Current Status and Issues of Mountain Geoparks in Japan

Abstract

Geoparks constitute projects that promote the protection of heritage sites with geological, geomorphological, rock, fossil, mineral and other earth-science value, as well as to educate the public and promote sustainable development in each region. There is a strong relationship between mountains and geoparks in terms of geological structure, topography, natural disaster characteristics and the cultures these have nurtured. This paper first introduces Tateyama Kurobe Geopark and Itoigawa Geopark as examples of such a relationship. It then describes the current status of geotourism at Tateyama Kurobe Geopark and mountain geotours at Itoigawa Geopark. Nature in the mountains brings not only blessings, but also disasters. Many mountain geoparks in Japan have developed geopark activities with disaster prevention themes. Mt. Kurikoma Area Geopark is introduced as an example. In addition, this paper emphasizes the importance of cooperation between geoparks in Japan and other countries to train and educate young people at their respective geoparks.