Building Bridges

Building Bridges

What did this initiative consist of?

The UNESCO World Geopark Star (UGGp), in articulation with the Gea Norvegica UGGp, from Norway, and the Katla UGGp, from Iceland, starts the project "Building Bridges - Sharing good practices among UNESCO World Geoparks".

During the implementation period of this initiative, a number of objectives are intended to be achieved, such as:

• creation of a platform for the promotion and dissemination of the UNESCO brand and, in particular, of the UNESCO Global Geoparks concept;
• promotion of the territories of each of the Geoparks involved, which may contribute to future activities and partnerships between the Geoparks, with those directly in the exchange, or by partners and other entities that through the various actions planned may arouse interest in extending their work to each of these territories;
• sharing of knowledge and experiences within the European and Global Networks of Geoparks, contributing to the implementation of the United Nations Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development.

As UNESCO classified territories, it is imperative that an active role in promoting the 2030 Agenda is taken.

To this end, the initiative will focus on the exchange between Geoparks, with emphasis on some of the most relevant disciplines for each of these territories (Geology, Environment, Science, Education, Tourism, Communication), contributing to the sharing of good practices and innovative projects in each of the territories.

After its implementation, it is expected that this initiative may result:

• in the incorporation of new techniques and practices that will allow solidifying and innovating the areas of each participant of this exchange;
• the signing of cooperation protocols between Geoparks, contributing to create projects in a more fruitful manner, exchange ideas and experiences that strengthen the work of each of the territories;
• joint application to future projects and European initiatives that may contribute to the objectives of each of the territories.

The partners:

• Gea Norvegica UGGp, was the first geopark in Scandinavia to join the world geopark network, in 2006. It brings to the initiative the valuable experience of 15 years as a geopark and its solid performance in the areas of Geological Heritage Education and Community Involvement.
• The Katla UGGp integrates the world network of geoparks since 2011, promoting its geological heritage of volcanic origin. In the ten years of operation, it stands out for its efficient work in the promotion of Sustainable Tourism and in the valorisation of Local Products, in addition to its action in the area of Natural Risks.
• The UGGp Star, despite presenting itself as the most recent UNESCO World Geopark among the three, made official in July 2020, leads this initiative. It contributes with already recognized experience in the areas of Geological Heritage Conservation, Education and Climate Action.

• Building Bridges Project starts, with the aim of strengthen networking and sustainable development