PlasticBusters wins 2021 UNESCO Biosphere Award

We are very proud to announce that PlasticBusters has won the 2021 UNESCO Biosphere IOM Award (Environment Category), for its AdoptTheWorld Initiative and its strong commitment to the protection of the environment. Thank you to the Isle of Man Government’s Department for Environment, Food and Agriculture, and the judging panel for this award!

The awards celebrate those contributing to the Man and the Biosphere Programme’s global aims of sustainable development, conservation and education. They are organised in line with the five E’s of UNESCO Biosphere Isle of Man’s local strategy, ‘Working Together for a Sustainable Future’.

Congratulations to the UNESCO Biosphere IOM team for an extraordinary event, and to all finalists and winners for their achievements:

The Economy Award went to Capital International Group for its ‘Conscious Capital’ initiative, integrating environmental, social and governance initiatives, with a target of becoming carbon neutral by 2025.

The Education Award went to Dawn Colley, biodiversity and education officer with Manx Wildlife Trust, who educates schools and the community about nature and wildlife, partly under contract to the Isle of Man Government.

The Energy Award went to The Children’s Centre, which has, with expert guidance, converted its whole site to solar energy and planted 100 trees.

The Enjoyment and Engagement Award went to Tanya Anderson of Lovely Greens, who shares her love of gardening and nature on TV and radio, on her popular social media channels, and in a new book.

And lastly, the Environment Award went to PlasticBusters, whose global AdoptTheWord clean-up initiative, encouraging people and organisations to adopt and keep clean areas, has become a global phenomenon with participants in over 100 countries.

Please follow this link if you would like to join the initiative to adopt a place (a road, a beach, a park, a reef, an island, a forest… you name it!) and pledge to maintain it litter free.

The Awards ceremony took place on Monday, 4th October, in the Manx Museum Auditorium (Douglas, Isle of Man).

Howard Quayle, Chief Minister and Chair of UNESCO Biosphere Isle of Man, said: ‘Our Biosphere status connects us with the issue that challenges us all - how to live more sustainably now, to conserve what we have for the future.

‘It encourages us to make good decisions and take positive actions - as individuals, as organisations and as a Government.

‘It proves that economic growth can be achieved in a way that is sensitive to our natural environment, our culture and our heritage.

‘All our awards entrants make a fantastic contribution to that sustainable future.’

Geoffrey Boot, Minister for Environment, Food and Agriculture, said: ‘I congratulate everyone who entered the awards for their investment in a sustainable future.

‘Today’s awards ceremony heard about so much good work in the five areas we covered.

‘Myself and my fellow judges had a tremendously difficult task choosing winners, such was the quality of entries.

‘I hope winners’ actions inspire others.’

Jaime Amoedo, Founder of PlasticBusters, said: ‘We are immensely proud for this recognition and very thankful for the strong support we have received from volunteers, and our ambassadors, all over the world to make this initiative such a success… Still much to be done though to fulfil our dream of having every little corner of the world adopted!’

The Isle of Man - the first entire nation to be given the status of UNESCO Biosphere - is a special place for people and for nature. This award category is open to organisations of any size or type that can demonstrate a commitment to protecting and enhancing the Island’s environment through activities or initiatives that support and complement its Biosphere status.

Also known as biosphere reserves, biospheres are international sites of excellence where active conservation sits alongside responsible development; ‘living landscapes’ where there is a more balanced relationship between people and nature. The Isle of Man is the first entire country in the world to have been awarded this prestigious UNESCO status. 

For more information on the Awards, click here.