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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 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.
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The first transnational meeting and teacher training activity in the GeoSchools project took place in Iceland on 24 - 28 June 2024. The project is an Erasmus+ funded initiative focused on bringing innovative teaching of climate change to schools by integrating geosciences into the curriculum.
By leveraging the unique landscapes and expertise of UNESCO Global Geoparks, we aim to provide students with hands-on, practical learning experiences that foster a deep understanding of geosciences and their relevance to climate change.
This collaborative effort involves educational and scientific institutions from Poland, Iceland, Turkey, and Romania, working together to develop and implement new teaching methods and materials. The project aligns with the European Union's policies on education and climate action, aiming to build a sustainable future through education.
For more information about the project please visit our website at www.geoschools.eu
By leveraging the unique landscapes and expertise of UNESCO Global Geoparks, we aim to provide students with hands-on, practical learning experiences that foster a deep understanding of geosciences and their relevance to climate change.
This collaborative effort involves educational and scientific institutions from Poland, Iceland, Turkey, and Romania, working together to develop and implement new teaching methods and materials. The project aligns with the European Union's policies on education and climate action, aiming to build a sustainable future through education.
For more information about the project please visit our website at www.geoschools.eu
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We are excited to share the highlights of the second Acadimia Project partners’ meeting, which took place on 29 - 30 May 2024 at the welcoming UCLL campus in Leuven, Belgium. The first day was filled with inspiring discussions, idea exchanges, and strategic meetings that set the stage for the next steps in our project collaboration.
The Acadimia project team, including representatives from GeoCamp Iceland, came together to evaluate the progress of our initiatives aimed at fostering creativity and inclusivity in education. The energy in the room was palpable as partners exchanged ideas and shared best practices, all with the goal of enhancing teacher training across Europe.
Special thanks goes to our generous hosts at UCLL, whose thoughtful itinerary and facilities provided an ideal setting for the meeting with productive interactions and meaningful discussions between project partners. The team is feeling motivated and ready to continue working on the exciting next phases of the project. Stay tuned for more updates as we move forward with our mission to make a positive impact on education!
For more information about the project please visit: https://european-acadimia.eu/
The Acadimia project team, including representatives from GeoCamp Iceland, came together to evaluate the progress of our initiatives aimed at fostering creativity and inclusivity in education. The energy in the room was palpable as partners exchanged ideas and shared best practices, all with the goal of enhancing teacher training across Europe.
Special thanks goes to our generous hosts at UCLL, whose thoughtful itinerary and facilities provided an ideal setting for the meeting with productive interactions and meaningful discussions between project partners. The team is feeling motivated and ready to continue working on the exciting next phases of the project. Stay tuned for more updates as we move forward with our mission to make a positive impact on education!
For more information about the project please visit: https://european-acadimia.eu/
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GeoCamp Iceland participated in the first Transnational Partner Meeting (TPM) of the Erasmus+ AURORA project, hosted in Ireland from 30 April to 1 May 2024. This two-day meeting marked an exciting beginning for the project, bringing together partners from across Europe to collaborate on key deliverables that will drive the initiative forward.
The meeting centered on the development of the AURORA project’s two primary outputs:
The meeting concluded with a discussion on the next steps, including evaluation and reporting procedures, dissemination strategies, and preparation for the upcoming events. GeoCamp Iceland is excited to continue working on this inspiring project, which aims to bring outdoor learning and technology together to create impactful educational experiences for young people.
GeoCamp Iceland will host the first Learning, Teaching, and Training Activity (LTTA) from 22-28 September 2024. The LTTA will include outdoor learning workshops, field trips to Iceland’s stunning natural landmarks, and training sessions on how to use AR/VR technology to enhance educational experiences. Participants will also have the opportunity to witness Iceland’s northern lights, weather permitting, and engage in cultural activities.
The meeting centered on the development of the AURORA project’s two primary outputs:
- AURORA Guidebook: The guidebook will consist of nine chapters, with each partner leading the development of a specific chapter. Content creation will start in May 2024, and the final English version is expected to be completed by August. Each chapter will be based on research and workshops conducted with young people, ensuring their voices shape the educational materials. The guidebook will also feature innovative elements like QR codes to make it more engaging.
- AURORA Platform: Set to begin development in October 2024, the platform will serve as a central hub for sharing resources and supporting outdoor learning through augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR). The TPM discussed the equipment needed to film AR/VR footage, with several partners offering to contribute their own resources.
The meeting concluded with a discussion on the next steps, including evaluation and reporting procedures, dissemination strategies, and preparation for the upcoming events. GeoCamp Iceland is excited to continue working on this inspiring project, which aims to bring outdoor learning and technology together to create impactful educational experiences for young people.
GeoCamp Iceland will host the first Learning, Teaching, and Training Activity (LTTA) from 22-28 September 2024. The LTTA will include outdoor learning workshops, field trips to Iceland’s stunning natural landmarks, and training sessions on how to use AR/VR technology to enhance educational experiences. Participants will also have the opportunity to witness Iceland’s northern lights, weather permitting, and engage in cultural activities.
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On April 12, 2024, the collaboration between GeoCamp Iceland and the municipality of Lipik, Croatia, reached its successful conclusion, celebrated at a final event in Lipik. This two-year partnership, supported by the EEA Financial Mechanism under the “Energy and Climate Change” program, focused on exploring geothermal energy potential and advancing sustainable practices in the region. The project has been hailed as a significant step forward in using geothermal resources for energy and beyond.
Ólafur Jón Arnbjörnsson, Director and Founder of GeoCamp Iceland, attended the event and shared his reflections on the collaboration. He expressed his satisfaction with the mutual knowledge exchange and the progress made during the partnership. “People often rely more on fossil fuels than on geothermal energy, which is understandable given the focus on energy in the context of climate change,” he said. “Although we are leaders in the use of geothermal energy in Iceland, we see that other applications of geothermal water are also important in the future.”
The event highlighted the achievements of the project, which included the development of comprehensive technical documentation for geothermal energy use in Lipik, knowledge exchange between Icelandic experts and local Croatian stakeholders, and the creation of educational programs to engage the local community. The collaboration also explored innovative ways to utilise geothermal water in areas like agriculture and tourism, broadening its impact beyond energy production.
During the celebration, attendees participated in presentations and discussions that detailed the project’s outcomes and its potential to influence sustainable development in the region. Site visits to Lipik’s geothermal resources provided a tangible connection to the project’s goals, showcasing the region’s natural assets and their possibilities. Panel discussions brought together local and international experts to reflect on the partnership and explore further innovations in geothermal applications.
The collaboration underscored the importance of international partnerships in addressing global energy and environmental challenges. Lipik’s Mayor expressed deep gratitude for Iceland’s support and highlighted the project as a foundational step for the town’s sustainable future. The event also served as an opportunity to envision how the lessons learned from this initiative could inspire similar projects worldwide.
Ólafur Jón Arnbjörnsson closed the event by reaffirming GeoCamp Iceland’s dedication to fostering international cooperation. “This partnership demonstrates the power of shared expertise and mutual learning,” he said. “By working together, we can empower communities to harness their natural resources responsibly and create sustainable solutions for future generations.”
With the project’s completion, Lipik is well-positioned to implement its geothermal strategy, paving the way for sustainable growth in energy, agriculture, and tourism. GeoCamp Iceland remains committed to promoting renewable energy and environmental education through similar partnerships, furthering its mission to inspire global change.
Ólafur Jón Arnbjörnsson, Director and Founder of GeoCamp Iceland, attended the event and shared his reflections on the collaboration. He expressed his satisfaction with the mutual knowledge exchange and the progress made during the partnership. “People often rely more on fossil fuels than on geothermal energy, which is understandable given the focus on energy in the context of climate change,” he said. “Although we are leaders in the use of geothermal energy in Iceland, we see that other applications of geothermal water are also important in the future.”
The event highlighted the achievements of the project, which included the development of comprehensive technical documentation for geothermal energy use in Lipik, knowledge exchange between Icelandic experts and local Croatian stakeholders, and the creation of educational programs to engage the local community. The collaboration also explored innovative ways to utilise geothermal water in areas like agriculture and tourism, broadening its impact beyond energy production.
During the celebration, attendees participated in presentations and discussions that detailed the project’s outcomes and its potential to influence sustainable development in the region. Site visits to Lipik’s geothermal resources provided a tangible connection to the project’s goals, showcasing the region’s natural assets and their possibilities. Panel discussions brought together local and international experts to reflect on the partnership and explore further innovations in geothermal applications.
The collaboration underscored the importance of international partnerships in addressing global energy and environmental challenges. Lipik’s Mayor expressed deep gratitude for Iceland’s support and highlighted the project as a foundational step for the town’s sustainable future. The event also served as an opportunity to envision how the lessons learned from this initiative could inspire similar projects worldwide.
Ólafur Jón Arnbjörnsson closed the event by reaffirming GeoCamp Iceland’s dedication to fostering international cooperation. “This partnership demonstrates the power of shared expertise and mutual learning,” he said. “By working together, we can empower communities to harness their natural resources responsibly and create sustainable solutions for future generations.”
With the project’s completion, Lipik is well-positioned to implement its geothermal strategy, paving the way for sustainable growth in energy, agriculture, and tourism. GeoCamp Iceland remains committed to promoting renewable energy and environmental education through similar partnerships, furthering its mission to inspire global change.
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Representatives from GeoCamp Iceland attended the final event "Excellent Education for All" of the Czech Education Programme funded by EEA Grants. The international event serves as a forum for the cooperation among Czech, Norwegian, Icelandic and Liechtenstein schools, universities and other education organisations, showcasing the results of the programme.
GeoCamp Iceland participated in the succesful project "GEOCAMP - supporting geology teaching towards active citizenship" which introduced new and innovative teaching programmes and methods in the field of the sciences and geology to prepare teachers for the challenges of the future and act in the interests of environmental protection.
The project was partnered by Ralsko Geopark and the Technical University of Liberec in the Czech Republic.
GeoCamp Iceland participated in the succesful project "GEOCAMP - supporting geology teaching towards active citizenship" which introduced new and innovative teaching programmes and methods in the field of the sciences and geology to prepare teachers for the challenges of the future and act in the interests of environmental protection.
The project was partnered by Ralsko Geopark and the Technical University of Liberec in the Czech Republic.
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GeoCamp Iceland participated in the second transnational meeting of the Erasmus+ supported project “Green Advisor” in beautiful and mesmerising Cori, Italy on 18 - 19 April 2024. The meeting was organised and hosted by our Italian partner at Polygonal, and included participants from Spain, Turkey and Finland.
The "Green Advisor - Enhancing environmental sustainability of EU funded projects” is a three-years Erasmus+ Cooperation Partnership in the field of Adult Education that is coordinated by GeoCamp Iceland and involves partners from Spain, Italy, Turkey and Finland. The partnership will work together addressing the need to lower the environmental CO2 footprint that Erasmus+ projects generate.
Among project outcomes are a Carbonfootprint Calculator (APP) and Green Streaming Orientation Tool to support Project Managers and Adult Educators in making their travels and communication more sustainable, while enhancing critical thinking on the environmental impact of such activities.
During the meeting we were able to finalise research work as well as the environmental quality assurance framework on European project management. The meeting also focused on continuing work on the footprint calculator - including parameters for the calculation of the carbon footprint of EU projects - as well as development of self-assessment tools for project managers and training activities.
There can be no trip to Italy without food and cultural events, so project partners received a guided tour inside Comune di Cori and tasted locally produced products of Cori and Giulianello. The group also had a privately currated visit to the stunning gardens of Ninfa "Giardino di Ninfa”.
The next meeting within the project will take place in Iceland, and will include testing of teacher training materials.
Big thanks to Polygonal for hosting the event, as well as to the other project partners (DomSpain, Gazi Üniversitesi, Smartup and Olemisen) for their active participation.
For more information about the project please visit our project website: www.greenadvisorproject.com
The "Green Advisor - Enhancing environmental sustainability of EU funded projects” is a three-years Erasmus+ Cooperation Partnership in the field of Adult Education that is coordinated by GeoCamp Iceland and involves partners from Spain, Italy, Turkey and Finland. The partnership will work together addressing the need to lower the environmental CO2 footprint that Erasmus+ projects generate.
Among project outcomes are a Carbonfootprint Calculator (APP) and Green Streaming Orientation Tool to support Project Managers and Adult Educators in making their travels and communication more sustainable, while enhancing critical thinking on the environmental impact of such activities.
During the meeting we were able to finalise research work as well as the environmental quality assurance framework on European project management. The meeting also focused on continuing work on the footprint calculator - including parameters for the calculation of the carbon footprint of EU projects - as well as development of self-assessment tools for project managers and training activities.
There can be no trip to Italy without food and cultural events, so project partners received a guided tour inside Comune di Cori and tasted locally produced products of Cori and Giulianello. The group also had a privately currated visit to the stunning gardens of Ninfa "Giardino di Ninfa”.
The next meeting within the project will take place in Iceland, and will include testing of teacher training materials.
Big thanks to Polygonal for hosting the event, as well as to the other project partners (DomSpain, Gazi Üniversitesi, Smartup and Olemisen) for their active participation.
For more information about the project please visit our project website: www.greenadvisorproject.com
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Arnbjorn Olafsson, Managing Director of GeoCamp Iceland participated in the highly succesful contact seminar "Green practices in Erasmus+ projects" which took place in Bratislava, Slovakia on 10 - 12 April 2024. The seminar brought together participants from both school and vocational sectors, interested in sustainability and greening of EU projects.
Sustainability and green practices are one of the main horizontal priorities of the Erasmus+ programme and during the seminar, the participating partners had a chance to share their experiences, expand their professional and personal networks, as well as hear about good practice examples of Erasmus+ KA2 projects that have strived to adopt a sustainable approach towards their projects and/or institutions.
With the participation in the seminar we were able to share our thoughts and ideas on climate change, sustainability and environmental issues, within international education and development projects, as well as share previous experience in international projects.
For GeoCamp Iceland the topic is especially relevant, being partners in two Erasmus+ funded projects that centre on green practices: Green Advisor Project on enhancing environmental sustainability of EU funded projects; and Upcycling, which focuses on promoting cross curricular collaboration, using innovative learning approaches to prepare learners, staff and youth workers towards becoming true agents of change.
The networking event presented us with a great platform to discuss the importance of creating environmentally sustainable projects within the Erasmus+ programme, as well as build on the experience developed so far in our ongoing projects.
Images and video from SAAIC - ErasmusPlus in Slovakia
Sustainability and green practices are one of the main horizontal priorities of the Erasmus+ programme and during the seminar, the participating partners had a chance to share their experiences, expand their professional and personal networks, as well as hear about good practice examples of Erasmus+ KA2 projects that have strived to adopt a sustainable approach towards their projects and/or institutions.
With the participation in the seminar we were able to share our thoughts and ideas on climate change, sustainability and environmental issues, within international education and development projects, as well as share previous experience in international projects.
For GeoCamp Iceland the topic is especially relevant, being partners in two Erasmus+ funded projects that centre on green practices: Green Advisor Project on enhancing environmental sustainability of EU funded projects; and Upcycling, which focuses on promoting cross curricular collaboration, using innovative learning approaches to prepare learners, staff and youth workers towards becoming true agents of change.
The networking event presented us with a great platform to discuss the importance of creating environmentally sustainable projects within the Erasmus+ programme, as well as build on the experience developed so far in our ongoing projects.
Images and video from SAAIC - ErasmusPlus in Slovakia
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The nature of eruptions in Iceland is diverse, from small effusive eruptions where lava flows quietly from fissures and crater rows to significant explosive eruptions in ice-covered central volcanos that produce large ash plumes—literally where fire meets ice.
The reason for Iceland's intense volcanic activity is the country's geological position, where dynamic geological forces are at work between the spreading plate boundary on the Mid-Atlantic Ocean ridge and a powerful mantle plume creating a hot spot on the surface. Together, they produce large amounts of magma, filling the gaps in the crust made by the spreading plates, resulting in frequent eruptions along the rift zone.
The Reykjanes Eruptions (2021 - )
A new fissure eruption started on the Reykjanes Peninsula by Mt. Stóra-Skógfell on Thursday, February 8th at 6:06 AM. Since early February 9, the eruption has subsided significantly and there has been no visible activity since 8 AM that day. This marks the third eruption in the area since December 2023.
On average, a volcano erupts in Iceland erupts every five years. Since 2021, however, the frequency has been closer to every 12 months. The area broadly known as Fagradalsfjall in Reykjanes UNESCO Global Geopark, some 35km from the capital Reykjavík, flared to life after a series of earthquakes on the Reykjanes Peninsula. The three eruptions - some consider one single eruption with months-long pauses - mark the beginning of a new geological era on the southwestern peninsula, which has been dormant for the past 800 years.
Unlike most volcanic eruptions - occurring on the interior highlands, the lava hidden under ice and/or with lethal volumes of volcanic gases - Fagradalsfjall was the ideal 'tourist volcano': Small in relative terms and accessible for all levels of fitness.
The last eruption at Fagradalsfjall ended in August 2023, but the site still remains a major attraction. The thick, black crust of lava paves the landscape with crumbling craters and steam.
Key takeaways
For more information please visit updated websites of Visit Reykjanes (www.visitreykjanes.is/en/volcano-eruption/eruption-information) and Visit Iceland (www.visiticeland.com/eruption/).
The reason for Iceland's intense volcanic activity is the country's geological position, where dynamic geological forces are at work between the spreading plate boundary on the Mid-Atlantic Ocean ridge and a powerful mantle plume creating a hot spot on the surface. Together, they produce large amounts of magma, filling the gaps in the crust made by the spreading plates, resulting in frequent eruptions along the rift zone.
The Reykjanes Eruptions (2021 - )
A new fissure eruption started on the Reykjanes Peninsula by Mt. Stóra-Skógfell on Thursday, February 8th at 6:06 AM. Since early February 9, the eruption has subsided significantly and there has been no visible activity since 8 AM that day. This marks the third eruption in the area since December 2023.
On average, a volcano erupts in Iceland erupts every five years. Since 2021, however, the frequency has been closer to every 12 months. The area broadly known as Fagradalsfjall in Reykjanes UNESCO Global Geopark, some 35km from the capital Reykjavík, flared to life after a series of earthquakes on the Reykjanes Peninsula. The three eruptions - some consider one single eruption with months-long pauses - mark the beginning of a new geological era on the southwestern peninsula, which has been dormant for the past 800 years.
Unlike most volcanic eruptions - occurring on the interior highlands, the lava hidden under ice and/or with lethal volumes of volcanic gases - Fagradalsfjall was the ideal 'tourist volcano': Small in relative terms and accessible for all levels of fitness.
The last eruption at Fagradalsfjall ended in August 2023, but the site still remains a major attraction. The thick, black crust of lava paves the landscape with crumbling craters and steam.
Key takeaways
- Air traffic to and from Iceland is operating normally, and Iceland remains a safe destination.
- The eruption's effects are localized at the eruption site with road closures and do not threaten people.
- All services in Iceland are operating as usual.
For more information please visit updated websites of Visit Reykjanes (www.visitreykjanes.is/en/volcano-eruption/eruption-information) and Visit Iceland (www.visiticeland.com/eruption/).
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Eligible undergraduate students at the University of Southern Maine (USM) Honors Program have the unique opportunity to travel abroad to Iceland delving into timely topics ranging from climate change, sustainability, and resilience to maritime cities and the Blue Economy. This annual, interdisciplinary Summer course, partners with GeoCamp Iceland for the logistics, planning and content development for their trips to Iceland.
Opportunities for discovery
The 2023 class, HON 195: Living Now: writing Iceland & finding hope in a changing climate, explored questions of sustainability, climate change, and hope through writing and photo essay. During the travel class, students met with an Icelandic author, visited researchers at Reykjavik University to learn about their innovative responses to sustainability and climate change, and traveled to remote glaciers and waterfalls. Each student finished the course with a final project that summarized their experience. Click below to view their projects.
For more information please visit the Maine North Atlantic Institute at the University of Southern Maine (https://mnai.org/).
Opportunities for discovery
The 2023 class, HON 195: Living Now: writing Iceland & finding hope in a changing climate, explored questions of sustainability, climate change, and hope through writing and photo essay. During the travel class, students met with an Icelandic author, visited researchers at Reykjavik University to learn about their innovative responses to sustainability and climate change, and traveled to remote glaciers and waterfalls. Each student finished the course with a final project that summarized their experience. Click below to view their projects.
- Aidan Foss | The End is Nigh: Live a Little
- Grace McLellan | Rocks and Light: 10 Pictures of Iceland
- Halle Farnsworth | Endurance and Hope: A Letter Home
- Hunter Stonebraker | Looking for the Light: A Journey Overseas to Find Hope
- Lily Bray | Iceland, From Behind the Bus Window
- Makayla Hartsgrove | Curiosity, Innovation, and Hope in Iceland
- Phoebe Elliott | A Narrative Picture Collage of Iceland
- Meagan Ladner | Shreds of Hope
- Trista Hebert | Seeds of Hope in Iceland
For more information please visit the Maine North Atlantic Institute at the University of Southern Maine (https://mnai.org/).