On 12th July 2016 the Lord Mayor of Dublin Brendan Carr will launch a new video created to showcase what makes Dublin Bay such a special place. The video was created by members of Comhairle na nÓg to highlight the importance of promoting and protecting Dublin Bay and the surrounding area. This area was designated as a UNESCO Biosphere in 2015, reflecting its significant environmental, economic, cultural and tourism importance, and extends to over 300 square kilometres. Over 330,000 people live within the Biosphere area. Dublin Bay Biosphere is the only UNESCO Biosphere in a capital city in Europe.

When the members of Dublin City Comhairle na nÓg were invited to participate in this project, they voted with an emphatic, unanimous yes. Nineteen members (aged from 12 to 17 years of age) volunteered to get involved. They chose to make a short innovative video, aimed at young people, to celebrate Dublin Bay and to tell the story of the Biosphere in their own words. They had talks and guided walks in the area so that they could experience the nature in Dublin Bay for themselves. They wrote the script for the video and it was filmed onboard a Dublin Bay Cruise from the City Centre to Dun Laoghaire and Howth, with drone footage from North Bull Island.

The key message is: Dublin Bay Biosphere inspires a positive future by connecting people and nature today. This video is to help young people understand Dublin Bay Biosphere, enjoy it and care for it.

In the words of Dublin City Comhairle na nÓg: “People who live in Dublin enjoy a unique feature. Everyone and anyone can enjoy it. The Biosphere makes people proud of Dublin. Don’t let this beautiful area of life and nature go to waste and visit the Dublin Bay Biopshere”.

The Lord Mayor of Dublin Brendan Carr said “I want to congratulate Comhairle na nÓg’s young members for their hard work and dedication in producing this wonderful video telling the story of Dublin Bay. This video will be a significant aid to schools and colleges in educating children about this UNESCO Biosphere area and in promoting the benefits for all citizens when a greater balance between nature and people is achieved.”

In a message to Comhairle na nÓg members, Meriem Bouamrane of UNESCO said, “The passionate video you have designed shows very clearly what a Biosphere is: a celebration of life and a long term commitment for people to care for each other while connecting with nature. You are inspiring examples for your peers, for your parents, for adults and for the World Network of Biospheres. You are demonstrating that young people care about this planet and play a vital role in our societies to benefit both the local and global communities.”

The video is available to view online and, for improved accessibility, a subtitled version is also available.