Practices and Activities

Toward Sustainable Community

At The San'in Kaigan Geopark, activities conserving diverse local resources such as heritages of the earth's activity by collaboration work of local residents, private organizations, companies, and governments and, at the same time, by utilizing education, tourism, and local industry, activities aimed at sustainable local communities are being carried out.

Improvement of the natural environment and return of Oriental White Storks to the wild

It is the basis of geopark activity to appropriately protect and conserve valuable local resources.

Furthermore, in addition to protection and conservation, effective utilization of valuable resources is important for building a sustainable society, since it will lead to the enhancement of the attractiveness and promotion of the region, The San'in Kaigan Geopark will work for increasing attractiveness and promotion of the area in collaboration with the Ministry of the Environment and local residents.

～Protection of nature～

●Protection/conservation and enlightment of valuable topographic and geological sites
●Protection and enlightenment of rare animals and plants
●Sustainable use of geosites
●Protection, breeding and etc. of Oriental White Storks

～Conservation of the environment～

●Raising awareness of residents about the environment
●Activation of community cleanup activities by volunteers
●Weeding activities and etc. for sand dunes conservation.

～Proliferation of Oriental White Storks and their return to the wild～

Improvement of the Natural Environment and the Return of Oriental White Storks to the Wild.
In 1971, wild Oriental White Storks became extinct in Japan. Hyogo Prefecture and Toyooka City have continued to artificially breed Oriental White Storks and increase the number of insects and frogs that serve as food for Oriental White Storks by promoting agriculture that uses as little agricultural chemicals as possible, thereby restoring the human habitat where Oriental White Storks can live.
Since 2005, the city has been releasing artificially bred storks into the wild, and more than 400 storks are now living in the wild with people.

～Conservation activities～

San'in Kaigan UNESCO Global Geopark The 7th Everyone's Presentation in 2023" was held on Sunday, January 21, 2024, at Toyooka Rehearsal Hall.

The event was hosted by the University of Hyogo, and was attended by all people who are interested in local nature,　environment, and culture, not limited to Geoparks, and who are engaged in activities to learn and communicate about them,

The purpose of the event was to share many kind of activities with all people who are interested in the nature, environment,and culture of the region, not only Geoparks, and who are engaged in activities to learn and communicate about them, to exchange information and deepen exchanges.

Education/Research

In order to develop human resources for supporting future geopark activities and increase the value of local resources, various occasions for experiential learning and presentation of learning results are set up and, in addition to it, the initiatives in collaboration with school education are promoted.

Large supports are given to the research activities related to geopark at universities and research institutes in the area and the results of them are effectively utilized for human resources development and problem solving in the region. In addition, the opportunities to learn about geohazard inducing topography and geology of the area are enhanced and disaster prevention education is actively engaged.

～School education～

●Visiting school class and experiential learning sessions for elementary schools, etc.
●Development of learning materials for children
●Research and educational activities in collaboration with universities, etc.

～Lifelong learning～

●Regional tour and geotour
●Holding seminars and geoforums
●Holding experience events, etc.

Industrial Promotion and Tourism

In order to continue geopark activities in a sustainable manner, a favorable cycle of the local economy, such as industrial promotion and tourism promotion that make effective use of local resources, is indispensable.

The story to tell the value and attractiveness of geopark is reconstructed from a comprehensive perspective for attractive product development. In addition to it, continuous and effective support system is established for the promotion of related businesses aiming at formation of sustainable local communities.

Information Gathering and Transmission

Community Participation

Geopark activity is based on principal of resident-led bottom-up activity. The San'in Kaigan Geopark provides a forum for dialogue between residents and stakeholders in various fields.

Further, efforts on establishing collaboration with companies and organizations, that we have not been able to build relationships, are made.

Network Activity/Governing Structure

The activities of geopark can be further developed and improved by sharing experiences and knowledges of each of the geoparks through network activity.As a UNESCO Global Geopark, San'in Kaigan Geopark contributes to network activities by actively disseminating excellent examples of practice both domestically and internationally.

Furthermore, international exchange will be promoted by such as strengthening cooperation of sister affiliate with the Lesvos Island Global Geopark and building a new sister affiliation.

Regarding the management system, the system will be strengthened for comprehensive and effective development of all activities.