History of the Dyfi Biosphere
The lower Dyfi Valley was first designated a Biosphere in the 1970s, but rule changes in the 1990s meant sites had to reapply under new criteria. After extensive local consultation, the Dyfi Biosphere Partnership asked UNESCO to re-register a much bigger area. Jane Davidson, Minister for the Environment, Sustainability and Housing, announced UNESCO’s agreement in June 2009.
A consultation was held in 2007. Click here to download consultation document
Application to UNESCO
The Dyfi Biosphere Partnership sent its application for re-registration to UNESCO in February 2008. It contains detailed information about the valley, its natural and cultural heritage and its people. There are also initial suggestions as to how the community can get involved and benefit from the opportunities presented. You can download the application documents below:
Part 1 is a summary of how the area meets the criteria for registration and contains location and zonation maps
Part 2 contains a wealth of information about the area, including the environment and the local economy, together with proposals for coordinating the initiative.
Periodic Review
In 2019 the Biosphere received its first ten-year Review. The area witnessed many changes over this period, with new environmental pressures such as climate change, invasive species and diseases to coniferous woodland, through to cuts in public sector budgets.
UNESCO approved the reports in September 2021, from which time five additional Community Council areas formally became part of the Dyfi Biosphere area:
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Bryncrug and Tywyn in Gwynedd;
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Carno in Powys;
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Faenor and Llanbadarn Fawr in Ceredigion.
Read more about the Periodic Review
Change in governance
In 2024, following funding and support from Welsh Government and the UK National Commission for UNESCO, the Biosphere became a limited company. Ecodyfi, who had been providing the secretariat to the Biosphere, changed its name to allow this to happen, and invested its reserves in funding two part-time office staff for one year. The company and Partnership are now working on a Management Plan for 2025-2030 and preparing for the 2029 Periodic Review.