A new map has been unveiled featuring all 58 United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) sites in the UK.
This includes Biospheres, Creative Cities, Global Geoparks and World Heritage Sites.
The map, illustrated by artist Tom Woolley, was launched by UNESCO to raise awareness of the breadth of natural, cultural and built heritage sites throughout the country.
The map features The Living Coast, our local UNESCO Biosphere that Brighton & Hove and Lewes sit at the heart of, stretching from the South Downs to the coast, and from Shoreham-by-Sea to Newhaven.
The Living Coast UNESCO Biosphere
The Living Coast was designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 2014. This recognises the region’s outstanding natural environments – the South Downs, the towns and the coast.
The Living Coast is a partnership of over 40 organisations including business, conservation, education, voluntary, and local government partners, with Brighton & Hove City Council as lead partner. This partnership aims to connect people and nature to inspire a more sustainable future.
Internationally significant
James Bridge, Chief Executive and Secretary-General of the UK National Commission for UNESCO said:
“This new UNESCO in the UK map will inspire people for places to visit. It shows at a glance the breadth of amazing natural, cultural and built heritage designated by UNESCO as internationally significant in the UK.
“This great map highlights places to explore, on your doorstep and further afield, both the famous and those to discover for the first time.”
Martin Harris, chair of The Living Coast UNESCO Biosphere, said: “We are proud to be part of the UNESCO family with The Living Coast here in Sussex.
“We work with many local organisations to connect people and nature, and to enjoy the South Downs, the towns and the coast. Our aim is to be a place of excellence for sustainability.”
Supported by the local visitor economy
This map of UNESCO sites is welcomed by several local tourism organisations, such as VisitBrighton, VisitLewes, the South Downs National Park, Brighton & Hove Museums, Brighton & Hove Buses, Brighton i360 Viewing Tower, So Sussex, Experience West Sussex, the Newhaven Enterprise Zone, and more.
About the map
The map was produced by the UK National Commission for UNESCO as part of its Local to Global project, that aims to develop a resilient network for UNESCO Designated Sites in the UK.
It is made possible with the GREAT Campaign and The National Lottery Heritage Fund, with thanks to National Lottery players. The map can be downloaded from the UNESCO website.
24 June 2023 – thelivingcoast.org.uk/unesco-launches-map-of-uk-sites-including-the-living-coast
