Empowering Educators: Nordic Geoparks as Living Classrooms

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

Images from the first transnational meeting in Rokua UNESCO Global Geopark