The Living Coast UNESCO Biosphere - A sustainable future for everyone

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) is well known for designating World Heritage Sites such as Stonehenge or Canterbury Cathedral. But did you know that they also designate Biosphere Reserves?

These are areas that reflect both globally important natural and cultural heritage, as well as the communities and organisations that come together to drive forward innovation in nature conservation and sustainable development.

And we are in one! Join us to learn more about The Living Coast UNESCO Biosphere and how we work with partners including Shoreham Port, to support the programme's goals of:

• conserving and enhancing natural and cultural heritage;
• fostering sustainable socio-economic development; and
• enabling learning, research and awareness.

The Living Coast UNESCO Biosphere is a partnership of organisations that come together to support and deliver projects that span nature conservation, sustainable socio-economic development and environmental awareness. Anything and everything from greening urban spaces and improving water quality, to promoting active travel and biocultural tourism, to research about our environment!

Meet your Speaker

Ed Santry, Biosphere Programme Manager

With a background in biodiversity and nature conservation, Ed works alongside his colleague Sarah Dobson to support The Living Coast Biosphere partnership.

The role of volunteers, communities and partnerships in supporting nature and heritage conservation has been integral to Ed’s career, with experience working across a range of organisations including the Marine Conservation Society, The Wildlife Trusts, the Natural History Museum London and at local authorities.

More information

We welcome visitors to the Port to come and experience our unique environment and learn more about us. While enjoying your time here, please be aware that this is a working Port and moving vehicles, uneven ground and deep water all feature within our footprint.

Please be careful as you explore; keep away from the water’s edge and bear the weather conditions in mind. While here you must follow any instructions provided by our team, and stay on marked walkways at all times.

Please make sure you wear suitable footwear and weather-appropriate clothing.

How to get here

With sustainability in mind, we are a short walk from the train station at Southwick, right on the Stagecoach 700 bus route, and have a lot of room for cycles. If you choose to drive, there are a limited number of parking spaces available at Shoreham Port, including disabled spaces.

We ask that attendees ensure to allow plenty of time to get to where you need to be, for most events we would advise arriving 10 minutes before the advertised start time. There is no need to print tickets, please just give your name to a member of the team at the entrance.