Dublin Bay
Biosphere

@dublinbaybiosphere

@dublinbiosphere
This leaflet is printed on FSC certified paper using
vegetable-based inks.
Images courtesy of Tim Carey, Jason Clarke, Dublin City
Council staff, Dublin Port Company, Fáilte Ireland, Justin
Ivory, Maria Long, Richard Nairn, Pure Magic, Clowie
Russell, Clive Timmons and Anthony Woods.
Welcome to Dublin
Bay Biosphere!
[email protected]
Popular activities for both local people
and visitors within Dublin Bay Biosphere
include walking and hiking, swimming,
sailing, birdwatching, boat trips, guided
tours, kayaking, kite surfing, windsurfing,
stand up paddle boarding, cycling, golf and
photography. Dublin Bay has several attractive
and historical coastal villages, including Dalkey,
Dun Laoghaire and Howth, where you can dine
on delicious seafood and other local produce.
Dublin Bay Biosphere Partnership member organisations
Things to do
United Nations
Educational, Scientific and
Cultural Organization
www.dublinbaybiosphere.ie
Dublin Bay
Biosphere Reserve since 2015
Man and the Biosphere Programme
Contact us:
Be inspired!
• F or further information, visit our website and join our
mailing list.
• L ike or follow Dublin Bay Biosphere on Facebook or
Twitter.
•W
atch our videos on the Dublin Bay Biosphere
Youtube channel.
• Enjoy a guided Biosphere Discovery Tour.
Get involved!
Biospheres are places where
nature and culture connect.
They are internationally
recognised for their biodiversity
yet also actively managed to
promote a balanced relationship
between people and nature.
A UNESCO Biosphere has three functions:
1. Conservation: protecting biodiversity and
cultural diversity
2. Development: fostering a sustainable
economy and society for people living and
working in the area
3. Learning: facilitating education, training
and research to support conservation and
sustainable development
A Biosphere is a special
designation awarded by the
United Nations Educational,
Scientific and Cultural
Organisation (UNESCO) but
managed in partnership by
communities, NGOs and local
and national governments.
Our purpose:
To inspire a
positive future by
connecting people
and nature today.
Why Dublin Bay?
How does the
Biosphere work?
What is a Biosphere?
What is a
Biosphere?
Dublin Bay Biosphere Partnership was
established in 2015 to facilitate the functions
of the UNESCO Biosphere. This Partnership
works with community groups, NGOs,
local businesses, universities and schools.
The Biosphere designation brings no new
regulations; its aims are achieved by people
working together, within the existing national
and international legal framework.
We are part of a
worldwide network
of 669 Biospheres
in 120 countries
Embrace nature!
Core areas of Dublin Bay Biosphere which are of
high biodiversity value include the Baldoyle and
Tolka Estuaries, Booterstown Marsh, Howth
Head, North Bull Island, Dalkey Island, Ireland’s
Eye and, of course, Dublin Bay itself.
•H
ave your say on important issues and help to
develop future policy for your Biosphere by taking
part in public consultations.
• B ecome a volunteer and take part in events to keep
the environment clean, protect wildlife and learn
more about your Biosphere.
• P articipate in Citizen Science projects to support
research.
•V
isit our website, Twitter or Facebook page for the
latest updates on our Programme of Events, public
consultations, volunteering and Citizen Science
opportunities.
• E njoy and observe but don’t disturb our amazing
wildlife!
Get involved
North Bull Island was designated as a
Biosphere in 1981 because of the rare
and internationally important habitats
and wildlife species found there. In 2015
the Biosphere was expanded to cover
Dublin Bay, reflecting its environmental,
economic, cultural and tourism
importance. The enlarged Biosphere
includes scenic and ecologically
important landscapes as well as places
where people can relax and enjoy
nature, take part in cultural and leisure
activities and do business.
Discover
Dublin Bay!
How does the Biosphere work?
Why Dublin Bay?
Dublin Bay
Biosphere is the
world’s only
Biosphere located
largely within a
capital city.