It’s an illustrious list that includes Ayres Rock, the Yellowstone National Park, the Everglades, Mount Kenya and the Danube delta.
And now the Isle of Man is hoping to join them by becoming a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve – and secure global recognition as a special place to live, work and visit.
A nomination is to be submitted by the Manx government to secure the prized UNESCO status by 2015.
Environment Minister Phil Gawne MHK said: ‘The Isle of Man is unique in that it demonstrates how a remarkably diverse economy can flourish within a sustainable environment. This balanced relationship between people, business and nature is unlike many other Biosphere Reserves which are specific sites within countries, often with small populations and low-value economies based on tourism, agriculture or fishing.’
He added: ‘UNESCO recognition would be a way of telling the rest of the world about how the Isle of Man successfully brings together a thriving business community, rich cultural heritage, outstanding landscapes and varied wildlife ecosystems.
‘We believe we have the environmental, cultural and social credentials to become the first jurisdiction in its entirety to be awarded Biosphere status.’
UNESCO Biosphere Reserves were introduced in 1974 to recognise places that reconcile conservation of biological and cultural diversity with economic and social progression.
There are currently 610 Biosphere Reserves in 117 countries, which combine existing protected areas with zones where sustainable development – and innovative approaches to it – are fostered by local communities.
Peter Longworth, environmental protection officer – sustainability and climate change, is co-ordinating the bid for UNESCO Biosphere status. Nomination papers will be collated between now and spring 2014 for submission to UNESCO, with a final decision likely to be announced in autumn 2014.
Mr Longworth said: ‘Official recognition by UNESCO would be a tremendous reputational boost for the Isle of Man and place us alongside a number of world famous locations.
‘We hope it would encourage businesses and individuals to work in partnership with government and become more involved in the positive management of the Manx environment and wildlife.
‘Initial feedback has been extremely positive.’