Wales' UNESCO Biosphere
Aberystwyth and the wider Dyfi Valley
The UNESCO Dyfi Biosphere inspires people and organisations to work together in creating sustainable futures we can all be proud of. It connects people with nature and cultural heritage while strengthening the local economy.
The landscapes in this part of Mid Wales run from high peat moorland, through wide estuary to sand dunes and beaches, taking in the wildlife of broadleaved woodland, coniferous forest, farmland, saltmarsh and large lowland peat bog making it a haven for wildlife.
Otters swim in the rivers, ospreys come and nest, red kites are easy to spot and dolphin pods regularly visit the beaches; there are nature reserves perfect for bird watching including the Dyfi Wildlife Centre and an RSPB reserve.
Mid Wales is a perfect place for holiday with beautiful walking routes like the Wales Coast path and Glyndŵr’s Way and plenty for the adventure enthusiast such as mountain biking and surfing.
There are many types places to stay in a variety of locations such as the vibrant university town Aberystwyth, the market town of Machynlleth or the holiday beaches of Borth and Aberdyfi.
Our bi-lingual communities are proud of the Dyfi Biosphere status given by UNESCO in 2009.
Painting of the Dyfi Biosphere
Local weather in the Dyfi Biosphere
UNESCO Biosphere Reserve
The UNESCO Biosphere Reserve status offers the area recognition and opportunity rather than constraint, because the designation is voluntary rather than statutory. People, businesses and organisations take advantage of it by getting involved. The coordinating Partnership has no funding of its own, but partners can act in its name. Sometimes they bring new resources into the area such as funding and expertise.
Sustainable Development
Biosphere Reserves explore locally how sustainable livelihoods, vibrant cultures and robust economies can be based on healthy environments.
Education and Research
Biosphere Reserves are places of learning. The Dyfi Biosphere supports research to understand its environment and community.
LATEST
Periodic Review
The area became a Biosphere in 2009 and under UNESCO’s regulations it must now be subject to a 10 year review.
The documents are available here.
Unesco approved and commended in September 2021
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Tyfu Dyfi
The Tyfu Dyfi Project is an European Grant funded project which will run until the 30th of June, 2023. The partner organisations are: ecodyfi (lead), Aber Food Surplus, Mach Maethlon, Centre for Alternative Technology, Aberystwyth University, Penparcau Community Forum, Garden Organic.
Please click on the link here to find out more.
