The Galloway and Southern Ayrshire Biosphere was the first UNESCO Biosphere in Scotland, acknowledging our region as a world class environment for people, iconic wildlife, and natural habitats recognised as being of international importance... our Biosphere boundary is based on catchments of the rivers flowing out of the Galloway Hills... it covers more than 9,800km² (378380.115 square miles) of southwest Scotland - home to farming, fishing, and forestry, micro-businesses, and communities ranging in size from tiny hamlets to small towns.
GSA Biosphere
Being a Biosphere means creating opportunities for people to get involved. Our Biosphere is driven by collaboration, with people who live and work in the region acting cooperatively to promote the idea that ecologically sound activity can take place alongside conservation and research. Education, employment, tourism and enterprise can all be sustainable, and through a cooperative approach we can achieve a balanced relationship between people and nature.
Right across Galloway and Southern Ayrshire our Biosphere celebrates positive cultural values and identity, to help people learn more about where they live and better understand the heritage we all share.
The Loch Doon Association is a Proud Supporter of our Biosphere
