Decision - Brighton & Hove and Lewes Downs Biosphere Application

1.                  Brighton & Hove City Council is the lead partner on the Brighton & Hove and Lewes Downs Biosphere Partnership.  The Partnership is working towards the local area becoming a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. 

2.                  In March 2012 the Environment, Transport and Sustainability Cabinet Members Meeting approved the work and engagement plan to progress the project to the stage of submitting the bid to UNESCO by September 2013.  This report sets out the progress made to date and seeks approval of the Biosphere Management Strategy and the application to UNESCO to become a Biosphere Reserve.

1.                  That the Committee note the progress made on the project.

2.                  That the Committee agrees the Biosphere Management Strategy

3.                  That the Committee strongly endorses an application to UNESCO to become a Biosphere Reserve.

4.                  That the Committee formally thanks the Biosphere Partnership for the progress made on the project.

5.                  That the Committee delegates authority to the Executive Director of Environment, Development & Housing to sign off the UNESCO application on behalf of Brighton & Hove City Council