Zurich win UNESCO Biosphere award for second time

Winners announced across five different categories

UNESCO Biosphere Isle of Man celebrated it's fifth year by recognising businesses and organisations that adopt sustainable practices. 

Five winners were announced at the Manx Museum yesterday (12 October) in the energy, engagement, environment, economy and education categories. 

Opening the event, Alfred Cannan, Chief Minister and chair of UNESCO Biosphere said people face unprecedented threats and challenges and the Isle of Man Government is committed to playing its part in a better world via commitments in the Island Plan.

 ‘Government must play a major role, but it cannot work alone to progress actions that benefit our planet’ -Alfred Cannan

The economy award went to to Ravenscroft (IoM) Limited for ethical investments that allow the company to invest some of its fees back into biodiversity and conservation.

Bunscoill Ghaelgagh was the education winner, for a soil to plate study that saw it visiting a farm and serving its own vegetables at a Biosphere-themed picnic.

The energy award went to Zurich for extending its office energy initiative to a new level and also supporting employees to make home energy improvements and exploring newer green energy sources at its headquarters.

Reuben Armstrong and Tom Durrant won in the engagement category - Reuben’s 91-year-old grandfather, is one of those leading the refurbishment of the Queen’s Pier, Ramsey, and his filmmaker grandson, who has created the film ‘Grandad and the Pier’.

And the Manx Bluetits recieved their accolade for the enjoyment catergoy for bringing people together to swim in all weathers, improving health and wellbeing and having fun in wild environments. 

The environment award went to Mann Waste Recycling, which provides tailored recycling and education programmes for businesses, and for helping reduce single-use plastics.

Manx Radio spoke to the winners: