5:15 PM - 7:15 PM
[MZZ45-P10] Understanding and Awareness of Geoparks Among Undergraduate Students in the Department of Geography
Keywords:Understanding and awareness of geoparks, undergraduate student in the department of Geography, questionnaire survey, geopark activity advocates
This study reports on the understanding and awareness of geoparks among undergraduate student in the department of Geography, based on a questionnaire survey. The authors see a strong connection between geography, which studies natural and human phenomena, and geopark activities, which aim at the use of geological heritage for sustainable regional development. Additionally, gaining insight into students' understanding and awareness of geoparks can help foster future geopark advocates.
The questionnaire surveys were conducted before geopark-related intensive classes offered in 2022 and 2024 for a total of 89 students. The responses to the questionnaire were similar across both years, so the results were analyzed cumulatively. The questionnaire consisted of four main topics: (1) perceptions of geoparks, (2) travel styles and information sources, (3) guide usage at geoparks, and (4) awareness of and interest in geopark-related careers.
For topic (1), the participating students had to choose one key term they associated the most with geoparks from the following options: "preservation and conservation," "survey and research," "education," "tourism and regional development," and "networking." A total of 83% of them chose "preservation and conservation." Additionally, free-response comments indicated a stronger association with "conservation" and a perception of geoparks as unique natural heritage areas. However, 64% of the participants were unaware of the UNESCO Global Geoparks program. These results suggest that students primarily viewed geoparks as conservation initiatives and had limited awareness of their international role.
For topic (2), 73% of the students reported having visited a geopark. Among them, the most common types of travel were "family trips" (37%), "trips with friends" (25%), "school trips" (15%), and "solo travel" (13%), making up 90%. Those who had never visited a geopark but were interested in doing so showed a preference for geoparks with "beautiful landscapes" and "enjoyable learning and sightseeing opportunities." Regarding information sources, 30% cited "official websites," 20% cited "travel agencies or travel-related information websites," and 14% cited "Instagram." References to social media platforms (Instagram, Facebook, and X) collectively accounted for 40%, emphasizing the importance of expanding information outreach beyond geoparks' official websites to include social media as well.
For topic (3), 47% of the students indicated they would use a paid guided tour, while 46% would not. Regarding the fee for a one-hour guided tour per person, 47% reported they would be willing to pay "1,000 JPY," 27% reported "3,000 JPY," and 23% reported "500 JPY." Solo travelers showed more interest in guided tours, likely due to their scheduling flexibility.
For topic (4), 22% of the students expressed interest in geopark-related careers, while 74% were not interested. Those interested commonly mentioned reasons such as attraction to nature conservation jobs and sharing nature’s appeal. On the other hand, reasons for disinterest included pursuing different careers, a lack of interest in nature-related jobs, and insufficient knowledge about geoparks. These results suggest that the participating students broadly view geopark jobs as "nature-related" and deeply connected to personal aspirations. Additionally, the perception that these careers require specialized expertise may have contributed to the view that geopark-related jobs have high entry barriers.
The questionnaire surveys were conducted before geopark-related intensive classes offered in 2022 and 2024 for a total of 89 students. The responses to the questionnaire were similar across both years, so the results were analyzed cumulatively. The questionnaire consisted of four main topics: (1) perceptions of geoparks, (2) travel styles and information sources, (3) guide usage at geoparks, and (4) awareness of and interest in geopark-related careers.
For topic (1), the participating students had to choose one key term they associated the most with geoparks from the following options: "preservation and conservation," "survey and research," "education," "tourism and regional development," and "networking." A total of 83% of them chose "preservation and conservation." Additionally, free-response comments indicated a stronger association with "conservation" and a perception of geoparks as unique natural heritage areas. However, 64% of the participants were unaware of the UNESCO Global Geoparks program. These results suggest that students primarily viewed geoparks as conservation initiatives and had limited awareness of their international role.
For topic (2), 73% of the students reported having visited a geopark. Among them, the most common types of travel were "family trips" (37%), "trips with friends" (25%), "school trips" (15%), and "solo travel" (13%), making up 90%. Those who had never visited a geopark but were interested in doing so showed a preference for geoparks with "beautiful landscapes" and "enjoyable learning and sightseeing opportunities." Regarding information sources, 30% cited "official websites," 20% cited "travel agencies or travel-related information websites," and 14% cited "Instagram." References to social media platforms (Instagram, Facebook, and X) collectively accounted for 40%, emphasizing the importance of expanding information outreach beyond geoparks' official websites to include social media as well.
For topic (3), 47% of the students indicated they would use a paid guided tour, while 46% would not. Regarding the fee for a one-hour guided tour per person, 47% reported they would be willing to pay "1,000 JPY," 27% reported "3,000 JPY," and 23% reported "500 JPY." Solo travelers showed more interest in guided tours, likely due to their scheduling flexibility.
For topic (4), 22% of the students expressed interest in geopark-related careers, while 74% were not interested. Those interested commonly mentioned reasons such as attraction to nature conservation jobs and sharing nature’s appeal. On the other hand, reasons for disinterest included pursuing different careers, a lack of interest in nature-related jobs, and insufficient knowledge about geoparks. These results suggest that the participating students broadly view geopark jobs as "nature-related" and deeply connected to personal aspirations. Additionally, the perception that these careers require specialized expertise may have contributed to the view that geopark-related jobs have high entry barriers.