History of Itoigawa UNESCO Global Geopark

Enactment of the Fossa Magna and Regional Development Plan

This plan, enacted by the Former City of Itoigawa, called for the establishment of outdoor geological conservation sites and a new museum in order to use local geological heritage for regional development and tourist promotion.

Front Cover of the
Regional Development Plan

Fossa Magna Park (Fault Outcrop) Opens

Fossa Magna Park as it appeared before renovation

The word "Geopark" is first used

Fossa Magna Park is branded as the first of several "Itoigawa Geoparks." This is believed to be the first use of the word "Geopark" used to promote geological conservation and geotourism in the world.

The original "Itoigawa Geopark" Logo

Note: While they used the same word which would later be independently coined by what is now the Global Geoparks Network, these "Itoigawa Geoparks" were much smaller in scale with no focus on sustainable development or community involvement.

Fossa Magna Museum Opens

The Fossa Magna Museum opens as a natural history museum, showcasing an extensive collection of both local and globally sourced minerals and fossils.

Ōmi Natural History Museum Opens

The Former Town of Ōmi opens its own natural history museum inside the newly built Kirara Culture Hall.

A new type of Geopark emerges

Four geological conservation areas in France, Germany, Greece and Spain join forces under a new label: "Geoparks." This new network is primarily focused on information sharing and cooperation in the field of geological conservation and research.

At around the same time, geological reserves are established in China under a similar framework.

The Global Geoparks Network is Formed

Geoparks in Europe and China join together to form a new network under the patronage of UNESCO. Geoparks evolve into regions which preserve and celebrate geological heritage alongside related natural and cultural heritage for the purpose of revitalization and sustainable community development.

Merger of 3 Municipalities

As part of the Great Heisei Mergers of 1999 - 2005, the Former City of Itoigawa merges with the Former Towns of Nou and Ōmi to form the New City of Itoigawa.

Itoigawa City announces intention to join the Global Geoparks Network

Japanese Geoparks Liasion Council

Itoigawa City gathers together similarly interested municipalities and related organizations to create an informal network for developing Global Geoparks in Japan.

Chairman Yoneda speaks as President of the Japanese Geoparks Liasion Council

The First Japanese Geoparks

Seven regions (Apoi, Itoigawa, Minami Alps, Muroto, San'in Kaigan, Toya-Usu, and Unzen Volcanic Area) are certified as Japanese Geoparks, uniting to form the Japanese Geoparks Network.

Itoigawa Geopark Japanese Geopark Certification Ceremony

Global Geopark Certification Mission

Global Geoparks Network President Nikolas Zouros and IGCP Executive Secretary Patrick McKeever visit Itoigawa Geopark to evaluate its candidacy for the Global Geoparks Network.

Visiting Nou Hakusan Shrine

Chairman Yoneda with Evaluators

Certified as Japan's First Global Geopark

At the 2nd Asian Pacific Geoparks Network Conference in Taishan Global Geopark, PR China, Itoigawa Geopark was certified as Japan's First Global Geopark alongside Toya-Usu and Unzen Volcanic Area.
Itoigawa Geopark's Official Mascot Characters―Geomaru & Nuna―are unveiled.

Global Geoparks Network Certification

Geomaru

Nuna

Sister Geopark Agreement Signed with Hong Kong

To promote international friendship and cooperation, a sistering agreement is signed with Hong Kong, at the time a Chinese National Geopark aspiring for Global Geopark certification.

Signing Ceremony in Hong Kong

First Japanese Geoparks National Conference in Itoigawa

Itoigawa hosts the 1^st Japanese Geoparks National Conference, bringing over 1,000 people, including representatives from 33 Japanese Geoparks and Aspiring Geoparks to Itoigawa to celebrate Geoparks and exchange through presentations, panel discussions and field excursions.

The Jaapnese Geoparks Network have hosted a National Conference every year since, with only one break in 2020 due to the COVID-19 Global Pandemic.

Japanese Geopark Revalidation Mission

Evaluators from the Japan Geopark Committee arrive in Itoigawa to assess and evaluate our progress and provide recommendations for improvement.

Evaluators Visit the Fossa Magna Museum

Recertified as a Japanese National Geopark

Global Geopark Revalidation Mission

Evaluators from France and China arrive to assess and evaluate and provide recommendations for improvement.

Evaluators Visit Fossa Magna Park

Evaluators Visit the Fossa Magna Museum

Recertified as a Global Geopark (At Korea's Jeju Island Geopark)

Itoigawa GeoStation GeoPal Visitor Center Opens

Fossa Magna Museum Renovation and Grand Reopening

Fossa Magna Theater

Fossil Valley

Hokuriku Shinkansen Opens

Tape-cutting Ceremony at Itoigawa Station

Japanese Geoparks Network Revalidation Mission

At GeoPal

At GeoPal

Recertified as a Japanese Geopark

UNESCO Global Geopark Revalidation Mission

At Oyashirazu Community Road

At Niigata Pref. Kaiyo High School

Recertified as a UNESCO Global Geopark

Recertification Ceremony (Feb 2^nd)

Fossa Magna Park Renovation and Grand Reopening

Opening Ceremony (August 1^st

Tape-cutting Ceremony

Hong Kong Geopark Sistering Agreement 10 Year Anniversary Ceremony

Sistering Exchange Meeting

Comemmorative Exchange

Friendship Agreement with the Naumann Family

Signing Ceremony (April 9^th)

Friendship Agreement

Itoigawa Geopark Global Certification 10^th Anniversary Forum

Opening Ceremony

Open Talk

Fossa Magna Museum Registered as a Satellite Museum of Niigata University

Satellite Museum Ceremony

Itoigawa-Shizuoka Tectonic Line Outcrop Registered as a National Natural Monument

Fault Outcrop at Fossa Magna Park

UNESCO Global Geopark Revalidation Mission
Delayed for one year due to the COVID-19 Global Pandemic.

At Shimohayakawa Elementary School

At Nōsui Shōten

Recertified as a UNESCO Global Geopark

Recertification Ceremony (December 17^th)