[O08-P04] Geosite Cleanup Activities Leading to Solutions for Global Environmental Problems
Keywords:Shimokita geopark, cleanup activity, global environmental problem
The Shimokita area is surrounded by three seas: the Tsugaru Strait, the Pacific Ocean, and Mutsu Bay. The differing characteristics of these seas bring both grace and harm to the area. Various fish are caught in these seas due to differences in the geological features of their sea floors as well as their ocean currents: the Tsushima Current, which flows northward in the Sea of Japan, and the Oyashio Current, which flows southward in the Pacific Ocean. These currents also cause a variety of items to be washed ashore. Once, strange items found washed up along the beach lead to the creation of indigenous religions. Now however, the large amount of sea garbage that collects here is part of a global problem to be solved.
People in Shimokita work on global environmental problems through local activities. Local citizens clean the beaches regularly, and some hosted an exhibition of art made from garbage to raise awareness about the problem of marine debris. The Shimokita Geopark Promotion Council also holds advertising campaigns and collaborative events to increase local interest and participation. These activities have increased awareness of both global environmental problems as well as one of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), ”Life Below Water.” The promotion of Shimokita Geopark's theme, “Living with Oceans on the Axe-shaped Land,” by the activities of local citizens has inspired other Geoparks to address marine environmental problems and work toward solving them.
People in Shimokita work on global environmental problems through local activities. Local citizens clean the beaches regularly, and some hosted an exhibition of art made from garbage to raise awareness about the problem of marine debris. The Shimokita Geopark Promotion Council also holds advertising campaigns and collaborative events to increase local interest and participation. These activities have increased awareness of both global environmental problems as well as one of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), ”Life Below Water.” The promotion of Shimokita Geopark's theme, “Living with Oceans on the Axe-shaped Land,” by the activities of local citizens has inspired other Geoparks to address marine environmental problems and work toward solving them.