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www.dublinbaybiosphere.ie

biosphere@dublincity.ie

@dublinbaybiosphere

@dublinbiosphere

This leaflet is printed on FSC certified paper using vegetable-based inks.

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.

Contact us:

Things to do

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.

Dublin Bay Biosphere

Wha

t is

a B

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?

What is a Biosphere?

Why

Dub

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Ho

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Bio

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ork

?

Get

invo

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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.

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.

Dublin Bay

Biosphere is the

world’s only

Biosphere located

largely within a

capital city.

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.

Why Dublin Bay?

• Have your say on important issues and help to develop future policy for your Biosphere by taking part in public consultations.

• Become a volunteer and take part in events to keep the environment clean, protect wildlife and learn more about your Biosphere.

• Participate in Citizen Science projects to support research.

• Visit our website, Twitter or Facebook page for the latest updates on our Programme of Events, public consultations, volunteering and Citizen Science opportunities.

• Enjoy and observe but don’t disturb our amazing wildlife!

Discover

Dublin Bay!

A UNESCO Biosphere has three functions:1. Conservation: protecting biodiversity and

cultural diversity2. 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

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.

Our purpose:

To inspire a

positive future by

connecting people

and nature today.

How does the Biosphere work?

We are part of a

worldwide network

of 669 Biospheres

in 120 countries

Be inspired! • For further information, visit our website and join our

mailing list. • Like or follow Dublin Bay Biosphere on Facebook or

Twitter.• Watch our videos on the Dublin Bay Biosphere

Youtube channel.• Enjoy a guided Biosphere Discovery Tour.

Get involved!

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.

Embrace nature!