Participation in Japanese Geoparks National Conference, Shimokita Conference

From August 30–September 1, 2024, Oki Islands Geopark participated in the “Japanese Geoparks National Conference, Shimokita Conference” held in Mutsu City, Aomori Prefecture. 

Official Website 

We presented about activities that the Oki Islands Geopark conducts and exchanged information with various geopark stakeholders from around the nation. 

Our main goal was to spread initiatives in practice on the Oki Islands and to learn from examples of what other areas are doing. 

We walked away with some new ideas about environmental conservation and tourism. 

 

“Geo-bento” lunch boxes with cute illustrations by Aomori children 

 

 

Activity Report 

 

1. Oral Presentations and Participation in Breakout Session

 

・Presentation on rugosa rose conservation activities: highlighted “Rugosa Rose Chat” that took place with local residents. 

・Wildlife management breakout session: the topic of discussion was preservation and extermination. 

・Presentation to the marine conservation breakout session: littering and the role of the geopark was discussed. 

・Regarding policies on certified products: we shared how the topic plays out in the Oki Islands area and learned practical operation methods from other areas. 

・Conservation and sale of geological heritage: the ethics of such sales and the importance of creating a dialogue about it within the local area was reacknowledged.  

・Geoparks and tourism: presented on sustainability that leverages tourism, which received positive feedback from other areas. 

 

2. Poster Presentation

 

In place of Oki High School students, who were unable to participate due to weather conditions that made travel difficult, the geopark gave the students’ presentation about creating Ultra Marathon volunteer T-shirts on their behalf. 

 

 

Future Initiatives 

 

Using what we have learned from this conference, we will advance the following initiatives: 

・Strengthening environmental conservation activities in collaboration with local residents 

・Coordinating national partnerships on the issue of marine debris and making concrete initiatives addressing it 

・Establishing geopark sustainability that leverages tourism 

・Reexamining and improving our system for certifying products 

・Promoting dialogue on the sustainable use of geological heritage 

Together with the community, we will strive to add to the value of geoparks. 

Kandachime horses of Cape Shiriyazaki 

These free-ranch horses are designated as an Aomori Prefectural Natural Monument.