Raising awareness of climate change through the landscapes of the Cross-Channel Geopark

Climate change is often seen as a global issue, making it difficult to relate to everyday life. Yet its effects can be seen in the landscapes around us, from changing coastlines and ecosystems to the way natural resources are managed. 

Across the Cross-Channel Geopark, raising awareness of these challenges is a central part of the work carried out with local communities, visitors, schools and partner organisations. Through education programmes, public events and sustainable tourism initiatives, the Geopark helps connect global environmental issues with the places people know and experience every day. 

Understanding the past to prepare for the future 

The landscapes of the Cross-Channel Geopark tell a story that spans millions of years. Cliffs, valleys, quarries and coastlines reveal how natural processes and environmental change have shaped the region over time. 

These landscapes also offer valuable insights into today’s climate challenges. By understanding how climates and environments have changed throughout Earth’s history, we can better understand the changes taking place today and consider how to respond to them. 

With this in mind, the Geopark develops educational activities for a wide range of audiences, using geology and natural heritage to inspire greater awareness of climate change and environmental sustainability. 

Young agents of change 

Many of the Geopark’s initiatives place young people at the heart of climate action. 

• The GeoFuturists programme, delivered by the Geo-facilitators, encourages participants to imagine a more sustainable future inspired by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. 
• The Schools Climate Exchange brings together pupils from both sides of the Channel to explore climate and environmental issues, share experiences and develop ideas for collective action. 
• Meanwhile, Youth Ambassadors receive training in environmental sustainability before sharing their knowledge within their schools and communities. The Youth Empowerment programme also gives young people the opportunity to learn practical skills, including soil regeneration and sustainable resource management. 

Encouraging responsible tourism 

Tourism creates opportunities to discover new places, but it also brings shared responsibility. 

The Geopark encourages visitors to explore responsibly by respecting natural and cultural heritage, reducing their environmental impact, choosing sustainable travel options where possible and supporting local communities. 

Information panels at several geosites explain the importance of protecting these special places, helping visitors understand how they can contribute to their conservation before they begin exploring. 

Bringing communities together 

Raising awareness is also about creating opportunities for people to connect, learn and take part. 

Events such as the SALT+EARTH Festival and the Fête du Parc have welcomed thousands of participants in recent years through workshops, talks, exhibitions and artistic activities celebrating the environment and sustainable development. 

Since 2023, the Université du Littoral Côte d’Opale, in partnership with the Geopark, has organised an Ecothon to engage students and local partners in finding solutions for more sustainable tourism. 

The Geopark also supports a range of other initiatives that encourage environmentally responsible practices, including partnerships with local producers and community projects that promote local resources and short supply chains. 

A commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals 

The Geopark’s work forms part of the wider ambition of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), contributing to a more sustainable future through education, conservation and community engagement. 

Its activities directly support several of the Goals: 

• SDG 4 – Quality Education
  Through educational programmes that help schools, young people and the wider public better understand geology, the natural environment and climate change. 
• SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities
  By promoting responsible tourism and celebrating the region’s natural and cultural heritage. 
• SDG 13 – Climate Action
  By raising awareness of climate change and encouraging practical action at a local level. 
• SDG 15 – Life on Land
  By helping to protect the landscapes, geosites and biodiversity that make the Cross-Channel region unique. 

This work reflects the wider mission of UNESCO Global Geoparks: using geological heritage as a catalyst for education, sustainable development and stronger connections between nature, culture and local communities. 

Photo : @United Nations 

Looking ahead 

Responding to climate change requires action at every level, and local landscapes have an important role to play. 

By encouraging learning, dialogue and collaboration, the Cross-Channel Geopark helps make global climate challenges more relevant and accessible to local communities and visitors alike. 

Through education, partnerships and its commitment to sustainable tourism, the Geopark aims to help people better understand the places around them and inspire them to protect them for future generations. 

©L’atelier monde/CEN HDF/DREAL HDF