Isle of Man to host Unesco summit

The Isle of Man is one of 120 countries included on a list Unesco biosphere reserves

Representatives from Unesco sites across the British Isles will attend a summit on the Isle of Man later.

Earlier this year the heritage organisation gave the island biosphere status, citing it as "one of the best places in the world" to explore nature.

Environment minister Richard Ronan said the meeting is an opportunity to show members "our beautiful island".

There are 669 biosphere reserves in 120 countries around the world including Australia and Kenya.

Professor Martin Price, from Unesco, said: "I am looking forward to visiting one of the newest members of the World Network of Biosphere Reserves."

Other British sites with the status include the Brighton and Lewes Downs and South Ayrshire and Wester Ross in Scotland.

Unesco describes them as "sites for experimenting with and learning about sustainable development".