Objectives and sustainable development goals
A sustainable future
The UN is working toward a sustainable future by focusing on 17 global goals designed to protect the planet and improve quality of life. Becoming a Biosphere supports this mission by helping us advance not only environmental objectives but also social and economic ones. People, communities, and local enterprise sit at the heart of a biosphere, making it a powerful model for sustainable living.
Our Biosphere Objectives
Biospheres need clear objectives, and after extensive consultation with key stakeholders, the Forest of Dean Biosphere has co‑designed a set of objectives that help us fulfil the three core functions of a biosphere while also contributing to many of the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
You can read the detailed list of our biosphere objectives below.
Objectives
Community Participation and Celebration of Cultural Heritage
- Place local communities at the heart of decision-making.
- Promote and encourage local communities to utilise the forest.
- Help support health and wellbeing by encouraging people to become better connected with nature.
- Promote and celebrate the unique heritage and culture present in the Forest of Dean.
Sustainable Development
- Create a place where economic sustainability provides long-term economic growth without negatively impacting social, environmental, or cultural aspects of the community.
- Promote practice that supports the stewardship of the natural environment for future generations.
- Promote slow or regenerative tourism into the area.
- Promote responsible business practices, linking corporate goals with community and conservation objectives, to make a positive impact (corporate social responsibility).
Knowledge Sharing and Education
- Raise awareness about environmental issues and threats to the local environment in schools and the wider community.
- Promote research into species, habitats, and sustainable development relevant to the area and beyond.
- Regularly report on the natural environment, and disseminate observations and trends to influence change.
- Create collaboration between the local higher education institutions, and co-ordinate and support research.
Conservation of our Ecosystems and Biodiversity
- Protect and encourage the recovery of natural habitats and the species they support, such as the ancient woodland and wetlands.
- Halt the loss of species and promote species recovery.
- Promote the recovery of soils and water systems in the River Severn and River Wye catchments.
- Encourage regenerative land management practices.
Climate Action and Building Resilience
- Work across all parts of the community to strive towards carbon net zero.
- Work with all parts of the community to prepare for a changing climate as result of past and possible future emissions.