GSA Biosphere Partnership Launches Blue Biosphere Learning Resource
Having expanded its geographical boundary in 2023, the Galloway and Southern Ayrshire UNESCO Biosphere now covers more than 9,700km². For the first time since the region received its initial designation in 2012, this area includes the marine environment, a stretch of 12 nautical miles off southwest Scotland’s coastline.
One of the key goals of the GSA Biosphere Partnership is to support lifelong learning, for people young and old. The communities team works extensively in schools across Dumfries and Galloway, East and South Ayrshire and are excited to have launched the Blue Biosphere Resource for Marine & Sustainability Education for schools, produced in collaboration with the Solway Firth Partnership. This new resource follows the Learning for Sustainability Toolkit which launched in 2022 and helps young learners connect with the coastal environments and marine life that make our UNESCO Biosphere a special place to live, learn and play, as well as an important area for conservation and scientific research.
Designed to be an accessible an inspirational learning resource, Blue Biosphere is packed with ideas for educators and a host of information on species and habitats from catsharks to kelp forests. A range of classroom-based and outdoor activities have been designed to engage primary-age pupils with the fascinating underwater world of the GSA Biosphere and beyond. As well as introducing children to weird and wonderful species, Blue Biosphere helps explain some of the challenges of marine conservation both locally and globally. It provides the opportunity to learn about climate change, plastic pollution, and ocean acidification, and the effects these are having on ocean life. And Blue Biosphere doesn’t stop at the strandline – it also celebrates the coastal communities of the UNESCO region and the rich cultural heritage linked to the sea, with activities designed to help children explore their local history and learn about sites and stories where they live.
The GSA Biosphere staff delivered Blue Biosphere sessions in primary schools around the GSA Biosphere during 2024 summer term, reaching 475 pupils in 14 schools. Sessions were also delivered to Scouts and Guides groups, the Better Lives Partnership, Maidens Ocean Festival, and at events across the UNESCO Biosphere. Pupils and teachers have given excellent feedback so far, and Blue Biosphere serves as the perfect first step in inspiring our next generation of seas-changers!
The resource can be downloaded as a digital copy here or to request a free hard copy, please email info@gsabiosphere.org.uk.