#ExpertProfile
Melanie Border
Member of the UNESCO Global Geoparks Council
Melanie Border is an expert on UNESCO Global Geoparks, sitting on the inaugural UNESCO Global Geoparks Council and working as an active member of the Global Geopark Network Executive Board.
With its status as an area of globally recognised, unique geological interest, the English Riviera is a stretch of coastal towns in Southern Devon home to a vast array of fantastic landscapes, mountains, coastlines, places and people. Whether you want to explore historical caverns, hidden coves, ancient fossils or the underwater world, this UNESCO Geopark has something to offer.
Reflecting the grassroots nature of Geoparks themselves, Melanie has built upon both her experience as a single parent of two, living on benefits in the nineties, and her fascination with the natural world, by studying as a mature Geology student. As Coordinator of the Geopark, she now brings her vast experience to her home borough of Torbay by working to protect and promote its natural beauty.
After subsequent roles in conservation, education and community engagement with local conservation charity, Torbay Coast and Countryside Trust, Melanie became involved with Geopark work in her hometown of Torquay in 2006. From that point her, focus, pragmatism and natural diplomacy led her to be elected as Chair the UK Committee for UNESCO Global Geoparks (2012 to 2017) whist also sitting on the Advisory Committee of the European Geoparks Network.
She has worked incredibly closely with the UK National Commission for UNESCO and played a fundamental role as a member of the multi-national Geopark working group, collaborating directly with Member States on the development of the Geopark arm of International Geoscience and Geoparks Programme, introduced in Nov 2015. In 2016 she became an elected member of the Global Geopark Network Executive Board and took up a four-year term as a member of the first UNESCO Global Geoparks Council, this being a testament to her dedication and passion for her work.

#Institution
English Riviera UNESCO Global Geopark
Coordinator
SINCE 2007
#Alma-Matter
Open University
Milton Keynes
#Role at UNESCO
Member of the UNESCO Global Geopark Council and the Global Geopark Network Executive Board
SINCE 2016
QUOTE
“The variety of work carried out by some of our Associate Partners demonstrates how naturally inspiring Torbay is and how UNESCO Global Geoparks are not just about rocks. Each of our core and associate partners raise awareness of the unique landscape we live in their own special way whether it be through art, physical activity, learning or relaxation.”
Melanie Border, Speaking on the announcement of 14 new Associate Partners for the English Riviera Geopark.
Our accredited experts are selected to advise the UK National Commission for UNESCO on policy matters related to UNESCO.
ROLE AT UNESCO
Melanie Border represents the English Riviera at European Geoparks Network Coordination Committee level and is a member of the Global Geopark Network Executive Board and the UNESCO Global Geopark Council.
Institutions
UNESCO/Torbay Council
Coordinator, English Riviera Global Geopark Management Team
FROM 2013 – NOW
UNESCO
English Riviera Global Geopark Team
FROM 2006 – 2013
Torbay Coast and Conservation Trust
Project Management and Environmental Education
FROM 2000 – 2006
Role at UNESCO
Member of the UNESCO Global Geoparks Council (2016) and Coordinator for English Riviera Global Geopark
SINCE 2007
COMMISSION
The English Riviera, UNESCO Global Geopark
ESTABLISHED 2007 – TORBAY, ENGLAND

UNESCO Global Geoparks are single geographical areas where sites and landscapes of international geological significance are managed. Coordinators use an holistic approach, working to protect and educate sustainably through a unified conservation effort with local communities. The English Riviera is a stretch of coastal towns in South West Devon, with many geological and biological areas of interest.
Publications
SELECTED PUBLISHED WORK
Read about some of Melanie’s work throughout the English Riviera, as well as team projects and partnerships.

The 7th International Conference for Global Geoparks
2016
#GlobalGeoparks
Attended by 700 delegates from 63 countries, the 7th annual Global Geoparks Conference was held in Torbay. The conference theme was Health and Wellbeing through Creative and Active Engagement and so was opened by an exciting and powerful musical community performance.
LATEST
QUOTE
“We are very proud of our incredible local geology and rich cultural heritage and encourage visitors to explore this fascinating area.”
English Riviera Website, Explaining the need to increase tourism sustainably.
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