From 8–12 September 2025, representatives from GeoCamp Iceland and Reykjanes UNESCO Global Geopark travelled to Temuco in southern Chile to participate in the 11th International Global Geoparks Conference (GGN 2025).

Hosted by Kütralkura UNESCO Global Geopark, the event gathered hundreds of delegates from geoparks around the world under the theme “From Ancestral Knowledge towards Future Geoparks: Technologies and Digital Innovation for Sustainable Development.” The Araucanía region, with its volcanic landscapes, ancient araucaria forests, and rich Mapuche-Pewenche cultural heritage, provided an inspiring backdrop for a conference dedicated to connecting science, culture, and community in the geopark framework.

The Icelandic delegation included Arnbjorn Olafsson and Olafur Jon Arnbjornsson from GeoCamp Iceland, Þuríður Aradóttir Braun and Daníel Einarsson from Reykjanes UNESCO Global Geopark, and Sigurður Sigursveinsson from Katla Geopark. Together, they highlighted how Icelandic geoparks are developing innovative approaches to outdoor learning, regenerative tourism, and cultural heritage while strengthening ties to the international geopark network.

Presentations and Posters

Iceland contributed three oral presentations and five posters, covering a wide spectrum of topics. These showcased the innovative work happening in Reykjanes and beyond:

• From Lava Fields to Lesson Plans: Oral presentation by GeoCamp Iceland on how outdoor learning in Reykjanes is being embedded into schools and international projects, turning a geologically active region into a living classroom [Presentation]
• Regenerative Tourism in a Dynamic Landscape: Presentations and posters introducing how Reykjanes is using ongoing volcanic activity as a driver for regenerative geotourism, creating educational resources and attracting international groups [Presentation]
• Traditional Folktales and Local Legends in Reykjanes UNESCO Global Geopark: Highlighting how storytelling and cultural heritage are being integrated with geology to enrich visitor experiences and preserve local identity [Presentation] [Poster]
• REGENERATE Project: A Northern Periphery and Arctic programme initiative led from Reykjanes, showcasing regenerative tourism practices developed with partners from Finland, Sweden, and Ireland [Poster]
• UNESCO ASPnet in Reykjanes: Poster on building a UNESCO school network across the peninsula, embedding sustainability and outdoor learning into everyday education [Poster]
• Reykjanes as a Living Lab: Poster demonstrating how the Geopark integrates education, innovation, and community engagement through cross-border projects [Poster]

Each of these contributions underscored the role of Reykjanes as both a laboratory for Earth sciences and a hub for cultural storytelling, sustainability, and education.

Looking Ahead
​
Beyond the formal program, the Icelandic participants engaged actively with other geopark representatives, exchanged experiences on education and tourism development, and explored possibilities for future partnerships.

The presence of Icelandic voices at GGN 2025 underscored the growing role of geoparks in addressing global challenges through local action. By sharing approaches that blend geoscience, cultural storytelling, regenerative tourism, and education, Reykjanes and Katla contributed to a global dialogue about how geoparks can serve as living laboratories for resilience and innovation.

​From the volcanic landscapes of Chile to the lava fields of Iceland, the conference demonstrated the strength of international cooperation in shaping the future of geoparks — and the future of education, sustainability, and community engagement they inspire.

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.