3:30 PM - 5:00 PM
[MZZ43-P09] Geosites certification system for local people in Itoigawa UNESCO Global Geopark
Keywords:Itoigawa UNESCO Global Geopark, Geosite, Pothole, Natural Resource Conservation Committee
Itoigawa was recognized as a Japanese National Geopark in December 2008 and as a Global Geopark in August 2009; it is now operating as Itoigawa UNESCO Global Geopark (hereinafter referred to as "Itoigawa Geopark"). In Itoigawa Geopark, the 24 sites that were designated as geosites when the park was recognized in 2008 are now being reconsidered as geoareas. As part of this process, a new geosite certification system has been established in which local residents can participate; this system will be reported with examples.
The Itoigawa Geopark Council (hereinafter referred to as "the Council") certifies new geosites according to the following procedure: First, the applicant submits an application for registration of a geosite to the Council; applicants are expected to represent a wide range of people, including researchers, local residents, and schools. Next, the Council conducts a site inspection. Based on the results of this inspection, the Council prepares a survey report which is discussed by the Natural Resource Conservation Committee of Itoigawa Geopark. If the Natural Resource Conservation Committee determines that the site is suitable for registration, it will be designated as a geosite.
The following is an introduction to the geosite registration work conducted by the Council during the year 2022 for "Ohhora-Iwagami-no-Tateiwa" in Ohhora and "Tanne-no-Ohgama" in Tanne, Itoigawa City.
Ohhora-Iwagami-no-Tateiwa (Standing Rock) is a large boulder located in Ohhora Village in the eastern part of Itoigawa City. It is about 15 m high and 30 m wide and is made of andesitic intrusive rock that has penetrated the surrounding marine sediments. A shrine said to be the predecessor of Iwagami Shrine sits on the top of the boulder and the same andesite can be found among the stones forming the path to Iwagami Shrine and the stone walls of Ohhora Village. The Ohhora community continues to engage in activities such as tying sacred rope around the boulder and mowing the grass around it. Thus, Ohhora-Iwagami-no-Tateiwa has both scientific and educational value, in that the pathways that supplied magma can be directly observed, and historical value, as an example of veneration of geological formations by local residents. Field surveys and interviews with local residents were conducted several times in the process of applying for the site's inscription.
Tanne in Itoigawa City is located in the Tsukimizu-no-Ike Area, which was formed by a landslide. In July 2020, local residents announced the existence of giant potholes in the riverbed of the Tanne River, which was formed by a landslide. The largest pothole is 4.7 meters deep and 1.6 meters in diameter, carved into a 5-meter diameter boulder, and is believed to be among the largest in the country. It was named "Tanne-no-Ohgama" (Great Kettle of Tanne) because it is easy to enter the potholes through a hole in the side and observe the interior. In 2022, based on a field trip with the council and a visit to the school, the students created handwritten signs and were able to install them at the site. In addition, the students themselves prepared a registration application form and submitted it to the council, using what they had learned. Landowner confirmation and field surveys are currently underway.
Geopark activities require geosites to be protected and used by local residents. Involving local residents in the geosite certification system will encourage bottom-up Geopark activities and promote local geosite protection and conservation activities. In addition, it is expected that this final goal of “geositification” will further promote the active use and exploration of geosites as part of school activities.
The Itoigawa Geopark Council (hereinafter referred to as "the Council") certifies new geosites according to the following procedure: First, the applicant submits an application for registration of a geosite to the Council; applicants are expected to represent a wide range of people, including researchers, local residents, and schools. Next, the Council conducts a site inspection. Based on the results of this inspection, the Council prepares a survey report which is discussed by the Natural Resource Conservation Committee of Itoigawa Geopark. If the Natural Resource Conservation Committee determines that the site is suitable for registration, it will be designated as a geosite.
The following is an introduction to the geosite registration work conducted by the Council during the year 2022 for "Ohhora-Iwagami-no-Tateiwa" in Ohhora and "Tanne-no-Ohgama" in Tanne, Itoigawa City.
Ohhora-Iwagami-no-Tateiwa (Standing Rock) is a large boulder located in Ohhora Village in the eastern part of Itoigawa City. It is about 15 m high and 30 m wide and is made of andesitic intrusive rock that has penetrated the surrounding marine sediments. A shrine said to be the predecessor of Iwagami Shrine sits on the top of the boulder and the same andesite can be found among the stones forming the path to Iwagami Shrine and the stone walls of Ohhora Village. The Ohhora community continues to engage in activities such as tying sacred rope around the boulder and mowing the grass around it. Thus, Ohhora-Iwagami-no-Tateiwa has both scientific and educational value, in that the pathways that supplied magma can be directly observed, and historical value, as an example of veneration of geological formations by local residents. Field surveys and interviews with local residents were conducted several times in the process of applying for the site's inscription.
Tanne in Itoigawa City is located in the Tsukimizu-no-Ike Area, which was formed by a landslide. In July 2020, local residents announced the existence of giant potholes in the riverbed of the Tanne River, which was formed by a landslide. The largest pothole is 4.7 meters deep and 1.6 meters in diameter, carved into a 5-meter diameter boulder, and is believed to be among the largest in the country. It was named "Tanne-no-Ohgama" (Great Kettle of Tanne) because it is easy to enter the potholes through a hole in the side and observe the interior. In 2022, based on a field trip with the council and a visit to the school, the students created handwritten signs and were able to install them at the site. In addition, the students themselves prepared a registration application form and submitted it to the council, using what they had learned. Landowner confirmation and field surveys are currently underway.
Geopark activities require geosites to be protected and used by local residents. Involving local residents in the geosite certification system will encourage bottom-up Geopark activities and promote local geosite protection and conservation activities. In addition, it is expected that this final goal of “geositification” will further promote the active use and exploration of geosites as part of school activities.