Japanese Geoparks
Network

Promoting Geopark Activities in Japan and Beyond

The Japanese Geoparks Network (JGN) connects Geoparks and regions aspiring for Geopark certification throughout Japan. Founded in 2009, JGN is a collaborative effort of regular, associate and supporting members working together to elevate the quality of Japanese Geopark activities.

Regular Members are the regions that have been certified as Japanese National Geoparks by the Japan Geopark Committee (JGC). All UNESCO Global Geoparks in Japan are also regular members of JGN.

Associate Members are regions that are working toward certification as a Japanese National Geopark. For this reason, they are often called "Aspiring Japanese Geoparks." By joining JGN as Associate Members, they gain access to the network's collective expertise and can receive the support and mentorship necessary to develop their region.

Supporting Members are individuals or organizations who provide financial contributions to JGN. While they are not voting members, their support is integral to the operation of the Network and the promotion of Geoparks in Japan.

What Japanese Geoparks
Are Trying to Accomplish

The Japanese Geoparks Network serves a dual purpose:

First, it works to popularize Geopark Activities throughout Japan, supporting local regions by helping them better use their natural and cultural heritage for Earth Science popularization to drive sustainable development and nurture community pride.

Secondly, JGN acts as the primary gateway for sharing Japan's unique "geostory" with the global community.  The landscapes and geological heritage of Japan is fundamentally different from that seen in Europe, where the Geopark movement first began, not least of which owing to our location on a very active mobile belt along the Pacific Ring of Fire. Likewise, our cultural background is very different, so the Japanese Geoparks Network works to promote a "Japanese Model" for Geoparks, with a focus on disaster risk reduction, high-quality education programs and community pride.

Related Websites

Japan Geopark Committee (JGC)

Japanese Geoparks Network (JGN)

Geoparks in Japan