This week we were honoured to speak at the Global Summit on Climate Education, hosted by the Institute for Global Learning at Appleby College, Toronto. Our session “From Lava Fields to Learning Labs: Outdoor Climate Education Case Studies from Iceland” was delivered by Arnbjörn Ólafsson, Managing Director of GeoCamp Iceland, and Sigrún Svafa Ólafsdóttir, Project Manager for Education at Reykjanes UNESCO Global Geopark. We shared how Iceland’s active volcanic landscapes are shaping hands-on climate learning for students and teachers alike. 

At the heart of our approach is a simple belief: to change the world we live in, we must first understand the Earth we live on. That ethos runs through all of our work with schools and universities, where field-based learning turns complex climate systems into lived experience. 

We’re proud to see Keilir mountain, one of the iconic landmarks of Reykjanes UNESCO Global Geopark, featured on the cover of UNESCO’s new flagship publication: “UNESCO Global Geoparks: Celebrating Earth Heritage, Sustaining Local Communities.”

This stunning photo is more than just a beautiful image—it represents Iceland’s unique geological heritage and the vital role our landscapes play in education, community development, and sustainable tourism.

Published in September 2025, this official UNESCO book highlights the global impact of Geoparks across 50 countries. It showcases how these designated territories connect Earth science with local culture, education, and innovation—values that are at the heart of GeoCamp Iceland’s mission.

The book offers a powerful visual and narrative journey through the diversity of UNESCO Global Geoparks, making it a fantastic resource for educators, researchers, and policy makers interested in sustainability, geotourism, and place-based learning.
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• 📖 Download the book here: unesdoc.unesco.org/ark:/48223/pf0000389209
• 🌍 Explore more about the book on UNESCO’s website unesco.org/en/articles/unesco-global-geoparks-book

For us at GeoCamp Iceland, it’s a reminder of how Iceland’s dramatic landscapes inspire international collaboration and learning. And we couldn’t be more thrilled to see Keilir leading the way.

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
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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.

This August marks the launch of an new project under Nordplus Horizontal “Empowering Educators: Nordic Geoparks as Cross-Sectoral Hubs for Lifelong Learning”, led by Reykjanes UNESCO Global Geopark in Iceland and partnerd by geoparks in all Nordic countries as well as GeoCamp Iceland.

The two-year project, running from August 2025 to August 2027, brings together UNESCO Global Geoparks across the Nordic region to strengthen teacher resources in outdoor education and to further develop geoparks as living classrooms.

A Nordic partnership for education and sustainability

The project is coordinated by Reykjanes UNESCO Global Geopark in Iceland, with formal partners including Odsherred (Denmark), Platåbergens (Sweden), Rokua (Finland), and Gea Norvegica (Norway) UNESCO Global Geoparks. Associated partners add further depth and expertise, among them the Balthazar Science Center in Sweden, the Suðurnes Science & Learning Centre, Gerðaskóli Primary School, and GeoCamp Iceland.

Building skills for the future

At the heart of the project is the aim to equip teachers with practical, place-based methods for climate, sustainability, and STREAM (Science, Technology, Reading, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) education. Activities will include:

• Developing shared lesson plans and activity guides rooted in Nordic landscapes and communities.
• ​Creating a collaborative digital platform for teachers and educators across the region.
• Hosting international and national workshops in Nordic geoparks, offering hands-on training and knowledge exchange.

Towards long-term cooperation

The project will culminate in an international conference in Iceland in 2027, where results will be shared with educators, policymakers, and stakeholders. The ultimate goal is to lay the foundation for long-term Nordic cooperationin education and community engagement, positioning geoparks as central hubs for innovation in outdoor learning.

We are proud that GeoCamp Iceland is part of this forward-looking partnership, contributing our experience in field-based education and teacher training.

Follow the project on Facebook for updates: Empowering Educators

Across the Reykjanes Peninsula, a new initiative is taking shape—one that brings together educators, scientists, municipalities and students to explore the full potential of the landscapes that surround their schools. Under the name Gárur (Icelandic for “ripples”), a series of interconnected projects is now actively supporting the development of outdoor education through local mapping, curriculum development, and cross-border collaboration.

From Local Mapping to Regional Impact

The central aim of Gárur is simple but powerful: to understand what outdoor education looks like in each school’s local context, and to create practical tools that make it easier for teachers to use the outdoors in their daily teaching. By documenting accessible sites and co-developing lesson ideas with teachers, the project is building a shared foundation for place-based education rooted in the unique environment of Suðurnes.

With funding from four different sources, The Icelandic innovation fund for schools (Sprotasjóður), Nordplus Junior, the Curriculum Development Fund (Þróunarsjóður námsgagna), and the Suðurnes Development Fund, the Gárur initiative is working with all primary schools on the Reykjanes Peninsula to identify and map opportunities for field-based learning in their immediate surroundings. This region-wide approach is helping schools transform nearby beaches, lava fields, wetlands and urban spaces into natural extensions of the classroom.

The Future of Outdoor Learning

At its heart, Gárur is a project about making the most of what’s already around us: the nature at the edge of the playground, the trails behind the school, the coastline down the road. It is about giving educators the tools and confidence to use these spaces as part of everyday teaching—and giving students the chance to learn through curiosity, movement, and meaningful contact with their environment.

By focusing on local resources, community collaboration, and real-world science, Gárur is helping create a sustainable model for outdoor education that can serve as inspiration across Iceland and beyond.

What begins as a ripple may well become a wave.

As interest in science education, sustainability, and hands-on learning continues to grow, the Reykjanes Peninsula played host to a national conference focused on strengthening the teaching of natural sciences in Icelandic schools. Held at Sandgerði Primary School on 28–29 March, the event brought together educators, researchers, and stakeholders from across the country. The initiative was led by the Reykjanes UNESCO Global Geopark, supported by a planning committee representing the University of Iceland, the University of Akureyri, the Icelandic associations of science and primary school teachers, the Suðurnes Science and Learning Centre, and GeoCamp Iceland.
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The conference is part of a nationwide effort to strengthen natural sciences education, with similar events taking place in different regions every two years. This year marked the first time the conference was hosted on the Reykjanes Peninsula. More than 50 participants attended, including teachers from preschools, primary and secondary schools, representatives of academia, and others involved in the development of science education.

The program placed strong emphasis on highlighting local expertise, regional resources, and innovative pedagogical approaches, while also incorporating international perspectives through keynote addresses by Per Arild Konradsen, founder of First Scandinavia, and Professor Douglas Larkin of Montclair State University, both recognised for their contributions to science education and teacher development.

Alongside keynote presentations, the conference programme featured a series of workshops and presentations delivered by practising teachers, who shared pedagogical approaches and classroom-based initiatives. The University of Iceland’s School of Education contributed insights on recent changes to national curriculum standards, while additional sessions focused on the integration of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) subjects and the creation of innovative teaching resources.

GeoCamp Iceland led the final component of the programme - a field excursion within the Reykjanes UNESCO Global Geopark. Guided by the Director of GeoCamp Iceland, Ólafur Jón Arnbjörnsson, the tour introduced participants to the area’s unique geological landscape, including geothermal activity and sites affected by recent volcanic eruptions and seismic events. The excursion concluded with site visits to Grindavík and Svartsengi, offering a direct view of the effects of recent natural hazards on local communities and infrastructure.
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GeoCamp Iceland’s participation in the conference underscores our dedication to outdoor education, experiential learning, and the advancement of Earth science and sustainability within both national and international educational contexts. Through the facilitation of real-world learning environments and a focus on scientific literacy, GeoCamp aims to contribute to the development of STEAM education while promoting collaboration across educational levels and sectors.

This year GeoCamp Iceland took part in a series of workshops in Denmark for science teachers focusing on STEM subjects and outdoor education in Geoparks. The project was managed by the Association of Municipalities of Suðurnes (SSS) and funded by the Erasmus+ Education Programme of the European Union, and enabled teachers to travel to Denmark on a week-long trip, where they gained ideas on how to use outdoor learning within the Reykjanes Geopark to make science education more engaging and integrate additional STEM projects into their teaching.

“What I am taking home with me are the connections I made with colleagues in the area, which will definitely benefit our work. I came back inspired and excited, and I’m already talking more about science in my classes.” Guðrún Kristín Ragnarsdóttir, Stóru-Vogaskóli in Vogar
 
As part of the study trips, the groups visited schools and educational institutions in Denmark, and gained insight into the educational work within two different geoparks: Odsherred Geopark and Geopark Det Sydfynske Øhav. In addition to learning how teaching can take place in connection with geoparks, the participants gained insight into the role of geoparks in the local community. Odsherred Geopark, for example, is known for its strong collaboration with residents and schools, offering robust outdoor learning and a variety of STEM projects.

“My impression is that students and their families often travel far to experience Iceland and the beauty and wonders our country has to offer. I believe that with targeted education and promotion aimed at families in Reykjanes and the capital area, we could attract more families for day trips around Reykjanes or to specific sites within it.” Haraldur Haraldsson, Akurskóli in Reykjanesbær
 
The first trip took place in March 2024 and began with a visit to the Experimentarium museum in Copenhagen, where teachers tried a wide range of interactive projects designed to spark young people’s curiosity in science. The group then visited the University of Southern Denmark in Odense, where they were introduced to the Natural Science Research Centre (FNUG) and how it supports schools and teachers in implementing STEM teaching practices. The group also visited Geopark Det Sydfynske Øhav and explored their methods for connecting with local residents and schools in southern Funen. The main visit was to Odsherred Geopark, where the park’s geologists explained and demonstrated how they engage students with practical outdoor learning. The trip concluded with the group’s participation in the Big Bang conference in Odense, an annual conference for science, outdoor learning, and STEM teachers in Denmark.

"On the final day, we participated in the Big Bang conference, which featured a large exhibition where companies and institutions showcased their educational materials. There was also a wide variety of presentations and discussion groups to choose from. The conference was the cherry on top; we returned home with our heads and suitcases full of new ideas, teaching methods, and tools that will influence my teaching in the future." Hildur Sigfúsdóttir, Heiðarskóli in Reykjanesbær
 
The second trip took place in August 2024, starting with the group’s participation in the Knowledge Forum at the Suðurnes Knowledge Centre. As before, the main visit was to Odsherred Geopark, where the group received an in-depth introduction to field trips and sites within the geopark suited to outdoor teaching in subjects such as geology, history, and natural science. Near the geopark is Holbæks Grønne Lunge, a green area that is used extensively by schools for science education.

GeoCamp Iceland participates in the regional initiative to expand the UNESCO Schools network across all educational instiutions in Reykjanes UNESCO Global Geopark. At a meeting held on September 4th in Reykjanesbær, representatives from schools in the region gathered to discuss the integration of UNESCO principles, with the aim of having all schools on all school levels begin the application process within the next two years.

Sigrún Svafa Ólafsdóttir, Project Manager for Educational Programmes at GeoCamp Iceland and Reykjanes UNESCO Global Geopark, is leading the project. As part of the effort, she has been working closely with schools and teachers in the region, fostering cooperation and creating opportunities for educational development through international initiatives.

"GeoCamp Iceland has long been involved in various European projects, collaborating with teachers from all levels of education," said Sigrún Svafa. "This initiative builds on that experience, offering schools in Reykjanes a unique opportunity to gain international recognition for the great work they're already doing with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The UNESCO Schools project will help strengthen these efforts, create deeper ties between schools, and enhance global citizenship education."

Þann 4. september 2024 var haldinn kynningarfundur í Hljómahöll um innleiðingu UNESCO skóla í alla skóla á Reykjanesi. Fulltrúum frá öllum skólum á svæðinu var boðið á fundinn ásamt aðilum tengdum Suðurnesjvettvangi.  

„Sjálfbærni er sameiginlegt viðfangsefni allra sem íbúar á þessari jörð og mun verða um fyrirsjáanlega framtíð. Heimsmarkmið Sameinuðu Þjóðanna setja skýran ramma utan um þau mikilvægu verkefni og áskoranir sem við stöndum frami fyrir til þess að komandi kynslóðir njóti velsældar og sjálfbærni sé tryggð. Jafnrétti, réttlæti, friður og virðing fyrir umhverfinu er á ábyrgð okkar alla og við viljum leggja okkar af mörkum til þess að ná árangri á þessum sviðum.“

Þannig hefst viljayfirlýsing um að hefja UNESCO skóla umsóknarferlið á næstu tveimur árum, sem 15 skólar af Reykjanesi hafa nú þegar skrifað undir. 

Hugmyndin að þessu metnaðarfulla verkefni kemur frá Suðurnesjavettvangi sem er samstarfsvettvangur um innleiðingu Heimsmarkmiða Sameinuðu þjóðanna á Suðurnesjum. Að Suðurnesjavettvangi standa Samband sveitarfélaganna á Suðurnesjum, Kadeco og Isavia ásamt öllum sveitarfélögunum fjórum á Suðurnesjum. Þá er Reykjanes jarðvangur einnig samstarfsaðili verkefnisins og leggur til verkefnastjóra sem mun styðja skólana á svæðinu með hlutlausum vettvangi fyrir samvinnu og tengslamyndun þvert á skóla, skólastig og sveitarfélög.  

Til þess að varða leiðina að sjálfbæru samfélagi er skólasamfélagið á Reykjanesi nú að taka stórt skref með því að sýna samstöðu og vilja til samstarfs um innleiðingu Heimsmarkmiðanna. Sú sameiginlega vegferð hófst á fundinum þar sem margir skólar skrifuðu undir yfirlýsingu þess efnis að gerast UNESCO skóli innan tveggja ára og allir aðilar tengdir Suðurnesjavettvangi skrifuðu undir yfirlýsingu um að styðja þessa innleiðingu eftir bestu getu. 

UNESCO skólar skuldbinda sig til að vinna að verkefnum sem snúa að  því að auka þekkingu á málefnum Sameinuðu þjóðanna og Heimsmarkmiðinum. Þverfagleg verkefni sem nýtast í ýmsum kennslustundum og passa vel inni í grunnþætti aðalnámsskrár leik- grunn- og framhaldsskóla. Flestir skólar vinna í dag fjölmörg verkefni tengd Heimsmarkmiðunum á hverju starfsári, svo það að gerast UNESCO skóli er að mestu leyti aðeins alþjóðleg viðurkenning á því góða starfi og yfirlýsing um að vilja bæta í sambærileg verkefni á komandi árum.

Sigrún Svafa Ólafsdóttir er verkefnastjóri fræðslumála hjá Reykjanes jarðvangi og GeoCamp Iceland segir að fundurinn í Hljómahöll hafi farið fram úr björtustu vonum.

„Það er alveg frábært að sjá hve margir ætla að vera með og voru tilbúin að skrifa undir viljayfirlýsingu strax. Ég fékk þetta skemmtilega verkefni upp í hendurnar sem mitt fyrsta verk sem verkefnastjóri fræðslumála hjá jarðvanginum. UNESCO skóla verkefnið er frábært verkfæri til að mynda góð tengsl við alla skólana, á öllum skólastigum í öllum sveitarfélögunum á Reykjanesinu. Ég hef verið að vinna mikið með kennurum úr öllum skólum á svæðinu í ýmsum Evrópuverkefnum sem GeoCamp Iceland hefur haldið utan um, í samstarfi við til dæmis Samband sveitarfélaga á Suðurnesjum og Reykjanes Jarðvang. Í þeirri vinnu hefur komið mjög skýrt í ljós að þörf fyrir aukna samvinnu milli skóla er mikil og hvað öflugt tengslanet kennara getur skilað miklu inn í skólastarfið.

Ég er mjög spennt fyrir næstu skrefum, skólar hér á svæðinu eru allir að gera svo frábæra og spennandi hluti. Það að taka þátt í UNESCO skóla uppbyggingunni verður vonandi eingöngu til þess að gera alla flottu vinnuna þeirra enn sýnilegri í samfélaginu. Margir skólar skrifuðu undir viljayfirlýsingu um að fara af stað með þetta verkefni á næstu 2 árum og ég veit að hinir skólarnir eru að ígrunda þetta, það er alltaf hægt að bætast við og enginn er að missa af tækifærinu.

Það stendur misvel á hjá skólum og mikilvægt að starfsfólk skólanna taki sameiginlega ákvörðun með hjartanu að fara af stað í þetta verkefni. Okkar von er sú að allir skólar á svæðinu sláist í hópinn á næstu 2 árum. Umfang verkefnisins er mikið, á Íslandi eru í dag samtals 21 UNESCO skólar en ef allir skólar á Reykjanesi taka þátt, bætast 28 skólar við þá tölu. Til að þetta gangi vel er mikilvægt að samfélagið allt standi með okkur í þessu og því dýrmætt að nú þegar hafa margir stórir aðilar á svæðinu lýst því yfir að þau eru tilbúin til að styðja við þetta verkefni eftir bestu getu. Við í undirbúningsteyminu gætum bara ekki verið ánægðari með viðbrögðin við þessari metnaðarfullu hugmynd!“

Eva Harðardóttir formaður Félags Sameinuðu Þjóðanna á Íslandi var þátttakandi á fundinum. Hún var himinlifandi yfir viðbrögðunum og talaði um að þessi samvinna um heimsmarkmiðin væri einstök. „Þetta verkefni er til fyrirmyndar fyrir annað svæðisbundið samstarf og samfélög á landinu sem vilja vinna að sjálfbærri þróun með því að efla staðbundna þekkingu og hnattræna vitund barna og ungmenna, en efling hnattrænnar borgaravitundar er einmitt eitt af meginmarkmiðum UNESCO-skólanetsins“.

Eftirfarandi 15 skólar hafa nú þegar skrifað undir viljayfirlýsingu um að hefja þá vegferð að gerast UNESCO skóli á næstu tveim árum:

• Leikskólinn Holt í Reykjanesbæ
• Leikskólinn Völlur í Reykjanesbæ
• Heilsuleikskólinn Skógarás í Reykjanesbæ
• Leikskólinn Akur í Reykjanesbæ
• Leikskólinn Gimli í Reykjanesbæ
• Njarðvíkurskóli Reykjanesbæ
• Holtaskóli í Reykjanesbæ
• Heiðarskóli Reykjanesbæ
• Stapaskóli í Reykjanesbæ
• Háaleitisskóli í Reykjanesbæ
• Sandgerðisskóli í Suðurnesjabæ
• Gerðaskóli í Suðurnesjabæ
• Grænaborg í Suðurnesjabæ
• Fjölbrautaskóli Suðurnesja
• Fisktækniskóli Íslands í Grindavík / Suðurnesjabæ

 
Eftirfarandi  aðilar skrifuðu undir viljayfirlýsingu um að styðja UNESCO skóla verkefnið:
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• Samband sveitarfélaga á Suðurnesjum
• Sveitarfélagið Vogar
• Reykjanesbær
• Grindavíkurbær
• Suðurnesjabær
• Reykjanes jarðvangur / Reykjanes UNESCO Global Geopark
• GeoCamp Iceland
• Isavia
• Kadeco

Reykjanes UNESCO Global Geopark and GeoCamp Iceland had the pleasure of hosting the fourth Transnational Partner Meeting for the Erasmus+ Upcycling Project, held in the breathtaking setting of the Reykjanes Peninsula from 11-12 July 2024. Partners from across Europe gathered to discuss progress, share insights, and plan the next phases of our shared mission to promote creative education through upcycling.

The first day of the meeting took place at the Reykjanes UNESCO Global Geopark, where partners reviewed the project’s progress and delved into upcoming deliverables, focusing on how upcycling initiatives can be integrated into education systems.

During the second day the partners participated in a study tour of the Reykjanes Peninsula, a region defined by its extraordinary geology and geothermal energy. Participants explored key landmarks, including the Garðskagi Lighthouse, and learned about the region’s ongoing efforts to integrate sustainability into both education and tourism. The study tour offered a hands-on opportunity to see how Iceland’s natural resources are being preserved and showcased.

The meeting concluded with a strategic discussion about the next steps in the project. As we move forward, the Upcycling team remains dedicated to fostering creative solutions and sustainable practices in education.

The second Transnational Project Meeting in the UPCYCLING project was held in Setúbal, Portugal on 19 - 20 September 2022. The project - which centres on ways to generate less waste and create value-added products in a creative way - is supported by the Erasmus+ Programme of the European Commission and brings together eight cross-sector institutions from seven culturally diverse countries (Iceland, Spain, Italy, Portugal, The Netherlands, Cyprus and Poland).

The meeting focused on project updates on development of the conceptual background and the framework for the blended course for school educators about the importance of upcycling with practical ideas on how to implement this in the classroom.
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The project team enjoyed the hospitality of the host partner in Setúbal and look forwards to the next steps in the project which will focus primarily on training workshops and webinars for teachers interested in introducing upcylcing in their classrooms. to edit.