1 week Ago
A world-renowned chef is set to visit a school and community gardens as part of a two-day event. The event in Brighton and Hove will focus on food, nature, and community. Representatives from the UK's biospheres and Michelin-starred chef Mauro Colagreco will gather to share knowledge and explore the city's initiatives.
These initiatives include producing local, healthy food, protecting rare habitats, and empowering communities through education. (Image: UNESCO Biosphere) The event, which takes place on March 26 and 27, will see Mr Colagreco, a UNESCO global goodwill ambassador for biodiversity, visit a school and community gardens. He will also take part in a public food conference on March 27.
The event is part of the annual meeting of the UK's seven biosphere reserves, which represent the most unique and rare landscapes in the British Isles. Brighton and Hove City Council, the University of Brighton, Brighton and Hove Buses, Lewes District Council, and other partners from The Living Coast UNESCO biosphere are hosting the meeting. For the first time, a UNESCO youth forum will be held at the University of Brighton alongside the national biosphere meeting.
Brighton and Hove is part of the UK's only urban biosphere, recognised by UNESCO for its rare chalk downland and marine landscape. Council leader Bella Sankey said: "It’s a great honour to be hosting the UK and British Isles Biosphere meeting in Brighton and Hove. "It’s also an incredible opportunity to be able to share some of the inspirational projects in the city, including some led by local communities and charities.
"These range from producing delicious meals from surplus food and edible gardens to increasing access to nature, conserving the marine environment, and creating habitats in the heart of the city. "Biospheres show how it’s possible to work beyond boundaries in a collaborative approach and we’re proud to be part of this global network." Martin Harris, chair of The Living Coast, said: "I’d like to thank all the biosphere partners for making this event happen, bringing together an amazing diversity of experiences and perspectives to share, collaborate, and learn.
"2025 is a significant year for The Living Coast. "We’ve just celebrated 10 successful years of partnership and are in the final stages of renewing the biosphere status for Brighton and Lewes Downs, which includes an application to expand its area." The Living Coast partners will showcase local initiatives during the visit.
These include the Wilding Waterhall in the South Downs National Park, Brighton and Hove Food Partnership projects, and work to restore marine kelp forests by Sussex Wildlife Trust and others. Councillor Tim Rowkins, cabinet member for environment and net zero, said: "Connecting local communities with the Downs on their doorstep has been central to our initiatives that are restoring and protecting nature. "They include Greening the Cities to restore our unique chalk grassland and sustainable farming practices on our rural Downland Estate.
"Schools and young people have played an important part in these projects and it’s fantastic to see a Youth Forum added to the schedule for the first time. "We recently appointed two volunteer youth representatives for our area, and this will support the growing network of young people involved with the Living Coast Biosphere." Professor Donna Whitehead, vice-chancellor of the University of Brighton, said: "We’re delighted to welcome global experts to the university to explore the critical connection between food and environmental change.
"This landmark event perfectly aligns with the University of Brighton's commitment to sustainability and our role nurturing the next generation of global changemakers." To book tickets for the food conference, search for ‘Nature starts on our plate’ Eventbrite..
