The on-site review for the re-assessment of the Oki Islands UNESCO Global Geopark has been successfully completed!

From July 3-6, the on-site review of the re-accreditation of Oki UNESCO Global Geopark was successfully conducted!

We welcomed two judges from Hungary and Spain, who toured the four Oki Islands, interacting with local residents and introducing the diverse activities taking place on each island.

On July 2, we held a welcome reception at Oki Airport and after that, held a briefing meeting.

Explanation of the vetting process and introduction to the ‘Tabi Saki Nōzei’ (Travel Destination Tax Incentive) System. (Briefing meeting)

On July 3, the morning was spent presenting our initiatives and touring our facilities, whilst the afternoon was devoted to visiting the Tamawakasu-Mikoto Shrine in Okinoshima Town, Shirashima Coast, and conservation activities in the Fuse district, followed by a presentation on educational activities at Oki High School.

Introduction of the ‘Geo Gateway’ in Okinoshima Town.

Inspection of the Nature Museum in Okinoshima Town

Site visit to Tamawakasu-Mikoto Shrine in Okinoshima Town

Inspection of Shirashima Coast in Okinoshima Town

Introduction of Conservation Activities in relation to Kasuga-no-Ura Beach in Okinoshima Town

An introduction to the collaboration between Oki High School and the science clubs of primary and secondary schools in the Oki region, held at Shimane Prefectural Oki High School

From July 4-5 the re-evaluators  as well as relevant parties made their rounds visiting Ama Town, Nishinoshima Town as well as Chibu Village

July 4

In Ama Town, we exchanged views on the packaging subsidy scheme for souvenir products and the Entô accommodation facility, and held meetings with representatives from the local authorities and education committees of the three towns and villages in the Dōzen area.

In Chibu Village, we were introduced to geo-tours led by certified guides and tourism promotion initiatives organised by the tourism association, and the education committee provided us with information on the stone walls and pasture fields, which are designated as cultural properties.

Before hopping on the ferry, the Geopark Assessors paid a visit to the NHK Oki Television Studio

Introduction to the initiatives of the Ama Town Tourist Association

Ama Town Hall, Board of Education, An Introduction to the Initiatives of Ama Limited (the company that deals with base of operation facilities of Entô Accommodation)

An introduction to Chiburi Island by Geopark-Certified Guides

At Sekiheki (Red Cliffs) on Chiburi Island

An introduction to the tourism initiatives of the Chiburi Island Tourist Association

July 5

Ama Town; An introduction to tourism, education, and conservation activities by Oki Shizen Mura (Oki Nature School), and discussed the safety of the Akiya Coast walking route footpath and its future uses. 

Introduction of The Entô Geo Lounge, located in Ama Town

Inspection of the Akiya Coast, Located in Ama Town

A Cluster of Takeshimashishiudo in Ama Town

Introducing the trail maintenance work at Matengai in Nishinoshima Town, amidst the mist and wind

At Matengai in Nishinoshima

At the Nishinoshima Town Tourism Exchange Center

A Presentation on the Formulation of a Conservation and Utilisation Plan By Nishinoshima Town Hall Staff

Making the most of time travelling by ferry

On July 6, the Geopark Evaluators’ last day of the on-site assessment, after addressing their questions and clarifications, the evaluators were given time to summarise their assessments and give us feedback. We said farewell to both of them at Oki airport, and we would like to say a special thank you to the Stakeholders who joined to see them off at Oki Airport!  who came to see us off at Oki Airport!

「The rock connects us!」

Seeing the Geopark site evaluators off at Oki Airport

We would like to express our gratitude to all those involved who assisted us in explaining our work to the Geopark Evaluators and presenting our initiatives at each stage. We are deeply grateful for your support.

The assessors will now draw up a report on the on-site assessment and submit it to the UNESCO Global Geoparks Council. A decision on whether or not to grant re-accreditation will be made at the Council’s meeting in early September, so we would appreciate your continued support!