Ecodyfi is now Biosffer Dyfi, focusing on the Dyfi Biosphere in Wales and community growth. Aberystwyth students play a supporting role.
Aberystwyth students are helping by sorting Ecodyfi’s old records. The National Library of Wales will keep them. The records show Wales’ environmental history, and students gain work experience from this.
Ecodyfi started back in 1998. Powys Council and Dulas Ltd helped form it. They wanted a stronger local economy and planned new and creative projects.
These projects included tourism and sustainable energy. They improved wellbeing for residents. Efforts united people and strengthened local identity.
In 2009, Ecodyfi managed the Dyfi Biosphere. It is the only Biosphere site in Wales. UNESCO oversees over 700 sites. Its area spans from Tywyn to Llanymawddwy and extends from Carno to Aberystwyth.
Andy Rowland led Ecodyfi from the start. He retired last year from his role while, the board chose to invest in the Biosphere. They hired staff to grow it, then the company changed its name. It is now called Biosffer Dyfi.
Martin Ashby is a board co-chair. He said Andy’s service helped a lot and will build on that foundation now. They want to develop the Dyfi Biosphere more.
Jane Powell now coordinates things. She notes the current challenges and values UNESCO’s global network. It supports learning and research.