GSA Biosphere Local Learning Partnership launched

We are pleased to share the Galloway and Southern Ayrshire UNESCO Biosphere have a new Learning Partnership in collaboration with Ayrshire College. The Partnership is an opportunity for students to work on live briefs for their studies that will utilise the unique international UNESCO’s Man and Biosphere Programme designation that we have here in South West Scotland.
The designation is recognition of the fantastic array of landscapes, wildlife, cultural heritage and learning opportunities that SW Scotland offers for communities, businesses and visitors to experience and celebrate in a sustainable way.
With all Biospheres across the globe signed up to the same core principles, the students of all disciplines that are studying through Ayrshire College will have the opportunity to research and demonstrate how their studies can create new sustainable entrepreneurial opportunities in Galloway and Southern Ayrshire as they strive to become the business leaders of tomorrow. So a student studying hospitality may be tasked with creating a menu made up of local produce sourced from within the Biosphere that can be sold through local cafes. Or a tourism student could be asked to design a new guided tour that takes in some of the Biosphere’s key natural and cultural heritage attractions.
Joan Mitchell Chair of Galloway and Southern Ayrshire Biosphere said “a key challenge we face in South West Scotland is the outward migration of young people from our towns and villages. We hope that this new Learning Partnership will help young people to recognise the opportunities that the UNESCO Biosphere designation offers to develop new business ideas which stand out from the crowd in a modern and sustainable way.”
Elaine Hutton Director Ayrshire College said “Ayrshire College is committed to giving our young people the best start in life in an ever changing world. The Learning Partnership with the Biosphere offers an opportunity for students to engage with real life examples that will help prepare them for the work place of tomorrow.”