4:55 PM - 5:15 PM
★ [O01-08] Island experience introduction in Amakusa Islands
Keywords:Amakusa, experience, Goshoura
The Amakusa Islands, consisting of about 120 islands are located in the southwest area of Kumamoto Prefecture: a beautiful archipelago with geologic and geographic characteristic landscapes and a 100 million year history, not to mention a treasure of ancient fossils offering its visitors a fantastic glimpse into times gone by. A unique culture has been carved out of life on these islands by its inhabitants adding to the many breath-taking sightseeing opportunities. Amakusa Geopark is to show off the diversity of geology, geography, history, culture, industry and ecology in Amakusa with a mind of ecologic conservation and economic growth. Purpose of the Amakusa Geopark are increase in the nonresident population, regional development for increase in the nonresident population, local patriotism, and the commercial activity in Amakusa area, based on good effect of Amakusa Goshoura Geopark activities. We promote the "Amakusa Geopark" for original geopark activity (Amakusa style) and keep the sustainable development in Amakusa area.
There are many important geologic aspects including valuable fossils of dinosaurs, mammals and mollusks in the Goshoura area. There are over 40 educational spots for finding fossils in the area, a fossil park, a show-house of ammonite and others with plates for explanation, not to mention various dinosaur remains. Sea taxi or rent yourself a bicycle takes you to these geosites and short trip programs giving for elementary, school students and tourists, which include taking fossils, learning a traditional fishing method called tontoko-ryo and a home-stay plan from 2001. The Goshoura area was selected as the 'top 100 geologic areas in Japan' in May 2006,Amakusa Goshoura geopark in October 2009 and "Amakusa Geopark" in August 2014.
The purpose of Geopark guide training program, through a lecture and the local training, is aimed for the guide of the local geology and creature of nature, culture and industry. We expect through this program aneffect guide authorization, common knowledge of the activity for local inhabitants and the interpreter for geopark which can convey resources in this area to anyone clearly. Geopark guide is important as a diffuser explaining "What is geopark" precisely and is necessary for an action united with local inhabitants or the education spread.
There are many important geologic aspects including valuable fossils of dinosaurs, mammals and mollusks in the Goshoura area. There are over 40 educational spots for finding fossils in the area, a fossil park, a show-house of ammonite and others with plates for explanation, not to mention various dinosaur remains. Sea taxi or rent yourself a bicycle takes you to these geosites and short trip programs giving for elementary, school students and tourists, which include taking fossils, learning a traditional fishing method called tontoko-ryo and a home-stay plan from 2001. The Goshoura area was selected as the 'top 100 geologic areas in Japan' in May 2006,Amakusa Goshoura geopark in October 2009 and "Amakusa Geopark" in August 2014.
The purpose of Geopark guide training program, through a lecture and the local training, is aimed for the guide of the local geology and creature of nature, culture and industry. We expect through this program aneffect guide authorization, common knowledge of the activity for local inhabitants and the interpreter for geopark which can convey resources in this area to anyone clearly. Geopark guide is important as a diffuser explaining "What is geopark" precisely and is necessary for an action united with local inhabitants or the education spread.