THE United Nations may declare a Sussex area an international biosphere site.

The Brighton and Lewes Downs Biosphere partnership will find out if the land will be declared a biosphere when the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization meet on June 11.

A biosphere site declaration is recognition of residents showing innovative approaches to living in harmony with nature.

Chris Todd, chairman of the Biosphere partnership, said: “We are now very close to realising the result of three years’ strenuous effort by numerous local bodies and individuals, and are keeping everything crossed for a positive outcome from when our efforts to look after and improve our local environment will take a place on the world stage.”

The proposed site covers the South Downs National Park, Brighton and Hove and the towns of Lewes, Newhaven, Peacehaven, Shoreham, Telscombe, Southwick and Shoreham Beach.