UNESCO supports the Global Geopark Network (GGN) and its effort to protect and promote geological sites, while creating new opportunities for sustainable development and education. The conference will foster networking and cooperation between established GGN members and new and aspiring Geoparks from around the world.
This is the fifth conference, attracting participants from all over the world. Previous ones supported by UNESCO were held in Beijing, China (2004); Belfast, U.K. (2006); Osnabrueck, Germany (2008); and Langkawi, Malaysia (2010).
Participants from over 30 countries are expected to attend the conference to discuss geoheritage and the sustainable development of Geoparks through sharing their experiences, exhibitions and explorations of Geoparks. Field trips to Japanese and Korean Geoparks to explain geoheritage will be organized.
In the wake of the catastrophic earthquake-tsunami that ravaged North-east Japan in March 2011, this conference will also highlight the impacts of geology in tectonically-active areas such as the Japanese Archipelago.
Participants will include Geopark managers and staff; geo-guides; scientists; tourism experts; environment-nature protection experts; natural disaster specialists; school teachers; students; local residents; government officials; and other interested persons.
The conference will:
• address Earth heritage and sustainable development;
• highlight geohazards and disaster recovery;
• introduce and discuss the role of Geopark and geotourism as a means for comprehensive conservation and wise use of heritage values for regional sustainable development;
• introduce and discuss methods of geotourism development and education;
• improve understanding of geodiversity.
