaucratic but feels profoundly real when you stand here.

It means that farming, fishing, and waste management are all tied to the health of this delicate ecosystem.

You cannot just dump trash here.

The air smells of damp earth and decaying vegetation, a scent that is rich and alive.

I think about the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve status that applies to this area, a designation that protects these wetlands from development and ensures that farming and fishing remain the primary economies.

It is a fragile balance, one that requires constant vigilance from the islanders who live here.

I stay for a while, watching a small boat glide silently across the surface.

I paid a small fee to enter the nature park area, about 15 rupiah, and spent some time simply observing the ecosystem.

This is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, a status that brings attention and resources, but also responsibility.

The management of these wetlands is a delicate balance involving local farmers, fishermen, and conservationists who all rely on the same fragile resources.

As the rain intensified, seeking shelter became a priority.

chaff.

I didn't realize that the island was nearly entirely, no, the whole island, in fact, is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

Is it? Yes.

It is rather magical because it's got so many different facets.