Geomorphological diversity of Yakushima Island World Natural Heritage and prospects for ecotourism

抄録

Yaksuhima Island, one of the first properties from Japan on the UNESCO World Heritage Sites list, is a place of impressive geomorphological diversity. However while the stories of old-growth forests dominated by Yakusugi Cedar and local culture dominate tourism promotion, this geomorphological aspect remains largely overlooked. In this presentation, the role of past and ongoing geomorphological processes behind landscape diversity and forest sustenance will be discussed and takeaway lessons for ecotourism will be provided.