Geoparks and Geoconservation in Japan

Abstract

Geoconservation for geographical and geological phenomena is the most important concept associated with a geopark scheme. However, there is not enough discussion on geopark activities in Japan. Japanese Earth scientists have acted individually to conserve the natural environment, but large-scale conservation projects have not been carried out as activities of research organizations of academic societies. One of the contributions the Earth sciences have made to society is to report the scientific value of regional natural environments. Japanese Earth scientists should make detailed inventories of landforms, strata, and soil and evaluate them. Earth scientists will be able to contribute to conserving nature and sustainable development of regions through these activities. The RIGS system of the United Kingdom is a good model.