Andrew Bell

Director

Organisation lead for North Devon Biosphere Foundation and University of Exeter, UK

Andy has an MSc in Sustainable Development and bachelor degree and post grad diploma in temperate and tropical forestry. Andy established the first UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in the U.K. and is used by UNESCO to support and advise on the management of BRs in developing and developed countries. He has been the chairman of the U.K. national Committee for the MaB programme and the vice chairman for international programmes. He has been managing coastal and marine sites for over 25 years and researched and pioneered techniques for habitat creation in estuaries, new approaches to natural systems for climate adaptation along the coast, established MPAs and their management and governance structures. His main work is the director of the North Devon biosphere and is an honorary researcher with the University of Exeter. Andy has skills in GIS and remote sensing and has published papers on BRs and their management. He enjoys diving, surfing and sailing.