From Conservation of Natural Heritage to Future Society

The Hauts-de-France region has a rich and diverse geological heritage, both in terms of the type and age of the rocks constituting its underground and in terms of inherited landscapes. In line with the concept defined by UNESCO, this bootcamp proposes to explore a holistic approach to regional geological heritage and its conservation, considering geodiversity as a substrate for biodiversity (ecosystems); natural and cultural landscapes (urban, agricultural, mining); urban, industrial and cultural heritage (link between natural heritage and society; ethical use of ground resources (geoethics). Two key territories of the region illustrating different natural heritage contexts will be considered as training case studies: the coal-mining area (UNESCO World Heritage) and the nature reserve of the Opal Coast (preparing an application to UNESCO Geopark in collaboration with the AONB Kent Downs, England). In addition, cultural and scientific excursions to the city of Lille and its Metropole will illustrate the concept of urban geoheritage.

Learning Outcomes

1. Understanding of the concepts of geological heritage, geological and biological conservation, geotourism, geoethics and how they can be applied to propose a sustainable development model for areas facing different issues and challenges.
2. Understanding of the implementation of UNESCO’s Sustainable Development Goals in the conservation of biological and geological heritage.
3. Knowledge of how geodiversity and related biodiversity shape landscapes, agriculture, urbanism, architecture and economy and how these different aspects should be considered in an integrative way for sustainable development.
4. Basic skills in the evaluation of natural heritage value (cultural, scientific, economic) and the environmental risks inherent to human activities.

EXCITING VISITS & EVENTS

Gain a richer perspective on the Hauts-de-France region!

The Hauts-de-France region is typified by its maritime and Flemish borders, agrarian economy, ancient trade fairs tradition, former textile and mine industries steeped in the Catholic values of its captains and vivid memory of wounds inflicted by two world wars. France’s youngest region is now renowned for its competitiveness, dynamic cultural and social life, and a unique mix of Flemish cheerfulness and French elegance.

1. (C) OLD LILLE: Guided bike/scooter tour of streets, squares and monuments of the old town and its beautiful ancient architecture — July 3.
2. (C) CH’TI EVENING: Local cuisine in a traditional restaurant and introduction to the Ch’ti linguistic and cultural specificity — July 3.
3. (C) BRUGES, BELGIUM: Free time in the charming old Flemish city, also known as “the Venice of the North” thanks to its beautiful canals — July 6.
4. (C) NAUSICAÁ: the biggest aquarium in Europe — July 7.