The Dyfi Biosphere is expanding in size and ambition with five new community councils added to the area, including Carno in Powys.

The Biosphere is to grow significantly, with several new communities joining an area which covers the Dyfi Valley and nearby regions, with Aberystwyth and Machynlleth as its major centres.

Several new community councils joined the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) recognised site.

The new council areas are Llanbadarn Fawr and Faenor (Waunfawr and Comins Coch), Bryncrug, Tywyn and Carno in Powys.

The expansion follows a visit by Climate Change Minister Julie James last year, as the Welsh Government awarded the Biosphere a grant of £25,000 to develop its activities on the ground.

Biosphere chair Jane Powell said: “This funding means we can start to put the Biosphere on a more solid footing, based on conversations about the future with more people.

OTHER NEWS:

“We’re excited about supporting projects in the new community council areas, as well as working with schools and Young Farmers Clubs and developing the Blas Dyfi Taste brand for food businesses.”

The Dyfi Valley Biosphere, the only one of its kind in Wales, was recognized by UNESCO in 2009 as an area of international significance for the diversity of its natural beauty, heritage and wildlife. Initially the biosphere encompassed the Dyfi valley and Aberystwyth, with Tywyn, Bryncrug, Carno and Faenor being added in 2019.

UNESCO asks communities in these areas to test and demonstrate innovative approaches to maintaining livelihoods, culture and economies based on a healthy environment.

Currently, the biosphere is also benefitting from a pilot programme provided by the UK National Commission for UNESCO with support from the National Lottery Heritage Fund. This is helping the Biosphere Partnership develop a long-term strategy and to secure appropriate levels of funding.

Much of the biosphere’s work is co-ordinated through the group Ecodyfi, a not for profit Development Trust delivering sustainable community regeneration, which was founded by Andy Rowland in 1998.

Mr Rowland added:  “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.”