1:50 PM - 2:15 PM
[O09-01] Geoparks' consideration of natural hazards and their actions
★Invited Papers
Keywords:Geohazards, climate change, Global Geoparks Network, 2025-2035 strategic plan
In recent years, many parts of the world have experienced frequent and extreme natural disasters that are thought to be caused by global warming. Global warming causes glaciers to retreat and sea levels to rise, resulting in the coastal erosion, avalanches in mountainous regions, and frequent landslides. The effects of global warming can also be seen in the areas of UNESCO Global Geoparks, of which there are now more than 200 around the world. In particular, forest fires and floods caused by heavy rainfall are becoming more frequent. On the other hand, earthquakes, tsunamis, and volcanic eruptions continue to occur without any change in the ongoing behavior of the Earth. In Spain, Brazil, Iceland, the Canary Islands, Indonesia, Japan, etc., these phenomena occur repeatedly and affect UNESCO Global Geopark areas.
A Geopark is a system whereby a region preserves the landforms and geological features recorded by the Earth's activities as its heritage, and uses them for education and tourism while promoting sustainable development. The phenomena that cause natural disasters today are part of the Earth's behavior, a process that could create local heritage in the future as a blessing of nature.
In a Geopark, visitors can learn about the Earth's processes that cause natural disasters and climate change, understand the geoscientific background that formed the geological heritage of each region, and learn about natural disasters that occurred in the past and the human experience of recovering from them that has led to the present. This process encourages us to imagine and prepare for the natural disasters that the region may face in the near future. In addition, it is possible to exchange information and experiences not only in individual Geoparks, but also through regional and global networks of Geoparks on common or similar disasters and climate changes that occur on a regional or global scale.
Direct response and relief to disasters that occur is the responsibility of the national and local governments, and Geoparks do not directly take on this responsibility. However, it is more important for Geoparks to help residents and visitors understand the past disasters that have occurred in the region, the history of the region's recovery from these disasters, and to be prepared and ready for future disasters. In addition, the Geopark basically includes local government officials and disaster management personnel as members of the Geopark. What they learn and experience in the Geopark should be a strong basis for their thinking and acting against the next natural disaster, either in advance, at the time of occurrence, or after the disaster.
Through targeted education and the integration of traditional knowledge with modern science, the Global Geoparks Network (GGN) will equip Geoparks and their communities to understand the hazards they face and develop strategies for disaster preparedness. Additionally, GGN will continue to promote global cooperation and the sharing of best practices to enhance disaster risk reduction efforts. By fostering strong networks and supporting local initiatives, GGN will contribute to mitigating the effects of climate change and natural hazards, helping to create a safer, more resilient future for both communities and natural heritage. The Global Geoparks Network (GGN) proposes the following actions as its strategic plan for 2025-2035.
1. Strengthening the activity of the GGN Geohazards working group activity at the international, regional networks and national and community levels.
2. Creating specific tools designed for the population to help them detect risks and respond effectively. (e.g., Creating a comic book designed to help local populations in poor rural areas detect signs of possible landslides)
3. Promoting UGGp action plan on natural hazards and disaster mitigation.
4. Preparation of an annual GGN report on natural hazards and climate change.
A Geopark is a system whereby a region preserves the landforms and geological features recorded by the Earth's activities as its heritage, and uses them for education and tourism while promoting sustainable development. The phenomena that cause natural disasters today are part of the Earth's behavior, a process that could create local heritage in the future as a blessing of nature.
In a Geopark, visitors can learn about the Earth's processes that cause natural disasters and climate change, understand the geoscientific background that formed the geological heritage of each region, and learn about natural disasters that occurred in the past and the human experience of recovering from them that has led to the present. This process encourages us to imagine and prepare for the natural disasters that the region may face in the near future. In addition, it is possible to exchange information and experiences not only in individual Geoparks, but also through regional and global networks of Geoparks on common or similar disasters and climate changes that occur on a regional or global scale.
Direct response and relief to disasters that occur is the responsibility of the national and local governments, and Geoparks do not directly take on this responsibility. However, it is more important for Geoparks to help residents and visitors understand the past disasters that have occurred in the region, the history of the region's recovery from these disasters, and to be prepared and ready for future disasters. In addition, the Geopark basically includes local government officials and disaster management personnel as members of the Geopark. What they learn and experience in the Geopark should be a strong basis for their thinking and acting against the next natural disaster, either in advance, at the time of occurrence, or after the disaster.
Through targeted education and the integration of traditional knowledge with modern science, the Global Geoparks Network (GGN) will equip Geoparks and their communities to understand the hazards they face and develop strategies for disaster preparedness. Additionally, GGN will continue to promote global cooperation and the sharing of best practices to enhance disaster risk reduction efforts. By fostering strong networks and supporting local initiatives, GGN will contribute to mitigating the effects of climate change and natural hazards, helping to create a safer, more resilient future for both communities and natural heritage. The Global Geoparks Network (GGN) proposes the following actions as its strategic plan for 2025-2035.
1. Strengthening the activity of the GGN Geohazards working group activity at the international, regional networks and national and community levels.
2. Creating specific tools designed for the population to help them detect risks and respond effectively. (e.g., Creating a comic book designed to help local populations in poor rural areas detect signs of possible landslides)
3. Promoting UGGp action plan on natural hazards and disaster mitigation.
4. Preparation of an annual GGN report on natural hazards and climate change.