The Estrela UGGp, in collaboration with Gea Norvegica UGGp and Katla UGGp, has successfully concluded the "Building Bridges" project, aimed at promoting Sustainable Development Goal 17 - fostering global partnerships. Funded by the EEA Grants Bilateral Relations Fund between 2021 and 2024, this initiative has strengthened ties between the UNESCO Global Geoparks in Portugal, Norway and Iceland.
The project facilitated knowledge exchange and the sharing of best practices, enhancing strategies for sustainable community development. Over 2022 and 2024, missions involving eight staff members from each territory deepened mutual understanding and identified areas for future collaboration, such as Climate Action, Glacial Geomorphology, Science Communication, Community Involvement, and Education.
Through this initiative, several successful projects were identified for potential replication, enabling economic growth and innovative solutions across the geoparks.
The Building Bridges project has not only fortified bilateral relations but also enriched the European Geopark Network, paving the way for continued cooperation and sustainable progress.