Our Staff
The Organisation
Our experienced team brings a wealth of skills to the management and promotion of the Geopark.
Melanie Border
Geopark Coordinator
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Melanie Border is the Coordinator of the English Riviera UNESCO Global Geopark and has been at the forefront of Geopark development locally, nationally and internationally for more than two decades.
With a background in geology, environmental education, community engagement and conservation, she began her career with Torbay Coast and Countryside Trust in 2000 before becoming Geopark Coordinator in 2007, when the English Riviera joined the European and Global Geoparks Networks. She was part of the original team that helped secure the area's successful geopark designation and has played a leading role in shaping its identity, impact and long-term development ever since.
Beyond her local role, Melanie has made a significant contribution to the international Geopark movement. As a member of the multinational working group that collaborated with UNESCO Member States to establish the geopark component of the International Geoscience and Geoparks Programme, she helped shape the creation of UNESCO Global Geoparks as an official UNESCO designation in 2015. She is a current Senior UNESCO Global Geopark Assessor, and she previously served on the inaugural UNESCO Global Geoparks Council (2016-2020) and on the Global Geoparks Network Executive Board (2016-2025), contributing to the strategic growth and global reach of the programme.
Recognised for her outstanding leadership and influence within the UNESCO Global Geoparks movement, Melanie is passionate about connecting people and helping all understand and care for the planet we share, past, present and future. She champions the role of Geoparks in education, conservation, sustainable development and community pride, helping the local community to use their wholistic heritage and culture as a catalyst for learning, wellbeing and a more sustainable future.
Victoria Grimsberg
Senior Project Officer
Sam Swan
Marketing Officer
Our Patron
Iain Stewart, University of Plymouth, Professor of Geosciences Communication and BBC TV geology presenter, remains the Patron of the Geopark.
Iain’s academic roots are in active tectonics and geohazards. After completing a BSc in Geography and Geology at Strathclyde University (1986), and a PhD in earthquake geology at the University of Bristol (1990), he taught Earth sciences at Brunel University, west London, until 2002. In 2004, he joined the University of Plymouth, where he developed his interdisciplinary interests in ‘geo-communication’.
Support
Networks
The core work of the Geopark is delivered by partners and through a support network:
Science Advisor — Prof Malcolm Hart
Brand, marketing & promotion — English Riviera Tourism BID Company (ERTBIDC)
Education — TBC
Conservation and access — TBC
Art, culture & heritage — TBC
Private sector and Associate Partners
Community action
Geopark partners have access to additional scientific experts in their own fields covering a wide range of specialisms. These experts include, but are not exclusive to, the following:
Prof Malcolm Hart — Emeritus Professor of Micropalaeontology
Dr Chris Smart — Associate Professor (Reader) in Palaeontology
Dr Jonathan Larwood — Senior Specialist, Geology and Palaeontology, Natural England
Dr Chris Proctor — local freelance Quaternary geologist
Prof Paul Pettitt — Professor in Department of Archaeology, Durham University
Prof Chris Stringer — Research Leader in Human Origins, Natural History Museum, London