GeoCamp Iceland partners An Interreg NPA project on Regenerative Tourism

Sixteen new projects were approved on 11th December 2024 by the Interreg NPA Monitoring Committee (www.interreg-npa.eu/apply-for-funding/calls-for-projects/5th-call-for-main-projects/). As the only project approved in priority 3.1 on Capacity building is REGENERATE, a forward-thinking three-year project designed to introduce and embed regenerative tourism practices across the Northern Periphery and Arctic region. Focused on restoring natural environments, revitalising cultural heritage, and strengthening local economies, REGENERATE is led by Visit Reykjanes in collaboration with partners including GeoCamp Iceland.
 
The Northern Periphery and Arctic (NPA) is a sensitive and vulnerable area that has experienced significant environmental strain due to increased tourism. REGENERATE recognises the urgent need to move beyond minimising tourism’s negative impacts and instead focus on approaches that generate positive outcomes for communities and landscapes. By fostering collaboration between public and private partners, the project will develop strategies, tools, and capacity-building measures to create a tourism sector that benefits local environments and people.
 
Arnbjörn Ólafsson, Managing Director of GeoCamp Iceland, emphasised the importance of this initiative: “The REGENERATE project represents a vital shift towards sustainable tourism. GeoCamp Iceland is proud to bring its expertise in outdoor education and science communication to this collaboration, helping to create models for tourism that give back to nature and local communities.”
 
The project brings together six partners across Iceland, Finland, Sweden, and Ireland, including GeoCamp Iceland, Olemisen Balanssia ry, Karelia University of Applied Sciences, Gold of Lapland Economic Association, and Cuilcagh Lakelands UNESCO Global Geopark.
 
With a total budget of €1.194.380, including funding contributions of €776.347 from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), the project will run for 36 months. Together, the partners will build strategic solutions and regenerative practices that can set a sustainable example for other tourism-dependent regions.
 
GeoCamp Iceland’s participation aligns with its mission to promote sustainability, education, and responsible tourism. The project will also strengthen connections between nature, culture, and education in ways that support both visitors and host communities for years to come.