Dublin Bay Biosphere celebrates 10 years of conservation

Dublin Bay UNESCO Biosphere Partnership celebrates an important milestone—ten years since Dublin Bay was named a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

The occasion was marked with a special cruise around the bay aboard the St. Bridget to celebrate a decade of progress and partnership.

The cruise brought together over 80 partners, stakeholders, and supporters from across the Biosphere, to experience the stunning beauty and biodiversity of Dublin Bay from the water. Guests on the cruise enjoyed engaging talks from experts working within the Biosphere, covering topics such as marine mammal research, seabird conservation, sustainable tourism, urban biodiversity, and the cultural heritage of Dublin Bay. The collaborative spirit that defines the Biosphere was showcased, highlighting the collective efforts of local authorities, academic institutions, NGOs, and volunteers.

Speaking before the event Lord Mayor of Dublin Councillor, Ray McAdam said, “The Dublin Bay Biosphere is a remarkable example of how a vibrant urban environment and a thriving natural landscape can coexist. With over 300,000 people living within the Biosphere boundaries, it demonstrates how cities can lead the way in protecting biodiversity in a respectful and responsible manner—integrating nature into the heart of daily Dublin life.”

Dr. Pauhla McGrane, Dublin Bay UNESCO Biosphere Coordinator, reflected on the journey so far, “Over the past decade, we’ve built a strong foundation of research, conservation, and community engagement. Our current strategy focuses on practical conservation measures and expanding our understanding of the marine environment. Today’s celebration is a testament to the dedication of everyone involved in making the Biosphere a living, learning landscape.”

Cllr. Declan Flanagan, Chair of the Climate Action and Urban Resilience Strategic Policy Committee added, “The Biosphere plays a vital role in building urban resilience and addressing climate change. It’s a model for how we can integrate biodiversity into city life and to ensure that nature-based solutions are at the heart of our planning and policy.”

The event concluded with a celebratory lunch in Dún Laoghaire, where guests continued to share ideas and strengthen partnerships for the future. A camera crew was onboard to capture the day’s highlights, which will be shared in the coming weeks to inspire continued stewardship.

The Dublin Bay Biosphere Partnership extends its sincere thanks to all who participated and contributed to making the day such a success. Here’s to the next ten years of conservation, collaboration, and community.