Biosphere reserve status for IoM
The Isle of Man has been officially granted biosphere status by the United Nations cultural body, UNESCO.
It was conferred during a two-day meeting in Lima in Peru in which 20 new sites worldwide were added to its network of protected nature reserves
Biosphere reserves are designated by UNESCO as areas that balance the needs of people, business and nature and have outstanding natural landscapes.
Their main purpose is to encourage conservation, sustainable development and active involvement in the environment.
There’ll be more on this story in Mandate tomorrow morning.

Offshore windfarm protestors 'sending message' to incoming administration
Overnight sailings cancelled due to 'technical issue'
Public Health to review latest advice around Meningitis B vaccine
MHK: "I am not going to be shut down by political shenanigans"