The Costa Quebrada Geopark has clear objectives: the conservation of its geological heritage and its responsible social and cultural use.

Achieving these objectives requires the broadest possible participation, leading to the creation of a dense network of stakeholders who collaborate at different levels.

Since 2015, a collaboration agreement has brought together the various institutions and organisations that share the Geopark’s principles and long-term vision.

Alongside the Costa Quebrada Association, which manages the Geopark, are the city councils of the eight municipalities involved:

• City Council of Santander
• City Council of Camargo
• City Council of Santa Cruz de Bezana
• City Council of Piélagos
• City Council of Miengo
• City Council of Polanco
• City Council of Suances
• City Council of Santillana del Mar

Several departments of the Government of Cantabria are also involved:

• Department of Rural Development, Livestock, Fisheries and Food
• Department of Culture, Tourism and Sports
• Department of Education, Vocational Training and Universities
• Department of Public Works, Housing, Regional Planning and Environment

These are joined by scientific institutions, including:

• University of Cantabria

In addition to public bodies, a range of private entities also take part.

Within the framework of this agreement, actions aimed at developing the strategic lines for the management of the Geopark are planned on an annual basis.

Transparency

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Nominative grants received by the Costa Quebrada Association in 2025

Directorate-General for Environment and Climate Change

• Grant 2025.04.03.456b.481.05, “Implementation of measures under the Climate Change Strategy and the Circular Economy and Bioeconomy Strategy”

• Amount: €250,000

2. Directorate-General for Forestry and Biodiversity

• Grant 2025.05.06.456C.489 “Management and outreach of the Costa Quebrada Geopark in 2025”

• Amount: €15,000

• Funded activities: Participation sessions with current and prospective collaborating entities of the Geopark.

• Design and production of promotional materials

• Creation, development, and production of the Costa Quebrada Geopark brand for partner companies

• Annual membership fees for the Global Geoparks Network

3. Directorate-General for Tourism and Hotel Management

• Grant: 2025.08.08.432A.481, “Strategic development of the Costa Quebrada Geopark“

• Amount: €60,000
• Staff salaries and social security contributions (one employment contract).
• Networking and cooperation with UNESCO

4. Directorate-General for Universities and University Policy

• Grant 2025.09.04.322B.487. “Outreach and communication activities carried out by the Association”

• Amount: €10,000

Nominative grants received by the Costa Quebrada Association in 2024

Directorate-General for Universities

• Nominative budget allocation 2024.09.04.322B.487
• Amount: €10,000
• Funded activities: Outreach and communication activities carried out by the Association.

2. Directorate-General for Tourism and Hotel Management

• Nominative budget allocation 2024.08.08.432A.481
• Amount: €40,000
• Funded activities: Staff salaries; UNESCO evaluation; and networking activities.

3. Directorate-General for the Environment and Climate Change

• Nominative budget allocation 2024.04.03.456B.481.05
• Amount: €60,000
• Funded activities: Educational programme; administrative management; marketing and promotion; updating the database of business partners; and management and networking expenses.

Annual remuneration and statutory compensation (most recent year available)

Treasurer: Performs duties as the Education Officer for the Costa Quebrada Aspiring Geopark, with an annual salary of €30,000, plus the statutory compensation applicable to a regular employee under the general employment regime.

Secretary: Performs duties as Coordinator for the Costa Quebrada Aspiring Geopark, with an annual salary of €29,545.47, plus the statutory compensation applicable under the general employment regime.