Liberal Democrats on East Cambridgeshire District Council have launched a debate on the bid for UNESCO Biosphere status for the Fens.

“East Cambridgeshire is at the heart of the proposed Fens Biosphere zone, which includes the core zones of the Ouse Washes, Wicken Fen, and Chippenham Fen,” explains Cllr Mark Inskip.

“Biosphere status is awarded by UNESCO to unique and valuable landscapes such as the Fens. Biospheres bring the opportunity to improve the natural environment, using new ideas, science, and technology to explore new ways of living every day in ways that solve global challenges.

“Local and national stakeholder bodies, campaigners, and enthusiastic members of the public have achieved Candidate Status for the Fens Biosphere, and there has already been a high degree of public participation in this initiative, including a conference in January.

“But to achieve designation, the proposal must demonstrate the widest level of local support, including the formal endorsement of local authorities.

“The time for East Cambridgeshire District Council to start engaging with this initiative is long overdue, so Liberal Democrats have put this on the agenda of the District Council meeting on Tuesday 23 February to begin that process.”