Agenda item - The Biosphere Board and Developing the Rural Economy

Report of the Chair, Greater Brighton Officer Programme Board (copy attached).

33.1      The Board considered a report that sought approval for establishing a formal link between the Greater Brighton Economic Board and the Biosphere Board to better integrate environmental and socio-economic objectives for the City Region.

33.2      John A. Peel stated his support for the proposal however; he was concerned that there was an absence of direct input from the farming sector to the Biosphere Partnership.

33.3      Nick Hibberd stated that he would raise this issue with the Partnership.

33.4      RESOLVED- That the Greater Brighton Economic Board:

(1)          Notes the importance of designated Biosphere status to the City Region economy and to promoting the sustainable economic growth of the City Region;

(2)          Requests that the proposed transitional shadow Biosphere Board takes forward a programme of work that seeks to maximise the economic benefits of Biosphere status alongside its environmental and social objectives;

(3)          Asks the shadow Biosphere Board to develop a pipeline of projects that support Greater Brighton's sustainable economic growth, and;

(4)          Considers the opportunity that Biosphere status represents in becoming the overarching ‘brand identity’ for the area; to drive sustainability, economic development (especially tourism), local civic pride, and applied research and development.