In July 2012 Galloway and Southern Ayrshire UNESCO Biosphere was formally recognised internationally as a world class environment for people and nature. It was the first UNESCO Biosphere in Scotland and is part of a family of over 700 Biospheres around the world of which 7 are now in the UK. The UNESCO Biosphere designation is the only global designation – or accreditation – for an area demonstrating excellence in sustainable development.