Creation of a cross-border network of tourism stakeholders: Investing in responsible and sustainable tourism

The Cross-Channel Geopark, led by Parc naturel régional des Caps et Marais d’Opale and Kent Downs National Landscape, has secured funding through the British Embassy in Paris’s Franco-British Call for Bids programme.

This funding will strengthen collaboration between partners in England and France, as the Geopark continues to develop, working closely with Pas-de-Calais Tourisme to support the development and promotion of sustainable tourism in the region.

A territory shared between two countries

The Cross-Channel Geopark tells a unique geological story that spans both sides of the English Channel. Its landscape comprises limestone grasslands, valleys, cliffs and wetlands, reflecting both the richness of long-term geology, a shared history and long-standing cooperation between French and English partners.

In November 2025, the Kent Downs National Landscape and the Parc naturel régional des Caps et Marais d’Opale submitted a joint application for UNESCO Global Geopark status. UNESCO evaluators are expected to visit in the summer of 2026, with a final decision due in the spring of 2027.

Although the application has already been submitted, the story of the Cross-Channel Geopark continues to unfold. The more we can demonstrate active partnerships, innovative initiatives and committed businesses, the stronger and more convincing our application will be.

What the funding enables

The funding will enable the creation of a cross-Channel tourism network in the region. This network will bring together tourism businesses, guides, cultural associations and partners to share their experiences and jointly shape the future of sustainable geotourism.

More specifically, the project will:

• Organise online and face-to-face information and training sessions

• Develop a shared understanding and confidence in sustainable tourism, to help businesses integrate geology, culture and the local area into the visitor experience.

• Create practical tools and resources so that service providers can easily showcase the Geopark’s stories, landscapes and textures in their offerings.

• Bring partners together at the Geopark Sustainable Tourism Conference on 10 March 2026 at the Maison du Parc in Le Wast.

• Co-develop a roadmap for a cross-Channel sustainable tourism strategy.

Why get involved?

Sustainable geotourism allows everyone to discover and experience a place, its rocks, its history and its communities, whilst learning to care for it. For the Cross-Channel Geopark, this project is an opportunity to stimulate creativity, strengthen the resilience of local stakeholders and highlight the power of partnerships.

Every business that gets involved helps to show UNESCO a vibrant, dynamic and cross-border region, rich in potential for the future.

«This is our chance to show the world what makes our shared landscape so special. When businesses, communities and partners work together with curiosity and commitment, we create much more than a project: we create a movement. This funding helps us take the next step, side by side, towards a united Cross-Channel Geopark.»

Isabel Shaw, Head of Climate, Nature and Geopark Delivery, Kent Downs National Landscape

How to participate?

Tourism businesses, visitor attractions, guides, accommodation providers and associations are invited to join the Cross-Channel Geopark’s Sustainable Tourism Group.

To participate, please email hdehouck@parc-opale.fr to express your interest.

Participants will be able to attend the conference bringing together stakeholders in sustainable tourism on 10 March 2026 at the Maison du Parc in Le Wast and take part in training and information sessions to be offered in the near future.