A feasibility study North Atlantic UNESCO trail
Front page: The Ring of Brodgar, Heart of Neolithic Orkney, Scotland/UK. Photo: OWHS. Opposite page: Sissarluttoq, Greenland. Photo: Kujataa World Heritage.
1. Foreword: -Why a North Atlantic UNESCO trail?
The ambition to establish a North Atlantic UNESCO trail is based on a solid inspiration from Scotland and the Scottish UNESCO Trail established in 2022.
The Scottish UNESCO trail was presented for inspiration at the 2023 NORA Sisimiut conference “UNESCO-SITES IN A REGIONALLY SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT PERSPECTIVE” that took place March 14-15, 2023. During the conference, the participants discussed the idea and consequently the idea was included in the final report and recommendations from the conference:
Creating a North Atlantic UNESCO Trail: Efforts will be made to establish a trail connecting existing and potential future UNESCO sites, fostering a network and shared narrative across World Heritage, Geoparks, Biosphere, and Intangible World Heritage. This initiative will support placebased sustainable development in the region1
To follow up on the recommendation, a project group was formed, subsequently an application was submitted to NORA, who generously granted funding for the work. Hence, this report presents the findings from the work of the first year of the project.
The project is based on an idea to create a common narrative for the UNESCO sites in
1 https://nora.fo/news/169/sisimiut-conferencereport-and-recommendations?_l=no
the North Atlantic region and by this create connectivity across existing and potential and future UNESCO sites. We call this the North Atlantic UNESCO trail.
The project aims to both strengthen the cooperation between UNESCO sites in the region by addressing common challenges regarding the ongoing work with the quality and managements of sites; by establishing a common understanding and infrastructure for how to strengthen the position and capacity for UNESCO sites to be hubs for place based sustainable development; and by addressing common challenges and barriers for the UNESCO sites.
The main outcome of the project will be a pilot framing the North Atlantic UNESCO trail, including a what and how to establish the trail, a strong common narrative, suggestions for how to organize the trail, what kind of activities and cooperation the trail can lead to and how to communicate it.
When established, the trail will not be a physical trail, but rather a digital trail linking all the UNESCO sites in the region based on the development of a common narrative:
a. The project is based on a perspective on UNESCO sites as being hubs for place based sustainable development. Hence the aim is to create a strong and common UNESCO narrative for sustainable development
b. What we can learn from the past, increase our understanding of the present time in order to prepare our communities and society for the future
This feasibility study aims at exploring what it takes to establish and develop the North Atlantic trail and what it entails. The result and findings of the study will be used to inform the work of the project group in the next couple of years with the aim to bring action to the ambition and by this realize the establishment of the trail.
The project will be based on existing UNESCO sites and activities but also include a development track that secures a strong focus on the future.
The execution of the project has been done under the leadership of Kari E. Natland from Nordhordland Biosphere reserve in Norway including a project group with representatives from Norway, Iceland, Faroe Islands, Greenland, and Quebec.
Several online meetings and workshops have been held along physical meetings and workshops as well as participation in conferences in Scotland, Iceland, and Quebec. The project group has been working to align with other relevant activities and by that have been able to gather people without spending all the funds on travel costs.
In Scotland, April 2024, a workshop was held to focus on harvesting results, experiences, and networks from Scotland.
Partners in the North Atlantic UNESCO trail project:
• Iceland: Thingvellir national park, UNESCO world heritage site and Snæfellsnes Regional Park
• Greenland: UNESCO World Heritage Ilulissat Icefjord
• Faroe Islands: Faroe Islands National Museum
• Norway: Nordhordland Biosphere, lead partner
• Canada: Manicouagan-Uapishka Biosphere Reserve
• Scotland: Orkney Islands Council
In Quebec, October 2024 the UNESCO trail project was integrated into the program of the so called Sisimiut II conference hosted by Manicougan-Uapishka Biosphere Region, delivering momentum and substance for the work.
In Iceland, October 2024, the result of the Sisimiut II conference were presented including the work with the North Atlantic UNESCO Trail.
Finally, an online questionnaire has been distributed to all relevant UNESCO designations in the region. Around 65 percent of the designations have replied. The result of the questionnaire is being used in this report and will also be used for informing the work in the next phase of the project.
2. Summary
The North Atlantic UNESCO Trail project aims to establish a collaborative framework that unites UNESCO sites across the North Atlantic region, fostering stronger cooperation and advancing sustainable development. Building on the recommendations of this feasibility study, the project focuses on creating a shared organizational structure, common narrative, and a network that enables collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and mutual support among UNESCO sites.
The project is driven by an ambition to strengthen the capacity, competences, and cooperation for UNESCO sites to be hubs for place-based sustainable development, addressing global challenges such as sustainable development, climate change, biodiversity loss, and community vitality.
By emphasizing collaboration, research, education, and community engagement, the initiative seeks to create a lasting platform for transformative action and innovation. The proposal for a future project is structured around five key work packages:
1. Project Management – Ensuring effective coordination, communication, and governance.
2. Establishing the Organization – Setting up a steering committee and framework to sustain the trail.
3. Content Development – Creating models and principles for future collaborative content.
4. Place-Based Sustainable Development – Highlighting the role of UNESCO sites in driving local and regional sustainability initiatives.
5. Communication and Dissemination – Developing a digital platform and promoting the trail to foster engagement and collaboration.
By strengthening connections between sites and fostering collective approaches to shared challenges, the North Atlantic UNESCO Trail aims to:
• Enhance understanding of the significance of UNESCO’s work among stakeholders and decision-makers
• Highlight the role of UNESCO sites as catalysts for local and regional sustainability.
• Address barriers and create pathways for cooperation and innovation
The project targets site managers, policymakers, and local governments in the short term, while aspiring to engage local communities and visitors in future phases.
Partners from across the North Atlanticincluding Norway, Iceland, Scotland, Greenland, the Faroe Islands, and Canada - will collaborate to ensure representation and inclusion of the region’s diverse UNESCO sites.
With these milestones set for 2025, the project has the ambition to take an important step and present the trail at the Arctic Circle Assembly, solidifying a foundation for future growth, collaboration, and shared sustainable development initiatives.
This collaborative initiative underscores the power of partnership in creating a collective vision for the future, positioning the North Atlantic UNESCO Trail as a model of cooperation and sustainable development for the world to follow.
Lac Manicouagan, Manicouagan Uapishka BR, Canada.
Photo: Alexis Pageau.
3. Recommendations
The North Atlantic UNESCO Trail project represents a visionary approach to fostering sustainable development, collaboration, and shared heritage across the region. By linking UNESCO sites through common values, educational initiatives, and research, the trail not only highlights the unique cultural and natural assets of the region but also lays the groundwork for long-term cooperation and innovation.
The project’s dynamic and inclusive approach ensures that it can adapt and grow, welcoming new UNESCO sites and embracing emerging opportunities. This initiative underscores the importance of collective efforts in addressing global challenges, such as sustainability, climate resilience, and cultural preservation, while maintaining a strong focus on local relevance and impact.
RECOMMENDATIONS
1. Strengthening Collaboration Frameworks: Develop agreements and shared governance structures between the participating UNESCO sites to ensure consistent and effective collaboration. This includes creating steering committees to oversee joint projects and decision-making processes.
2. Expand Educational and Research Networks:
Establish partnerships with universities, research institutions, and local schools to design programs that explore the region’s shared challenges and opportunities. Emphasize interdisciplinary studies on sustainability, heritage preservation, and climate resilience.
3. Promote Inclusivity and Community Engagement:
Actively involve local communities in the development and implementation of trail initiatives. This includes hosting workshops, creating volunteering opportunities, and ensuring that the benefits of the trail are equitably distributed across all stakeholders.
4. Foster Digital Connectivity:
Build a robust digital platform that acts as a central hub for knowledge sharing, collaboration, and public outreach. The platform should feature virtual tours, research databases, and real-time updates on trail activities to engage global and local audiences.
5. Encourage Sustainable Growth:
Identify and support emerging UNESCO site
candidates that align with the trail’s values and themes. Use a dynamic approach to incorporate new sites and expand the trail’s reach, while ensuring that all activities adhere to sustainable principles.
6. Monitor and Evaluate Impact:
Implement a comprehensive monitoring and evaluation framework to track the trail’s progress toward its objectives. Regular assessments should measure its impact on sustainability, education, cultural exchange, and regional development.
7. Leverage Funding Opportunities:
Pursue diverse funding streams, including EU grants, international partnerships, and local sponsorships, to sustain and grow the trail. Highlight the broader benefits of the initiative to attract long-term investment.
By implementing these recommendations, the North Atlantic UNESCO Trail can solidify its role as a pioneering model for transnational cooperation, heritage preservation, and sustainable development. The trail offers a unique opportunity to unite diverse communities under shared goals and values, ensuring that its legacy endures for generations to come.
The Nordic Clinker Boat tradition, Faroe Islands Photo: Ólavur Frederiksen.
4. What is a UNESCO trail and how can it be established in the North Atlantic region?
The North Atlantic UNESCO Trail is an ambitious initiative designed to foster collaboration between relevant UNESCO designations such as World Heritage sites, Geoparks, Biosphere Reserves, Intangible Cultural Heritage, Creative Cities and Learning Cities across the North Atlantic region. It connects sites in Scotland, Iceland, Greenland, Norway, the Faroe Islands, and Canada, aiming to highlight the unique natural and cultural landscapes of these remote areas while promoting sustainable development and responsible regenerative tourism.
The origin of the project can be traced back to a 2023 conference in Sisimiut, Greenland, supported by NORA (Nordic Atlantic Cooperation)1 . Representatives from across the North Atlantic, including professionals involved in UNESCO-designated areas, gathered to share their experiences and challenges. The discussions covered various topics, such as the impacts of increased tourism, the strain on infrastructure, environmental conservation, and the broader impact of these sites on local communities.
The dialogue drew inspiration from Scotland’s UNESCO Trail, launched in 2022. Scotland’s initiative brought together UNESCO designations into an online platform that promoted responsible tourism while aligning with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. This project highlighted the potential for a cooperative network of UNESCO sites, offering a model for
1 https://nora.fo/news/169/sisimiut-conferencereport-and-recommendations?_l=no
the North Atlantic UNESCO Trail. Scotland’s trail demonstrated the value of creating digital resources, providing access to sustainable tourism itineraries, and building a toolkit for site promotion that fostered community engagement and geographical visitor distribution. However, recognizing geography and the difficulties in establishing a similar trail for the entire North Atlantic region, the ambition is different, namely, to establish a frame for cooperation and placebased sustainable development.
With Scotland’s successful example in mind, the North Atlantic UNESCO Trail partners aimed to build a cooperative framework for their own initiative. UNESCO sites in the North Atlantic region possess shared histories, environmental challenges, and a rich cultural heritage, making them ideal candidates for collaboration.
Following the 2023 conference, the group secured funding for this feasibility study from NORA to explore the development of the trail. This study will determine how the trail could be established, its potential impact, and how to structure it to foster long-term cooperation between UNESCO sites.
The North Atlantic UNESCO Trail aspires to achieve several key objectives:
• Enhancing understanding of the importance of UNESCO sites across the region.
• Improving the quality of UNESCO programs
through shared learning and cooperation.
• Elevating UNESCO sites as hubs for sustainable, place-based development.
• Addressing common challenges faced by these remote and often under-resourced areas.
The initiative is also rooted in the shared cultural values of the North Atlantic region. During the early stages of the project in Sisimiut, participants exchanged stories of their homes and communities, underscoring the connection between place, culture, and resilience. This exchange of stories highlighted the respect and care required when engaging with these landscapes—reminding everyone that these natural spaces are not just tourist destinations but the homes of vibrant, resilient communities.
The trail will aim to communicate these shared values, utilizing a science-based and educational approach to showcase the importance of environmental stewardship and cultural preservation.
The North Atlantic UNESCO Trail is envisioned as a transformative initiative, uniting communities, strengthening regenerative tourism, and preserving the unique cultural and natural heritage of the North Atlantic region for future generations. It builds on the foundation set by Scotland’s UNESCO Trail, but with a broader regional focus that taps into the shared history, landscapes, and ambitions of these interconnected lands.
The vision formulated in the Sisimiut II conference in Quebec in October 2024 was:
The North Atlantic UNESCO Trail serves as a cooperative network among UNESCO sites and key allies to explore future practices and strengthen collective impact.
Through its regenerative approaches, the Trail accelerates local transformative actions for biodiversity, climate, vibrant communities, art & culture, and participatory governance.
The Trail aims to advance the entire region as a global leader in sustainable living environments and quality of life.
The vision was unfolded in workshops held in Quebec and the findings are the following:
The Trail aims to advance the entire region as a global leader in sustainable living environments and quality of life through:
1. More collaboration
2. More knowledge
3. More activities, including:
• Citizens contributing to science
• Power of place – Artists in residence exchange program
• UNESCO Guardians – Building real connections between visitors and locals through voluntourism
4. A Strategic Plan for the Sisimiut Movement
These aims and activities will be developed in groups made by the participants.
Ring of Brodgar, the Heart of Neolithic Orkney, World Heritage, Orkney. Photo: © Orkney.com.
5. Inspiration: Description of experiences from the Scottish UNESCO trail
- A Journey Through Culture, Nature and History
Scotland’s UNESCO Trail is the world’s first national UNESCO trail, connecting 13 designated UNESCO sites across Scotland in a unique digital experience. Launched as a collaboration between VisitScotland, the Scottish Government, the UK National Commission for UNESCO, and a range of cultural, environmental, and tourism partners, the trail aims to highlight and unite Scotland’s UNESCO sites while promoting sustainable tourism, cultural heritage, and environmental conservation.
A TRAIL CONNECTING SCOTLAND’S
UNESCO TREASURES
The trail weaves together an extraordinary collection of sites that showcase Scotland’s diverse natural landscapes, deep-rooted history, and rich cultural heritage. It includes:
• Biosphere Reserves such as Galloway & Southern Ayrshire Biosphere and Wester Ross Biosphere.
• Global Geoparks like Shetland Geopark and North West Highlands Geopark.
• Creative Cities, including Edinburgh, recognized as a UNESCO City of Literature; Glasgow, a UNESCO City of Music; and Dundee, a UNESCO City of Design.
• World Heritage Sites, which include the Old & New Towns of Edinburgh, The Forth Bridge, the Heart of Neolithic Orkney, New Lanark, St Kilda, and the Antonine Wall.
Through this carefully curated route, visitors are invited to embark on a journey that allows them
to experience Scotland’s heritage in a new and immersive way, blending modern storytelling with historical significance.
THE VISION BEHIND THE TRAIL
Scotland’s UNESCO Trail was designed with the goal of enhancing collaboration between UNESCO sites, ensuring that they are not viewed in isolation but rather as part of a shared cultural and environmental narrative. The trail also serves as a tool to promote UNESCO values both locally and internationally, encouraging a deeper appreciation for Scotland’s historical and natural wonders.
A key focus of the project has been to promote responsible and sustainable tourism, guiding visitors towards mindful travel practices that support local communities and preserve fragile ecosystems. The initiative also seeks to expand tourism beyond Scotland’s most well-known destinations, encouraging visitors to explore lesser-visited regions and engage with local heritage in meaningful ways.
FUNDING AND MANAGEMENT
The development of Scotland’s UNESCO Trail was made possible through funding from the Scottish Government, with an initial investment of £350,000. The project is primarily managed by VisitScotland, which oversees its promotion and digital presence. This ensures that the trail remains accessible, informative, and engaging for both domestic and international audiences.
LESSONS LEARNED AND PROJECT EVALUATION
A 2024 evaluation report assessed the impact of Scotland’s UNESCO Trail and revealed significant successes alongside some challenges. The trail has enhanced collaboration among UNESCO sites, raised their international profile, and inspired similar initiatives in other countries.
Findings from the evaluation include:
• 100% of UNESCO sites involved in the project reported increased collaboration.
• 92% agreed that the initiative strengthened the promotion of UNESCO values.
• 85% saw a positive impact on the visibility and awareness of their designation.
However, the report also identified some limitations, particularly in terms of measuring economic and social impact. While the trail successfully increased visitor numbers and engagement, there was a lack of comprehensive data on tourist behavior, local economic benefits, and community involvement. This highlights the need for future initiatives to integrate stronger data collection and evaluation frameworks.
A MODEL FOR THE NORTH ATLANTIC UNESCO TRAIL
The experience gained from Scotland’s UNESCO Trail is in this project being used to explore the potential for a North Atlantic UNESCO Trail, connecting sites across Scotland, the
Thingvellir, Iceland. Photo: ©Thingvellir World Heritage.
Faroe Islands, Iceland, Canada, Greenland, and Norway. This projects workshops have focused on how the lessons learned from Scotland’s initiative can be applied to this new project.
Several key themes have emerged as crucial for the North Atlantic initiative:
• A strong unifying narrative that connects the various designations and provides a cohesive story for visitors.
• Community-driven development, ensuring that local knowledge and cultural heritage play a central role in shaping the trail.
• A focus on sustainability and climate resilience, particularly given the environmental vulnerabilities of many North Atlantic locations.
• A clear and sustainable funding model, as securing financial support for international collaborations can be complex.
A LEGACY OF SUSTAINABLE CULTURAL TOURISM
Scotland’s UNESCO Trail has set a global precedent for how UNESCO designations can be linked together to create a compelling, sustainable, and educational travel experience. While challenges remain—particularly in terms of funding, long-term management, and impact measurement—the project has already demonstrated the power of collaboration and storytelling in heritage tourism.
By bringing together history, culture, and sustainability, the trail has successfully positioned Scotland as an innovative leader in responsible tourism. As discussions continue on expanding this model to other regions, Scotland’s experience serves as a valuable blueprint for the future of international UNESCO collaborations.
Grundarfjordur, Iceland. Photo: © Snæfellsnes Regional Park.
6. UNESCO sites in the North Atlantic
PRESENTATION OF RELEVANT
UNESCO CONVENTIONS AND PROGRAMS FOR THE TRAIL IDEA
The North Atlantic UNESCO Trail is as earlier presented based on inspiration from Scotland. It entails an ambition to establish a common narrative for place based sustainable development via the UNESCO sites of the region.
When talking about UNESCO sites, we talk about all the existing UNESCO designations in the region plus the potential newcomers. Because, since UNESCO it based on an idea to create the defense of peace1 the work and development of the UNESCO trail must and will be dynamic and agile.
The starting point includes potentially all existing types of UNESCO designations:
• UNESCO World Heritage Sites
• UNESCO Underwater Cultural Heritage
• UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage
• UNESCO Global Geoparks
• UNESCO Biosphere Reserves
• ASP network Schools
• International and National Memory of the World Inscriptions
• UNESCO Creative Cities
• UNESCO Global Network of Learning cities
• UNESCO Category 2 Centers
• UNESCO Chair
1 The preamble of UNESCO: Since war starts in the minds of men and women, it is in the minds of men and women that the defense of peace needs to be constructed.
A detailed presentation of the different types of designation can be found as an appendix to this report.
UNESCO DESIGNATIONS AND ACTIVITIES IN THE REGION
The North Atlantic region is a vast and diverse area characterized by its rugged coastlines, harsh yet stunning natural landscapes, and deep cultural and historical connections. It contains a fascinating blend of ancient cultures, extreme natural beauty, and evolving economies, making it a unique and important part of the world. The region is roughly inhabited by 22.5 million people with the largest share coming from Canada, Norway, and Scotland.
UNESCO is well represented in the region through several designations covering 65 designations like world heritage, geoparks and biosphere reserves. And also includes a few representatives of the intangible cultural heritage and creative cities.
A list of the specific UNESCO designations in the region can be found in Appendix 2.
To establish an overview of the activities in the designations relevant for the North Atlantic UNESCO Trail a survey amongst the designations has been performed and organized though a questionnaire addressing issues like the following. The survey has been done in December 2024 – February 2025.
The survey was done including the following questions:
• Name, type, and country of the UNESCO site?
• What is the main goal for your UNESCO site?
• Do your UNESCO site work with the Sustainable Development Goals?
• Please give one example
• Do your site work with the Convention on Biological Diversity (Global Biodiversity Framework)?
• Please give one example
• Do your site work with the Unites Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change?
• Please give one example
• Does your site cooperate with other UNESCO sites?
• Does your site work with local community development?
• Please give one example
• Does your site work with citizens science?
• Please give one example
• Does your site work with tourism?
• Please give one example
• Does your site work with arts and artists?
• Please give one example
• Does your site work with volunteers?
• Please give one example
A total of 402 submissions have been received covering all countries and all types of designations. The submissions are from Canada: 15, Faroe Islands: 7, Iceland: 3, Greenland: 1, Norway: 8 and Scotland; 7.
45 percent of the submissions are from UNESCO World Heritage sites, 17,5 percent Intangible Cultural Heritage sites, 15 percent Geoparks, 17,5 percent Biosphere Reserves, and 5 percent Creative Cities.
2 7 of the submissions came from different actors but are all related to the Intangible Cultural Heritage.
Veafjorden, Norway. Photo: Kenneth Vik/ Nordhordland UNESCO Biosphere.
The oldest sites are from 1977 and 1979. More or less every year since 1988 one or two new sites has been approved every year. A couple of the site still remains to get approved but are expected to be approved during 2025.
The sites are different both in their type of designation but also in how they operate, in what they do, and they are focused on. Figure 1 gives an overview of the answers to the nine main questions.
Clearly the answers to the questions demonstrate that there is a high attention to work with local community development, and that tourism does have a strong focus in all of the sites. But it does also demonstrate that cooperation between different sites already does take place involving most of the sites. Given the answers on local community development, it is not surprising that a majority of the sites works with volunteers and sustainable development goals.
It demonstrates that UNESCO sites have a solid focus on the local community and to some degree also to work with the local issues related to global challenges, at least in regards of the sustainable development goals. However, the two major global challenges of climate change and biodiversity have a different position, and makes the differences clear between geoparks and biosphere reserves on one hand and world heritage on the other hand. All geoparks and biosphere reserves do answer yes, we do work with issues related to the climate convention and the biodiversity convention whereas only few of the world heritage sites have answered yes to this question. This can probably be explained through the goals and ambitions of the different types of sites.
However, given the existing cooperation, meetings, discussions, workshop etc. involving a great deal of sites, it is also clear that especially the world heritage sites, answer that they do not work directly with climate change and biodiversity issues, it is reasonable to claim that
your UNESCO site work
the Sustainable Development Goals?
Does your site work with the Convention on Biological Diversity (the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework)?
Does your site work with the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change?
Does your site cooperate with other UNESCO sites?
1: Overview of questions and answers, in percent.
many of them certainly are giving attention to the matters, but are not able to state, that they work directly with these issues. This also can be justified through the answers to some of the questions regarding sustainable development goals, local community development and tourism. They do actually address climate change and biodiversity issues indirectly.
Hence the challenge might not be to engage these sites in the work on climate change and biodiversity but rather to highlight what already is being done and by that establish the link and not least create a better understanding of the importance of the work done.
Figure
AN OVERVIEW OF THE POTENTIAL CONTRIBUTIONS FROM SITES AND ACTIVITIES RELEVANT TO THE TRAIL
UNESCO sites differentiate not only due to the type of designation but also due to the specific contexts for the sites. Clearly all sites somehow contribute to place-based sustainable development, biosphere reserves with a strong focus on biodiversity and climate, geoparks on geology and climate and world heritage on the link between nature and culture or culture alone. However, there are differences when it comes to specific actions and focus. But it seems also clear, obviously, UNESCO sites do have a starting point in the local context in the interface between culture and nature – what is given by the place.
In the submission for the survey from Fjord Coast Regional and Geopark in Norway the main goal of the geopark is described with the following words:
The parks’ main goal is to convey its geology, landscape, and history, and to work with sustainable development and the preservation of our natural and cultural resources on the terms of the local community. We achieve this by serving as a collaborative platform that bridges nonprofit and commercial interests, where we elevate initiatives from partners and assist them with networking, grant applications, or other resources. It is also a goal to develop sustainable tourism and visitor strategies.
With a few changes of words this description will roughly speaking cover the work of most UNESCO sites in the region.
The survey contains a lot of good examples of local actions regarding the different subject in focus of the survey: Sustainable Development Goals, Biological Diversity, Climate Change,
Cooperate with other UNESCO sites, Local community development, Citizen’s science, Tourism, Arts and artists and Volunteers. The experiences and documentation from the survey will be used in the follow up to this project and the future effort to establish the North Atlantic UNESCO Trail.
In the following a few examples from the survey is highlighted:
Sustainable development, involvement of citizens, landscape, cultural heritage, and biodiversity - The Fjord Coast regional and geopark, Norway:
The Sustainable Development Goals form the foundation of all our work. One example is how, through projects, we have increased residents’ knowledge of the landscape and nature and provided them with tools to preserve the endangered coastal heathlands through sheep grazing and maintenance. Hardbakke Villsaulag is the result of a project initiated by the park, which also led to our nomination as Norway’s contribution to the European Landscape Award. We also work on building preservation and save cultural heritage sites through volunteer work in collaboration between professionals and volunteers.
Sustainable tourism – Kujataa World Heritage, Greenland:
There are ongoing projects to operate with more Sustainable tourism, different types of tourism: Cruise tourism, and the rest of the tourists. It is done by making guidelines for tourists and guidelines for scientists to operate in Kujataa Sites. And putting signs and paths on the sites.
Monthly meetings with Aasivissuit Nipisat and Ilulissat. Quarterly meetings with UNESCO Sites in Danish Kingdom. NORA
collaboration with Faroe Islands, Iceland, Norway Canada, and Scotland
Developing Guidelines with help from the locals. Help locals developing guidelines to prevent too many conflicts between tourist activities and scientists. Overall, we help the farms to develop their farm.
Indirect collaboration with citizens of Kujataa Sites to prevent research fatigue, but also collaboration with scientists to provide contacts with locals for them to work together. Making a list of research that needs to be done in our Sites.
Kujataa is in collaboration with local artists to the artist paint the sites to tell the history of our Sites, and sell them as merchandise, the artists get their royalty. To develop signs. Also, a writer to write a book by using the artists paintings.
Sustainable tourism and biodiversity - Site Anticosti World Heritage Site, Canada
During a sustainable tourism project, we had to make a portrait of it on the territory. We used the GADD, which is an analysis grid covering the 17 SDGs, with a researcher from the Université de Rimouski. The aim was to evaluate different aspects of sustainable tourism and to identify weaknesses/obstacles.
Our community building plan was based in part on this for the conservation section, as was UNESCO’s statutory framework and action plans. This guides us in the projects to be carried out to meet them as well as the actions to be taken to preserve/enhance biodiversity. We do a lot of characterization of natural environments, which allows us to inventory the environments of interest as well as validate the presence of wildlife
Igaliku, Greenland. Photo: Kujataa World Heritage.
and plant species with status. We have a project to conserve the Least Bittern as well as a project on aquatic species at risk in the Richelieu River.
Local Community development - Région de biosphère Manicouagan-Uapishka, Canada
Rooted in a territory recognized by UNESCO, our organization inspires and empowers people both near and far to build sustainable communities.
Community engagement – The Nordic Clinker Boat tradition, Faroe Islands, Intangible Cultural Heritage:
One of our purposes is that the house [one of the museums involved] is as open as possible, so that the entire local community
has the opportunity to use the house. [The museum] is a local role model in Nólsoy and the Faroe Islands. The entire community in Nólsoy has helped to collect money for the museum, and therefore great ownership.
Sustainable development goals and Local Community Development, Heart of Neolithic Orkney, Scotland/UK:
The sustainable development goals are referenced within the draft Management Plan. It is aligned with the Orkney Islands Council Plan and Historic Environment Scotland both of which have commitments to sustainable development. Advisory partners include NatureScot, Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, University of the Highlands, and Islands Archaeology Institute (UHI Orkney). Key is the local community.
Lac Manicouagan, Manicouagan Uapishka BR, Canada.
Photo: Alexis Pageau.
7. UNESCO sites as hubs for place-based sustainable development
UNESCO designations (See chapter 6.), are invaluable for their cultural, natural, and scientific importance. These sites are increasingly seen as key hubs for place-based sustainable development, where the specific environmental, cultural, and social contexts of a location are integrated into sustainable development strategies. Here is an exploration of the definition, perspectives, and potential actions related to this concept:
DEFINITION
UNESCO Sites as Hubs for Place-Based Sustainable Development: These sites provide a unique opportunity to use their natural or cultural resources as springboards for localized sustainable development initiatives. ”Placebased” refers to strategies specifically tailored to the local ecology, heritage, and community, aiming to promote long-term environmental, social, and economic sustainability.
PERSPECTIVES ON UNESCO SITES AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
1. Conservation First:
o Preservation of Natural and Cultural Heritage: UNESCO sites are recognized for their importance to human history or nature. Sustainable development in these areas emphasizes balancing
the preservation of their integrity with responsible development.
o Preventing Over-commercialization: This perspective stresses limiting tourist and commercial activities that could degrade the environment or cultural heritage, ensuring the site’s longevity.
2. Community-Led Development:
o Local Livelihoods and Participation: Communities that live in or near UNESCO sites are key stakeholders. Sustainable development here involves empowering local populations to benefit from the site’s resources—whether through tourism, agriculture, or other forms of livelihood— while preserving their cultural identity and ecological knowledge.
o Promoting Equity: Ensuring that economic benefits from site-based development reach marginalized or Indigenous groups, who are often the custodians of the site’s cultural and natural heritage.
3. Educational and Scientific Value:
o Stewards of Environmental and Cultural Education: UNESCO sites are living laboratories for sustainability. They offer opportunities for research, education, and the promotion of sustainability practices, focusing on how humans can interact with their environment in harmony.
The Nordic Clinker Boat tradition, Faroe Islands. Photo: Ólavur Frederiksen.
o Raising Awareness: Educating both visitors and local residents about the site’s ecological, geological, or cultural significance fosters a sense of responsibility toward its protection.
4. Catalysts for Sustainable Economic Growth:
o Sustainable Tourism and Eco-Tourism: UNESCO sites often attract tourists, offering economic potential. However, sustainable tourism models must be implemented to avoid environmental degradation and social disruption. Ecotourism can offer a balanced approach that promotes conservation while providing income for local communities.
o Innovation and Green Economies: UNESCO sites can also become testbeds for sustainable practices such as renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and green technologies, driving innovation in harmony with conservation.
POTENTIAL ACTIONS FOR UNESCO SITES AS SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT HUBS
1. Develop and Support Regenerative Tourism:
o Tourism Management Plans: Implement controlled tourism frameworks to minimize environmental impacts, such as limiting visitor numbers, promoting off-peak visitation, and reducing carbon footprints through eco-friendly transportation and accommodations.
o Community-Based Tourism: Engage local communities in providing services like guiding, accommodation, and cultural experiences, ensuring that income from tourism is reinvested locally.
2. Foster Local Economies and Livelihoods:
o Promoting Regenerative Agriculture and Craftsmanship: Encourage traditional farming practices that maintain biodiversity, as well as local arts and crafts that highlight the cultural heritage of the site. These activities should be integrated into development strategies that enhance livelihoods while reducing environmental pressures.
o Fair Trade and Certification Programs: Implement eco-certification programs for local products to ensure sustainable use of resources and provide local communities with premium prices for sustainably produced goods.
3. Integrate Scientific Research and Environmental Monitoring:
o Collaborate with Research Institutions: Use UNESCO sites as platforms for scientific research on biodiversity, climate change, and sustainable resource management. This knowledge can then be translated into local development policies and global sustainability strategies.
o Long-term Monitoring and Feedback Mechanisms: Establish monitoring systems to track the impact of human activities on the site, allowing for adaptive management that responds to environmental or social changes.
4. Strengthen Governance and Partnerships:
o Multi-Stakeholder Collaboration: Foster partnerships between local governments, Indigenous groups, NGOs, the private sector, and international organizations to co-create and implement sustainable development plans.
o Local and Indigenous Leadership: Recognize the critical role of local and Indigenous knowledge in managing UNESCO sites sustainably. Include these voices in decision-making processes to ensure that development respects both cultural and natural heritage.
5. Environmental Restoration and Conservation Efforts:
o Biodiversity Protection: Initiate conservation projects to restore ecosystems that are vital to the site’s ecological integrity. Reforestation, water conservation, and species protection programs are crucial to maintaining both the natural environment and local livelihoods.
o Circular Economy Initiatives: Encourage waste reduction, recycling, and energy efficiency practices within the site and surrounding communities, reducing the ecological footprint of human activity in these sensitive areas.
UNESCO designations like World Heritage Sites, Global Geoparks, and Biosphere Reserves can act as focal points for place-based sustainable development by integrating conservation, local economic development, and education. By leveraging their unique resources in ways that respect the natural and cultural heritage of the area, these sites can inspire and model sustainable development that benefits both local communities and the broader global environment.
Region Nordhordland Helsehus. Foto: Ruben Soltrveit.
Kirkjufelli, Iceland. Photo: Snæfellsnes Regional Park.
8. Dynamic development track of the North
The dynamic development track serves as a forward-looking component of the North Atlantic UNESCO Trail, ensuring that the initiative evolves over time to meet emerging opportunities and challenges. It emphasizes expanding the network of UNESCO sites and fostering deeper collaboration through research and education.
1. AMBITIONS FOR MORE UNESCO SITES
The development track is rooted in a dynamic perspective, which aims to remain open to the inclusion of new UNESCO sites across the North Atlantic region. By doing so, the trail acknowledges the evolving significance of cultural, natural, and scientific heritage in the area.
• Growth and Inclusivity: The initiative seeks to encourage new designations of UNESCO sites, ensuring a broader and more diverse representation of the region’s unique heritage.
• Enhancing Activities: Beyond site inclusion, the project emphasizes increasing collaborative activities, such as sustainability initiatives, cultural exchanges, and environmental conservation programs that align with UNESCO’s core values.
2. CONNECTING UNESCO SITES THROUGH RESEARCH AND EDUCATION
A critical aspect of the dynamic development track is fostering stronger connections between
UNESCO sites through targeted research and educational initiatives.
• Research Collaboration: The trail will serve as a platform for collaborative studies on shared regional challenges, such as climate resilience, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable tourism. This collaboration will not only benefit individual sites but also contribute to a collective understanding of sustainability in the North Atlantic.
• Educational Initiatives: The initiative will promote educational programs, such as joint workshops, knowledge-sharing platforms, and student exchange opportunities, aimed at building capacity and strengthening community engagement. By involving local communities, researchers, and educators, the trail will ensure that knowledge dissemination becomes a central element of its development.
• A Shared Knowledge Base: A digital hub will support this effort by providing a space for sites to share best practices, case studies, and innovative solutions, creating a living repository of knowledge that evolves with the trail.
Through these two pillars, the dynamic development track ensures that the North Atlantic UNESCO Trail remains not only a network of sites but also a vibrant community of learning, collaboration, and growth, continuously contributing to regional and global sustainable development.
9.
Narrative for a
North Atlantic UNESCO
trail and how this can contribute to binding the UNESCO sites together
The North Atlantic UNESCO Trail is not just a project; it is an ambition that brings together UNESCO sites from across the vast and diverse landscapes of the North Atlantic region. This initiative is founded on the belief that by working together, we can achieve far more than any single site could alone.
PROPOSAL FOR NARRATIVE
At its core, the trail represents a shared commitment among UNESCO sites to address global challenges - such as sustainable development, climate change, biodiversity loss, and cultural preservation - through collective action and mutual support. The trail does not focus on promoting individual sites, but rather on strengthening the connections between them, creating a powerful network of knowledge, ideas, and shared experiences.
A Shared Commitment Through Collaboration: ”Building Bridges Across the North Atlantic – A Collaborative Journey for Sustainable Futures”
This collaboration is about learning from each other, co-creating solutions, and building a platform for shared innovation. Each UNESCO site contributes its expertise, values, and unique local perspective to a common goal: fostering place-based sustainable development. Through joint efforts in research, education,
and community engagement, the trail becomes a living example of how cooperation can drive meaningful change on both a local and regional scale.
The North Atlantic UNESCO Trail is a story of partnerships. It is about the relationships that form between people and places, organizations, and communities. By bringing together the expertise of site managers, the insights of researchers, and the passion of local communities, the trail creates a foundation for enduring collaboration. This is not just about preserving what is already there but about reimagining the role of UNESCO sites as active contributors to sustainable futures.
”Together, we are stronger. Together, we build a legacy of collaboration for the North Atlantic—one that serves as an inspiration for other regions around the world.”
At its heart, the trail is a shared commitment to sustainability and local empowerment. It tells the story of how communities have coexisted with nature in some of the world’s most challenging environments. These UNESCO sites stand as symbols of resilience, innovation, and the enduring relationship between people and their environment. They demonstrate how global challenges—such as biodiversity loss, climate change, and cultural preservation—can be addressed through locally rooted, sustainable solutions.
The mission of the North Atlantic UNESCO Trail is not merely to connect the sites geographically but to unite them in purpose. By fostering collaboration across the sites—through research, education, and local action—the trail aims to strengthen the role of UNESCO areas as hubs for sustainable development. The focus is not on attracting tourists but on deepening the impact of each site as a driver of positive change within its community.
The trail also provides a platform for dialogue and learning between the sites, enabling them to share knowledge, tools, and best practices in sustainable development. Through initiatives such as citizen science, place-based research, and participatory planning, each UNESCO site can contribute to and benefit from the collective efforts of the trail.
This is a trail designed to empower local communities by reinforcing their role as stewards of the land and leaders in sustainability. It is a call to action for collaboration, creativity, and innovation, ensuring that each site continues to evolve while preserving its unique heritage for future generations.
”The North Atlantic UNESCO Trail is more than a path—it is a shared commitment to protect, sustain, and innovate, together.”
This narrative emphasizes the trail’s focus on fostering sustainable development at the local
level and highlights the role of UNESCO sites as living laboratories for solutions to global challenges. It reinforces the idea that the trail is about collaboration, resilience, and creating long-term value for the communities and ecosystems it connects, rather than prioritizing tourism and highlights the power of partnerships and emphasizes that the trail is about collaboration, mutual learning, and collective action. It frames the initiative as a unified effort to address common challenges while ensuring that the trail’s purpose is rooted in fostering relationships, not individual promotion.
Digital sikkerheit. Foto: Eivind Senneset.
10. Framing and organization for a North Atlantic UNESCO trail
The North Atlantic UNESCO Trail Project aims to strengthen collaboration between UNESCO sites across the North Atlantic region by establishing a unified trail that connects these sites. The project builds upon the recommendations of a feasibility study, focusing on creating a strong organizational structure, a shared narrative, and a framework for cooperation that will enhance the visibility and impact of UNESCO-designated sites in the region. Through this initiative, the project will foster closer ties between existing UNESCO sites, facilitating knowledge exchange, joint activities, and the development of a common identity that highlights the cultural and natural significance of these locations.
A key objective of the project is to increase awareness of UNESCO’s role in the region, both among local populations and policymakers, ensuring broader support for the sites and their activities. By enhancing cooperation, the project also seeks to improve the quality of UNESCO programs and reinforce the role of UNESCO sites as hubs for place-based sustainable development. Addressing common challenges faced by these sites will be a central part of the initiative, enabling better management practices and long-term sustainability.
To achieve these goals, the project will be structured into several work packages that will guide the development and implementation of the North Atlantic UNESCO Trail. This includes the establishment of a governing body to oversee the trail, the implementation of strategies outlined in the feasibility study, the development
of a digital communication platform to connect stakeholders, and the creation of shared content that highlights the value of UNESCO sites in the region. Additionally, the project will focus on developing collaborative initiatives between the sites, ensuring that they serve as key drivers of sustainable development in their respective areas.
The primary target group for this phase of the project consists of site managers and policymakers who play a crucial role in the development and management of UNESCO sites. However, in the long term, the project also aims to engage local communities and visitors, inviting them to contribute to and benefit from the trail. By fostering a sense of shared responsibility and participation, the initiative will help create a stronger connection between the sites and the people who live in or visit them.
The project will continue the work and is also led by the Nordhordland Biosphere Reserve in Norway, with key partners from Iceland, Scotland, the Faroe Islands, Greenland, and Canada. These partners bring valuable expertise and regional representation, ensuring that the trail encompasses a broad and diverse range of UNESCO sites. The work will culminate in a launch event at the Arctic Circle Assembly in 2025, where the progress of the project will be presented to a wider audience.
By bringing together UNESCO sites under a common framework, the North Atlantic UNESCO Trail will not only enhance regional
Osterøy, Norway. Photo: Tone Vatle/ Nordhordland UNESCO BIosphere.
cooperation but also contribute to the broader UNESCO mission of preserving cultural and natural heritage. This initiative represents an
important step towards a more interconnected and sustainable future for UNESCO sites in the North Atlantic.
ABOUTThis report presents findings from the first year of exploring the project North Atlantic UNESCO trail. The project was initiated by the “Sisimiut Movement” – a network of UNESCOdesignations in the North Atlantic region.
The project aims to establish a collaborative framework that unites UNESCO sites across the North Atlantic region, fostering stronger cooperation and advancing sustainable development.
The project’s results are based on joint effort and collaboration between the following actors and organizations:
Norway: Nordhordland biosphere.
Iceland: Snaefellsness Regional Park. Thingvellir World Heritage
Greenland: Ilulisat World Heritage
Faroe Islands: The National Museum
Scotland: Orkney Islands council
Canada: Manicouagan-Uapishka World Biosphere Reserve
The project team is led by Kari Natland, Nordhordland biosphere area and joined by Mads Wolff, Sustainable 2030 and Nikolaj Sveistrup, URBAN AGENDA.
The project is financially supported by NORA.
Appendix 1: Types of UNESCO Designations
The following UNESCO conventions, program or frameworks are relevant in the UNESCO trail perspective; however, the focus in the work so far has been on World Heritage, Geoparks, Biosphere Reserves, Intangible Cultural Heritage and Creative Cities. The presentation of the conventions, programs and frameworks is based on information gathered at various UNESCO homepages.
UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITES
Convention Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage (1972)
A World Heritage Site is a landmark or area with legal protection by an international convention administered by UNESCO. World Heritage Sites are designated by UNESCO for having cultural, historical, scientific, or other forms of significance. The sites are judged to contain ”cultural and natural heritage around the world considered to be of outstanding value to humanity”.
UNESCO INTANGIBLE CULTURAL HERITAGE
Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage (2003)
The term ‘cultural heritage’ has changed content considerably in recent decades, partially owing to the instruments developed by UNESCO. Cultural heritage does not end at monuments
and collections of objects. It also includes traditions or living expressions inherited from our ancestors and passed on to our descendants, such as oral traditions, performing arts, social practices, rituals, festive events, knowledge and practices concerning nature and the universe or the knowledge and skills to produce traditional crafts.
While fragile, intangible cultural heritage is an important factor in maintaining cultural diversity in the face of growing globalization. An understanding of the intangible cultural heritage of different communities helps with intercultural dialogue and encourages mutual respect for other ways of life.
The importance of intangible cultural heritage is not the cultural manifestation itself but rather the wealth of knowledge and skills that is transmitted through it from one generation to the next. The social and economic value of this transmission of knowledge is relevant for minority groups and for mainstream social groups within a State and is as important for developing States as for developed ones.
Intangible cultural heritage is:
• Traditional, contemporary, and living at the same time
• Inclusive
• Representative
• Community-based
UNESCO GLOBAL GEOPARKS
International Geoscience and Geoparks Programme (IGGP)
UNESCO Global Geoparks (UGGp) are single, unified geographical areas where sites and landscapes of international geological significance are managed with a holistic concept of protection, education, and sustainable development. Their bottom-up approach of combining conservation with sustainable development while involving local communities is becoming increasingly popular. At present, there are 195 UNESCO Global Geoparks in 48 countries.
UNESCO BIOSPHERE RESERVES
Man and the Biosphere Programme (MAB) (1971)
Biosphere reserves promote solutions reconciling the conservation of biodiversity with its sustainable use. They are learning areas for sustainable development under diverse ecological, social, and economic contexts, touching the lives of more than 250 million people.
There are currently 759 biosphere reserves in 136 countries, including 22 transboundary sites, which belong to the World Network of Biosphere Reserves.
ASP NETWORK SCHOOLS
ASP net (1953)
The UNESCO Associated Schools Network (ASP net) connects more than 12,000 schools in 182 countries around a common goal to build peace in the minds of children and young people. Through concrete actions member schools promote the ideals of UNESCO valuing rights and dignity, gender equality, social progress, freedom, justice and democracy, respect for
diversity and international solidarity. The Network operates at international and national levels with three clear priorities: education for sustainable development, global citizenship education and inter-cultural and heritage learning.
INTERNATIONAL AND NATIONAL MEMORY OF THE WORLD INSCRIPTIONS
The
International Register
The Memory of the World (MoW) Register lists documentary heritage which has been recommended by the International Advisory Committee, and endorsed by the Executive Board, as corresponding to the selection criteria regarding world significance and outstanding universal value.
Inscription on the Register publicly affirms the significance of the documentary heritage, makes it better known and allows for greater access to it, thereby facilitating research, education, entertainment, and preservation over time. There are 494 inscriptions on the International MoW Register, as of May 2023.
UNESCO CREATIVE CITIES
Creative Cities Network (2004)
The UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN) was created in 2004 to promote cooperation with and among cities that have identified creativity as a strategic factor for sustainable urban development. The cities which currently make up this network work together towards a common objective: placing creativity and cultural industries at the heart of their development plans at the local level and cooperating actively at the international level.
By joining the Network, cities commit to sharing their best practices and developing partnerships
involving the public and private sectors as well as civil society in order to:
• strengthen the creation, production, distribution and dissemination of cultural activities, goods, and services.
• develop hubs of creativity and innovation and broaden opportunities for creators and professionals in the cultural sector.
• improve access to and participation in cultural life, in particular for marginalized or vulnerable groups and individuals.
• fully integrate culture and creativity into sustainable development plans.
The Network covers seven creative fields: Crafts and Folk Art, Media Arts, Film, Design, Gastronomy, Literature and Music.
The Creative Cities Network is a privileged partner of UNESCO, not only as a platform for reflection on the role of creativity as a lever for sustainable development but also as a breeding ground of action and innovation, notably for the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
UNESCO GLOBAL NETWORK OF LEARNING CITIES
Cities play a key role in providing lifelong learning opportunities and have tremendous potential to contribute to Sustainable Development Goal 4. They are well-placed to address many of today’s challenges, including climate change, discrimination, and social instability, and to advance health literacy, gender equality and decent work, among others. Yet, many cities still struggle to provide learning opportunities to all of their citizens.
In response to the need to strengthen lifelong learning at the local level, the UNESCO Institute for Lifelong Learning (UIL) launched the UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities (GNLC) during the first International Conference of Learning
Cities, which took place in Beijing, People’s Republic of China, in 2013.
The network has since become a driving force for the promotion of sustainable development through lifelong learning at the local level.
UNESCO CATEGORY 2 CENTERS
Category 2 institutes and centers under the auspices of UNESCO are a global network of institutions of excellence in the Organization’s domains of competence. Given their expertise, these institutes and centers contribute to the implementation of UNESCO’s strategic priorities, programs, and global development agendas, through international and regional cooperation, research, knowledge production, policy advice, and capacity development.
Though independent of UNESCO, category 2 institutes and centers are a privileged partner of the Organization with access to UNESCO’s logo and international and intergovernmental bodies and networks and may leverage UNESCO’s international reach and convening powers. Category 2 institutes and centers under the auspices of UNESCO are an integral part of the Organization’s Comprehensive Partnership Strategy.
List of Category 2 Institutes and Centers (C2Cs) by UNESCO fields of competence:
• Education
• Natural Sciences
• Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission
• Social and Human Sciences
• Culture
• Communication and Information
• Other, Cross-cutting
UNESCO CHAIR
A network of universities around the world supports UNESCO’s work in education, the
natural and social sciences, culture, and communication, to help address pressing challenges and contribute to the development of their societies. The UNESCO Chairs teams contribute at each stage of our work: from the exploration of emerging issues, through the development of international normative instruments to the implementation of policy recommendations at the national level. They also bring together partners in academia, civil society, local communities, and policymakers in dialogue for project implementation. Furthermore, each Chair endeavors to spread the humanistic values of UNESCO through teaching activities.
Launched in 1992 with the aim of promoting international inter-university cooperation, to share knowledge and develop collaborative work, there are now some 950 UNESCO Chairs and 45 UNITWIN networks in 120 countries. The UNITWIN/UNESCO Chairs Programme coordinates the establishment of these partnerships, as well as supporting their activities.
Nothus, Masfjorden. Foto: Anette Thorsheim.
Appendix 2: Overview of UNESCO Designations in the region.
CANADA
Type of designation Name of designation Homepage
UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Gros Morne National Park
https://parks.canada.ca/pn-np/nl/grosmorne
Quebec City https://parks.canada.ca/culture/spm-whs/sites-canada/ sec02i
Joggins Fossil Cliffs https://jogginsfossilcliffs.net/
L’Anse aux Meadows National Historic Site https://parks.canada.ca/culture/spm-whs/sites-canada/ sec02a
Landscape of Grand Pré https://www.landscapeofgrandpre.ca/
Miguasha National Park https://parks.canada.ca/culture/spm-whs/sites-canada/ sec02m
Mistaken Point https://mistakenpoint.ca/ Old Town Lunenburg https://townoflunenburg.ca/lunenburgs-heritage.html
Red Bay Basque Whaling Station, https://parks.canada.ca/lhn-nhs/nl/redbay
Rideau Canal National Historic Site https://parks.canada.ca/lhn-nhs/on/rideau
Anticosti, Quebec https://parks.canada.ca/culture/spm-whs/sites-canada/ anticosti
UNESCO Global Geoparks Cliffs of Fundy Geopark
https://www.fundygeopark.ca/
Discovery Geopark https://discoverygeopark.com/ Geopark De Percé https://geoparcdeperce.com/ ½ Stonehammer Geopark https://stonehammergeopark.com/
UNESCO Biosphere Reserves
Bras d’Or Lake Biosphere Reserve https://blbra.ca/
Charlevoix Biosphere Reserve https://www.biospherecharlevoix.org/
Frontenac Arch Biosphere https://frontenacarchbiosphere.ca/
Fundy Biosphere Reserve https://www.fundy-biosphere.ca/en/
Georgian Bay Biosphere, https://georgianbaybiosphere.com/
Lac Saint-Pierre Biosphere Reserve https://comiteziplsp.org/a-propos-rblsp/
Long Point Biosphere Reserve https://longpointbiosphere.com/
ManicouaganUapishka Biosphere Reserve
https://www.rmbmu.com/?lang=en
Mont Saint-Hilaire Biosphere Region https://connexionnature.org/rb-unesco-mab/
Southwest Nova Biosphere Reserve https://swnovabiosphere.ca/
FAROE ISLANDS
Type of designation Name of designation Homepage
UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage
The traditional clinker boat https://boat.fo/ Www.Tjosavnid.fo/livandi-mentan www.Ovasavn.fo
GREENLAND
Type of designation
Name of designation Homepage
UNESCO World Heritage Sites Ilulissat Icefjord https://kangia.gl/ Aasivissuit – Nipisat https://inuitheritage.gl/ Kujataa
ICELAND
Type of designation
Name of designation Homepage
UNESCO World Heritage Sitesv Surtsey https://ust.is/nattura/natturuverndarsvaedi/fridlyst-svaedi/ sudurland/surtsey/
Þingvellir National Park https://www.thingvellir.is/en/
Vatnajökull National Park https://www.vatnajokulsthjodgardur.is/en
UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage
UNESCO Global Geoparks
UNESCO Biosphere Reserves
NORWAY
Swimmingpoolkultur i Island https://lifandihefdir.is/sundmenning-unesco/
Katla Geopark. https://www.katlageopark.is/ Reykjanes geopark https://reykjanesgeopark.is/
Snæfellsjökull National Park https://snaefellsjokull.is/en/education/nature-andbiosphere/
Type of designation Name of designation Homepage
UNESCO World Heritage Sites World Heritage Røros Mining Town and the Circumference https://verdensarvenroros.no/en the West Norwegian Fjords https://vestnorskfjordlandskap.no/en/ Urnes stavkyrkje https://urnesstavkirke.no/ Rjukan-Notodden Industrial Heritage https://www.industriarven.no/en/ Struve Geodetic Arc https://struve.no/engelsk/engelskhome/ Bryggen in Bergen https://www.bergen.kommune.no/hvaskjer/tema/ kulturminner-i-bergen/verdensarven-bryggen/ verdensarvstedet-bryggen Vega https://verdensarvvega.no/ The Rock Art of Alta https://www.altamuseum.no/en/the-rock-art-of-alta
UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage
Oselvarverkstaden www.oselvarverkstaden.no
Nordic clinker boat traditions http://www.kysten.no
Setesdalkulturen https://agderfk.no
UNESCO Global Geoparks Gea Norvegica
UNESCO Global Geopark https://www.geoparken.no/
Trollfjell Geopark https://trollfjellgeopark.no/index.php/no/ Magma Geopark https://magmageopark.no/no/ Sunnhordland Geopark www.geoparksunnhordland.no
UNESCO Biosphere Reserves Nordhordland Biosphere https://nordhordlandbiosphere.no/
SCOTLAND
Type of designation Name of designation Homepage
UNESCO World Heritage Sites Antonine Wall: Frontiers of the Roman Empire https://www.antoninewall.org/
The Heart of Neolithic Orkney https://www.orkney.com/things/history/world-heritagesites
Old & New Towns of Edinburgh https://ewh.org.uk/the-unesco-world-heritage-site/
The Forth Bridge World Heritage Site https://www.nqht.org/
The Flow Country https://theflowcountry.org.uk/ New Lanark World Heritage Site https://newlanark.org/
St Kilda World Heritage Site https://www.nts.org.uk/visit/places/st-kilda
UNESCO Global Geoparks
North West Highlands Geopark https://nwhgeopark.com/ Geopark Shetland https://www.shetland.org/geopark
Frå prosjektet Smaken av Nordhordland. Foto: Hildegunn Opdahl.
UNESCO Biosphere Reserves Galloway and Southern Ayrshire
Wester Ross Biosphere
UNESCO Creative City Dundee, UNESCO City of Design
Edinburgh City of Literature Trust
https://www.gsabiosphere.org.uk/
https://wrb.scot/
www.cityofdesigndundee.com
https://cityofliterature.com/
Stamneshella, Norway. Photo: Ruben Soltveit/ Nordhordland UNESCO BIosphere.