3:30 PM - 4:00 PM
[O06-04] Possibility of loss of beech forests in Shikoku as a touristic resource due to climate change
★Invited Papers
Keywords:Biology in Geopark, Fagus crenata, Climate change, Touristic resource
People have a strong interest in nature including geological heritages and they go to places rich in nature from urban area for recreation. In this way, these places are established as touristic resources. Geoparks also deal with ecological resources affected by the geological heritage and connecting the earth and human culture. Miyoshi Geopark Project area includes Shikoku mountains which is very steep, and many people come there.
A kind of beech (Fagus crenata) is popular among people who love nature. The beech is called “queen of the forest”, because it is majestic and beautiful. Currently, it grows in cool places, and even in Miyoshi Geopark Project area, it grows in limited area in Shikoku mountains at an altitude of over 1000 meters. It is assumed that temperature is an important element for it, and it takes a long time to grow into mature tree. Therefore, due to the effects of recent rapid global warming, it is possible that suitable areas for its growing may decrease or disappear in the future. This means touristic resources that can be seen in limited areas will disappear in the near future.
A kind of beech (Fagus crenata) is popular among people who love nature. The beech is called “queen of the forest”, because it is majestic and beautiful. Currently, it grows in cool places, and even in Miyoshi Geopark Project area, it grows in limited area in Shikoku mountains at an altitude of over 1000 meters. It is assumed that temperature is an important element for it, and it takes a long time to grow into mature tree. Therefore, due to the effects of recent rapid global warming, it is possible that suitable areas for its growing may decrease or disappear in the future. This means touristic resources that can be seen in limited areas will disappear in the near future.