[O-06] [JJ] Geoparks in Japan -Lesson to be learned from the failure-

[O06-P07] Management and evaluation of local heritage in Yuzawa Geopark

*Yukiko Yamasaki¹, Makoto Numakura¹, Noriko Konno¹, Kiyoshi Kane¹, Kota Nakamigawa¹, Noriaki Kagami¹ (1.Yuzawa Geopark Promotion Group)

Keywords:Geopark, Geosite, local heritage

Yuzawa Geopark has 379 “Geopoints” and 16 “Geosites”. We defined Geopoint as “the geology, landscape and scenery of earth scientifically importance”, “the cherished landscape, scenery, historical monuments and place, custom and tangible and intangible cultural property of local people” and “the shilling place and thing for tourists”. Geosite is defined as the area that has some Geopoints with a common theme. These definitions are different from the Geosites expressed by the UNESCO Global Geopark Network and the Japan Geopark Network. We are required to consider these definitions.
The Geopoints and Geosite of Yuzawa Geopark ware defined based on scientific research by Network of Earth Science Museum in whole Akita Prefecture. We defined many local heritages as Geopoint because we want local people to rediscover the value of Yuzawa city.
In order to unify the definitions of "Geosite" in all over the world, the Geosite of Yuzawa Geopark should become equivalent to the Geosite defined by UNESCO Global Geopark Network. Defining cultural heritages as geosites makes us confused. However, the places and things that were not defined as "Geosite" are not without value. When they are defined as Geosite, they may become objects of scientific research and conservation. In this presentation, we will discuss the management and evaluation of local heritage based on activity of Yuzawa Geopark.