What are Geoparks?

Preserving Diversity for a Brighter Tomorrow

Geoparks aim to protect our precious 'geological treasures'
along with the related local natural and cultural heritage,
while inviting people to discover and explore these unique areas

The word "Geo" comes from the Greek word "gaia" meaning the Earth or land, and "Park" means a designated area. Geoparks are areas designated for the purpose of protecting our outstanding geological heritage along with the local nature and culture, while inviting people to discover the close connections on display in these unique areas.

Itoigawa passed the rigorous screening of the UNESCO-supported Global Geoparks Network and was designated as Japan's first "Global Geopark" in August 2009.

Global Geoparks are geoparks of high-quality and global value certified based on strict evaluation criteria. In November 2015, Global Geoparks became an official UNESCO Site Designation.

The "Global Geoparks Network" (GGN) is a worldwide association of these UNESCO Global Geoparks. Established in 2004, the network has grown to include 241 areas across 51 countries as of April 2026, including 11 here in Japan.

UNESCO Global Geoparks Homepage

Geoparks must work to preserve and utilize their local treasures to achieve sustainable regional development. But this is no easy task. To improve the overall quality of Geopark activities and raise awareness, simply working individually within our own regions is not enough. Geoparks around the world cooperate, exchanging best practices and ideas, and working together to find better ways forward.

This is where network activities come in. The Global Geoparks Network (GGN) connects Geoparks worldwide, while the Japanese Geoparks Network (JGN) links those within Japan. There are larger regional networks as well, including the Asia-Pacific Geoparks Network (APGN), the European Geoparks Network (EGN).

International networks like GGN, APGN, and EGN hold conferences every two years, while the JGN meets annually to share expertise, exchange information, and showcase local initiatives. Beyond these conferences, Geoparks engage in staff exchanges at the practitioner level, host training workshops, and establish sister-park agreements with international counterparts.

Built on this strong foundation of collaboration, Geoparks around the world carry out conservation and educational activities using their unique "geological treasures." Through guided tours and educational travel, we work hard every day to help as many people as possible discover and appreciate our irreplaceable Earth.