New UNESCO Heritage Map Features The Sussex Coast And Downs

A large area of Sussex is featured in a new UNESCO map featuring all 58 of the organisation's sites in the UK.

Sussex is included by way of The Living Coast biosphere, which stretches from the South Downs to the coast.

Artist Tom Woolley's creation includes mention of a vast portion of Sussex, since 2014 called "The Living Coast" biosphere region—in recognition of the great biodiversity present from coast to Downs, between the River Adur and the River Ouse.

UNESCO's publicity states:

"The Living Coast in Sussex aims to be a thriving environment for all — a place where people can connect with nature and live well together, enjoying, celebrating and reinvigorating the natural wonders of our shared home."

According to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, the new map aims to raise awareness of the "breadth of natural, cultural and built heritage sites throughout the United Kingdom".

Supporting The Living Coast are more than 40 organisations including business, conservation, education, voluntary, and local government, with Brighton & Hove City Council as a lead partner.

James Bridge, Chief Executive and Secretary-General of the UK National Commission for UNESCO said:

"The 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, added:

"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."

From Brighton and Hove City Council, Councillor Tim Rowkins (Chair of the City Environment, South Downs and the Sea Committee) stated:

"This UNESCO recognition reinforces our attractiveness as a destination and gives us yet another reason to take pride in our city and its incredible surroundings.

"It highlights our willingness to foster sustainable and equitable development that cares for our both environment and the people that live and work here."

Several local tourism organisations were reported to have welcomed the map, including VisitBrighton, VisitLewes, the South Downs National Park, Brighton & Hove Museums, Brighton & Hove Buses, the i360, SoSussex, Shoreham Port, West Sussex Experience, and the Newhaven Enterprise Zone.

Members of the public can share their views on shaping its future on The Living Coast website at thelivingcoast.org.uk

View the map at unesco.org.uk/our-sites 

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.