Izu Peninsula UNESCO Global Geopark Progress Report 2017 – 2020

Progress report 2017 - 2020
Izu Peninsula UNESCO Global Geopark
Japan
Person responsible for the report:
Shigeya KANEZASHIA.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Surface area in km2
Population
Year of acceptance as UNESCO
Global Geopark
Year of membership in the Global
Geoparks Network (before theestablishment of the UGGp label
in 2015)
Previous revalidation date(s) andname(s) of previous evaluator(s)Contact person (name, position,e-mail)Website (please provide URL)
Social media (please provide listof all channels used)

B.

2,027 km2 (of which 1,585 km2 is on land)
667,234 (as of 04/2019)
2018
2018

25–27 July 2017
Ibrahim Komoo, Alexandru Andrasanu
Shigeya Kanezashi, Director
info@izugeopark.org
https://izugeopark.org/
Twitter https://twitter.com/izugeo
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/izugeopark/
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/izugeopark/
YouTube https://www.youtube.com/user/izugeo/

LIST OF DOCUMENTS SUBMITTED BY THE UGGp
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Progress Report
Evaluation Document A
Evaluation Document B
Annex Appendix
GGN Annual Report 2018
GGN Annual Report 20191

Izu Peninsula UNESCO Global Geopark Progress Report 2017 – 2020C.

MAP OF THE AREA

This map is a standard UN map downloaded from the UNESCO
official website and does not represent the position of theJapanese Government.
Narita Airport

Tokyo
Haneda Airport

Shizuoka Pref.

D.

Izu
Peninsula

IMPROVEMENTS MADE ON PREVIOUS RECOMMENDATIONSUNESCO Global Geopark Initial Acceptance in 2018
Recommendation a: Considering the internationally important geological heritage of the
Izu Peninsula and the role that it has played in local identity development, specific activities
need to be developed in order to identify the connections between the local geological
heritage, natural heritage, and cultural heritage and to integrate the results in education,
promotion, interpretation and visiting infrastructure.
Improvements: Our specific activities take the form of small, frequent events and efforts in
education and the promotion of tourism. Concrete examples follow:
 GeoCafe: Guest speakers are invited to give public talks. The initial talk introduces aparticular topic showing the relationships between the structure of the Izu Peninsula
and its natural and cultural heritage, followed by an open discussion. (See section
E.1.5)
 Creation and distribution of “Footpath Maps” in Japanese and English for four trails
around the peninsula. These enable people to enjoy both the geological and ecologicalwealth of the peninsula and its cultural and literary flowering, as they guide themselves
along hiking trails.
 The Education Working Group has been registered as a regional ESD (Education for
Sustainable Development) hub by the ESD Support Center, and is promoting both ESD
and education about the Geopark.
Recommendation b: Highlight and promote the international value of the geological
heritage through effective interpretation for a wide audience at every possible opportunity.

2

Izu Peninsula UNESCO Global Geopark Progress Report 2017 – 2020
Improvements: We are using a wide variety of methods, including hub facilities, information
panels, publications, websites, geotours and etc., to raise awareness of the international valueof the geological heritage. (See section E.1)
Recommendation c: Related with its historical and cultural importance of Izu Peninsula, adeeper investigation should be opened on the intangible heritage of this area. This should
include an inventory that includes local tales, legends, myths, local songs, dance, andmusic.
Improvements: We have created a list of all the registered cultural properties (including
intangible cultural properties) in the area. We have created a DVD that offers a comprehensive
overview of the Izu Peninsula through readings of a work of literature that covers the whole
region: the essay An Introduction to Izu, by the Nobel laureate Yasunari Kawabata. This isbeing used broadly, and has been distributed to all schools within the Geopark to contributeto education on the local area.
Recommendation d: A clear partnership strategy should be developed with partners toinclude a clear methodology on the criteria required to become a partner and a formal
agreement with the Geopark. This is applicable to but not restricted to accommodation andcatering providers, transport providers, activity providers and producers of local products.
Improvements: In order to contribute to restoring and enhancing the economic and cultural
vitality of the Izu Peninsula while achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), theGeopark has concluded a comprehensive cooperation agreement with a local gas utility
company. We will work together to promote understanding of the local products and foodculture of the peninsula, encourage local production and consumption, spread understandingof the environment and enhance disaster mitigation, and enhance the regional economy(Please see section E7.2 for details). In accordance with propagation effects to the area, we
adopt individual agreement in the partnership strategy at present so that it is able to spread towider economy. In addition, the council has a system for corporate supporters. The affiliation
criteria is that consent of the geopark concept, and the supporters’ activity purpose is realizing
sustainable region. The corporations and organizations that participate in these ways are
effectively our partners. Additionally, we have undertaken an Overall Concept for Promoting
Ecotourism, and are developing a portal site through which people can make reservations withcompanies offering sustainable tourisms and for activities offered by certified geoguides.
Recommendation e: Develop the different landscapes of the area with the same quality
criteria used, in order to have a good balance between the coastal areas and the inland
areas, in order to integrate all geopark communities. Ensure that formal agreements are inplace with all partners.
Improvements: To address the landscapes, we have compiled a list of all designated sites,
and of both natural monuments and cultural properties. We are ensuring that this is reflected
on information panels and the website, and in geotours. Further, we are developing ourcooperation with other internationally recognized programs that overlap the area of the
Geopark, and working on a comprehensive interpretation of the landscape. These geopark
initiatives were primarily conducted at the inland area. Relations with partners are managed
as described in our response to recommendation d.
Recommendation f: Due to the exceptional historical art and literature found in the Izu
Peninsula landscapes, an inventory of these should be created to ensure that they arerecorded and put to future use.

3

Izu Peninsula UNESCO Global Geopark Progress Report 2017 – 2020
Improvements: We have created a listing of works of literature. As part of the GeoCafe seriesof public talks, we are holding “Literati Salons”, where the local culture and history of Izu are
explored through themes in literary works. We are also cooperating with literature museumsin the area.
Recommendation g: Develop international cooperation and exchanges in order to promotelocal geological, natural and human values and to enhance the role of the geopark in socioeconomic development of local communities.
Improvements: We made a cooperation agreement with the Ciletuh-Parabuhanratu UNESCO
Global Geopark in autumn 2019 and are now implementing cooperative programs in botheducation and promotion. We are carrying out training sessions to enable technology transfer
and discourse between researchers, and have set up special exhibitions in the both central
facilities. We will work to broaden our mutual interactions and strengthen the socio-economic
development of the regions.
Recommendation h: Adapt the Master Plan and Action Plan in order to better integrate therecommendations.
Improvements: We are compiling both a Master Plan (2021–2025) and Action Plan (2021–2025), taking the grass-roots standpoint of local residents through various way including
workshop. The plans will accomplish within FY 2020 and enforce by the general meeting
approval.
Recommendation i: Strengthen the networking with other UNESCO Global Geoparks at aregional, national and global level, and actively contribute to international conferences andmeetings on UNESCO Global Geoparks.
Improvements: In order to strengthen our networking with other Geoparks, we are sharing
knowledge and practice through presentations at international conferences, and otherinteractions with instructor at UNESCO-organized training session or geopark field evaluators.
In addition, we have concluded a cooperation agreement with the Ciletuh-Parabuhanratu
UNESCO Global Geopark. We are contributing to international cooperation in a variety of ways,
including hosting a school excursion, translating leaflets, exchanging display specimens,
sending instructors to training sessions, and working on spreading the Geopark concept toAsian country in which Geopark is not yet implemented.
Additional Comment: All UNESCO Global Geoparks should ensure the role of women
within the UNESCO Global Geopark staff in accordance with the UNESCO principles.
Improvements: The Bureau stuff members of the Geopark Promotion Council has exchangedin each year. In a period 2017-2020, almost the half of the member were women, whereas
two as of December 2020. The President has requested municipalities to dispatch women
staff to the bureau so that we are able to ensure a diversity of perspectives and it can reflect
in decision-making. There is no gender gap in the roles held.

E.

VERIFICATION OF UGGp CRITERIA

E.1

TERRITORY

E.1.1 GEOLOGICAL HERITAGE AND CONSERVATIONThe International Value of the Geology

4

Izu Peninsula UNESCO Global Geopark Progress Report 2017 – 2020
The geological features of the Izu Peninsula are characterized by the collision of thesubmarine volcanoes on the Philippine Sea plate against the Japan island arc, and by
successive volcanism and strong crustal movement. This region is the only place in the world
where two active island arcs are currently colliding. It is possible to trace diverse volcanic
activity from the birth of submarine volcanoes to the subsequent development of large onshore
volcanoes and active monogenic volcanoes. In particular, the excellent exposure of submarine
volcanic ejecta in the west and south of the area has driven global research on submarine
volcanism. The dynamic movement due to the collision has created tectonic landforms,
including the appearance of the Tanna Fault associated with the Kitaizu Earthquake in 1930
that has promoted research on active faults since then.
Conservation of Geological Sites
Major Examples of Conservation Activities<Creation of an Overall Concept for Promoting Ecotourism>
The conservation of many sites is ensured under a range of national laws and regulations,such as the Natural Parks Act, the Act on the Protection of Cultural Properties and related
ordinances, Coastal Conservation Plans, and Regional Forestry Plans. On the other hand,some sites are not protected by law, and have de facto protection under local efforts. We haveundertaken an Overall Concept for Promoting Ecotourism covering the whole of the Geopark
area under the Ecotourism Promotion Act. This concept sets all sites are designated Natural
Tourism Resources. After the approval of the ecotourism concept by the government basedon this act, the Mayor of the local municipality will be able to respond to the possible
deterioration of Natural Tourism Resource by declaring it a Specified Natural Tourism
Resource and imposing legal restrictions such as prohibiting the entry to the site.
<Rescue Conservation of Outcrops>
There are cases in which high-quality outcrops
are exposed by construction work. Suchvaluable outcrops have scientific value, but they
are lost as construction continues. Thanks to
Geopark training for construction officers, we
receive information about uncovered outcrops
from local municipalities. We preserve
information about the outcrop before it is lost
through taking geological records and samples,using drones to create 3-dimensional data, andThree-dimensional data created fromcreating and preserving surface peeldrone photographs
specimens. In some cases, the surface peel
specimens are provided to local schools as teaching material.
Reclassification of Sites
According to a past filed evaluators’ advice, we organized the resources of the Geopark simply
as “sites”. The basic types of site are “Geological site”, “Ecological site”, and “Cultural site”,
but as it is not possible to account for all of the sites in the Izu Peninsula Geopark in thesecategories, we added three local classifications: Lookout site, Disaster site, and Research site.
Geological site
Ecological site
Cultural Site
Lookout Site

Sites whose main value is geological orgeomorphologicalSites whose main value is biological. Plant communities
etc. May include sites with no connection to geology
Sites whose main value is cultural. Temples, landscapes,
etc. May include sites with no connection to geology
The site itself has no particular value, but it has value asa viewpoint

5

Additional
categories

Izu Peninsula UNESCO Global Geopark Progress Report 2017 – 2020
Disaster Site

Sites connected to disasters. Disaster scars,
commemorative monuments, disaster mitigation facilities
Research Site
Sites is utilized for scientific research, not open for the
public.
In some cases, sites share features of several categories (Compound Sites)
Site TypeSite Numbers
94
18
5
13
13
93

Geological Site
Cultural Site
Ecological Site
Lookout Site
Disaster Site
Research Site
Geological/Disaster
Geological/EcologicalGeological/Ecological/Cultural
Geological/Ecological/Cultural/Disaster
Geological/Ecological/Cultural/Lookout
Compound Sites
Geological/Lookout
Geological/Cultural
Lookout/Ecological
Lookout/Cultural
Cultural/Disaster/Lookout

1
12
1
1
1
1
11
1
1
1
Total:

Sites including “Geo” (Geological sites)

31

268
122

The sites have been entered in a GIS database, which is available for usage by the Geopark
member organizations.
The latest version of the site list and map, together with the GIS data, can be downloaded
from http://izugeopark.org/office//maps/geosite/
E.1.2 BOUNDARIESThe boundary of the Izu Peninsula Geopark is the periphery of fifteen local municipalities(Numazu City, Atami City, Mishima City, Ito City, Shimoda City, Izu City, Izunokuni City,
Higashiizu Town, Kawazu Town, Minamiizu Town, Matsuzaki Town, Nishiizu Town, Kannami
Town, Shimizu Town, and Nagaizumi Town). The marine area is defined as extending 3 km
from the coastline. By virtue of including these local municipalities, the Geopark also includes
the inhabited island of Hatsushima (part of Atami City) and the southernmost point ofMikomoto (part of Shimoda City).
E.1.3 VISIBILITY
Gateway Enhancements
We are continuing to set up
comprehensive information panels to
make it easy for people who havevisited the Izu Peninsula Geopark to
become aware that they are in a
geopark. Specifically, we have set up
an information panel in front of the mainrail gateway, Mishima Station. For
people entering by road, the roadsidestations are the main gateways. At the

Newly set up Visitor Center at
Gateway Kannami

6

A roadsidewelcome sign

Izu Peninsula UNESCO Global Geopark Progress Report 2017 – 2020
Gateway Kannami, which opened in 2017 in Kannami Town, we have established a visitor
center, while at Roadside Station Izutsukigase, which opened in 2019 in Izu City, we have set
up a general information panel. Information panels or visitor centers have already been
established at other railway stations and roadside stations. In addition, with the cooperation of
the Rotary Club, we have set up welcome signs on the main route through the area, National
Route 135, and at roadside stations. In near future, we will set up welcome signs at theentrance from the Tokyo direction to enhance the visibility of the start of the geopark.
Installation of Interpretation Panels
Over the four years since 2017, we have set up Geopark interpretation panels in 25 locations.
All interpretation panels are in both Japanese and English, and make effective use ofphotographs, illustrations, and maps to keep the amount of text to a minimum and ensure thatthey are easy to understand. In total, there are now interpretation panels in 141 locations. Theinterpretation panels can also be viewed online. The promotion council has beensystematically updating existing panels to include the UNESCO-linked logo since recognition
as a UNESCO Global Geopark in 2018. Also in 2018, “Traditional wasabi cultivation in
Shizuoka” was recognized as a Global Important Agricultural Heritage System, and some ofthe designated sites of wasabi cultivation overlap with Geological Sites and Ecological Sites
within the Geopark. We have cooperated with Shizuoka Prefecture, which oversees the
agricultural heritage, to set up unified interpretation panels in those locations, aiming forsynergy between the two global brands. (See section E.4)
Website & SNS
The Izu Peninsula Geopark website was thoroughly revised in 2017. The new website serves
all the fundamental publicity functions: providing basic information, introducing points ofinterest and activities, advertising events, and making the park’s literature and publications
available for download. One distinctive feature of the website is that it is set up to link points
of interest. Rather than displaying them individually, each point is tagged with its area, thephenomena that are visible there, theme, geological period, and so on. This means that
visitors to the site can easily find all the points of interest that match up with the topics theywant to learn more about. The page for each point of interest includes not only accessinformation and an interpretation of the site, but also “Hazard Information” to enable people toview it safely, and “Academic Information”, linking to academic papers including research on
the site. Finally, in times of natural disaster, such as typhoons, information about the damageis also published on the site. (See section E.2.4)
The website is visited by an average of around 1,000 users per day. This puts it among the
top tourism websites in Shizuoka Prefecture, and it is contributing to increased awareness of,and visits to, the Geopark. We also maintain a presence on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, andYouTube, where we publish updates on events and day-to-day activities, focusing on morecasual and immediate topics than the website.
E.1.4 FACILITIES AND INFRASTRUTURE
Izu Peninsula Geopark Museum “Georia”
The Izu Peninsula Geopark Museum “Georia” was founded in 2014 as the central facility forthe geopark’s activities. As part of the foundation, we conducted workshops with local
municipalities, geoguides, and the local area where the museum was founded (Shuzenji
Onsen), developing the following concept.
“Visitors to the museum should be able to enjoy an immediate experience of the geostory.
Through a vicarious experience of how scientists made important discoveries about the area,
they will become able to untangle the features of the contemporary Izu Peninsula and its
geological activity. Further, by taking this experience to the geopark, they will, with the help of
the interpretation panels, be able to read the landscape for themselves.”

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Izu Peninsula UNESCO Global Geopark Progress Report 2017 – 2020
Many of the exhibits in Georia are set so that people can touch them, and freely examine themthrough microscopes. It holds regular special exhibitions, to offer new information to repeat
visitors. In addition to the exhibitions, Georia also hosts workshops for both adults and children,
helping them to understand and discover the natural features around them.
Geopark Visitor Centers
Visitors to the Izu Peninsula enter from many
directions. Further, Geopark sites andaccommodation are spread over a wide area
within the geopark. As a result, the central
facility, Georia, cannot, by itself, provide all thenecessary information. Thus, we aimed toestablish one visitor center in each of the local
municipalities (fifteen towns and cities) making
up the geopark, to provide information about thesurrounding area. Newly established visitor
centers since 2017 are as follows: Kannami
Town (2017), Minamiizu Town (2019), Shimizu
Town (2019), Nishiizu Town (2020). As of now,
fifteen visitor centers have been established,
and are managed by the appropriate local
municipalities.
Research Hub “AmaGEO”
A laboratory for science research of thisGeopark, Amagi Research Hub “AmaGEO” wasfounded, using a closed school building in thecenter of the area in 2019. It includes a researchlaboratory, a document and sample storage andexhibition space. Shizuoka University is making
use of the same facilities, and we holdcollaborative events with them.

Locations of Geopark hubs (2020)

E.1.5 INFORMATION, EDUCATION AND RESEARCH
Publicity Media<Material Produced by the Promotion Council>
The Promotion Council produces two varieties of map.
The first, aimed at both visitors and local residents, is the
Izu Geo Map. This map, which is available in fivelanguages (Japanese, English, Simplified Chinese,
Traditional Chinese, Korean), describes the overall
structure of the Izu Peninsula, and introduces the mainsites, along with the nature, food, and history of the area.
The second, aimed at visitors, is a set of four Driving
Maps, one for each of the northern, southern, eastern, andwestern areas. These maps are constantly updated incooperation with certified geoguides, and are distributed
to visitor centers, roadside stations, and tourist andaccommodation facilities. They have proved to be a
powerful tool for raising interest in the Geopark.
We have also created the Footpath Map series, whichallows people to guide themselves on hiking tours thattake in the geology and flora of the area, and introduce
places related to literature. Collaborating with marine

8

Movie imagery of “AnIntroduction to Izu” DVD

Izu Peninsula UNESCO Global Geopark Progress Report 2017 – 2020
activity companies, we have also produced Izu Geo Map of Sea, which is modelled on the Izu
Geo Map but focuses on geological features in the sea. These two activity maps are available
in both Japanese and English, so that visitors from overseas can also enjoy Izu activities.
We are also producing educational materials. We have created a comic, Secrets of the Izu
Peninsula, aimed at children, and it is distributed every year to all children in the fifth year ofelementary school (ages 10-11) within the area of the geopark. It is also used in study activities
that utilize the geopark. In 2020, we created a DVD that provides a comprehensive overview
of the Izu Peninsula based on a narration of the essay “An Introduction to Izu” by Yasunari
Kawabata, a literature Nobel laureate. The prime purpose of this DVD is to support local areastudies, and it has been distributed to all schools within the territory, where it is widely used toenhance students’ understanding of the area where they live.
<Books>We also produce books, aimed at a wider audience. In 2017, Professor Masato Koyama of
Shizuoka University, an academic advisor to the Promotion Council, published a book entitledThrough the Eyes of Drones: The Izu Peninsula Collision. In this book, he analyzed thegeology and geomorphology of the Izu Peninsula based on aerial drone photography. In 2019
Atelier Rocky published a collection of aerial drone photographs of the Izu Peninsula Geopark
for a general audience, entitled Divine Geology. Both of these books are available in theGeoria museum shop.
<Izu GeoTest>
We hold the Izu GeoTest every year to encourage wider and deeper use of the information in
our printed material and books, and on our website. The purpose of the Level 3 Izu GeoTest
is to get people to strengthen their interest in the Geopark while they enjoy researching new
information. Thus, the test is open for several weeks, and test takers may submit their answers
at any point during this period, using books and online materials to research their answers
before submission. Over the four years up to 2020, the average number of submissions has
been 500. Schools and companies have taken it in groups, and people are becoming moreaware of it.
People who have passed Level 3 may also take Level 1-2. The Level 1-2 Izu GeoTest is taken
at an examination center, and in the three years to 2019 the average number of candidates
has been 57. The questions are designed to be easier to answer if you have actually visited
the sites in question. People who score 45 or more out of 50 receive Level 1, while those whoscore 35 or more receive Level 2. Level 1 is difficult, with only one or two people reaching it
every year, and there are some people who take the exam every year aiming to achieve Level
1.
Cooperation with the MediaWe strategically issue press releases to media organizations. For example, in fiscal 2018 weissued 101 press releases, the highest number among the UNESCO Global Geoparks. At
present these releases, depending on their content, are sent to the 78 organizational membersof the council, 150 corporate supporters, the publicity departments of the prefecture and thecities and towns making up the geopark, 77 media organizations, 51 travel companies, 230
individual geosupporters, and 189 certified geoguides. Information is delivered directly tointerested residents, and its frequent appearance in the media has raised awareness of the
Geopark. As people become more aware of the geopark, we receive more requests to appear
in various media. For example, a popular national television program on NHK, the national
broadcaster, explained the Izu Peninsula.
GeoCafe
GeoCafe aims to create a space in which different kinds of knowledge about the Geopark can
be shared, revealing the many ways in which it is valuable. It was first held in fiscal 2017 withthe goal of bringing people to know about Global Geoparks. Since fiscal 2018, it has been
held about once every two months at various locations across the peninsula. Small groups of9

Izu Peninsula UNESCO Global Geopark Progress Report 2017 – 2020
people, including a specialist or two, gather to take upvarying topics, including literature, ecology, geology, andfolk customs, and share information. Based on thequestionnaires we collect, it seems that about half of theattendees are regulars, while half are made up of firsttimers or second-timers. Some themes have become
standards, such as the “Literati Series”, which takes up
the relationship between the Izu Peninsula and literature,or the “It’s Tough for Hot Springs!”, held in cooperation
with the Shizuoka Hot Springs Association, which looks
at the science and management of hot spring resorts.
Date
2018/2/12

Title
Speakers
Easy Science Café: What are Global Dr. Atsuko Niina, Tottori University
Geoparks?
of Environmental Studies
Mr. Yusuke Suzuki, Izu Peninsula
GeoparkProf. Dr. Katsuhiko Asahi, Izu
Peninsula Geopark
2018/6/10
Geo Literati Café
Mr. Hiroo Ando, Geoguide
Mr. Kazumasa Nagakura, Book
shop owner
Mr. Yusuke Suzuki, Izu Peninsula
Geopark
2018/7/7
Across Amagi
Ms. Ryoko Ishigami, TV Director
Ms. Ikuko Uda, Hotel Manager
2018/9/16
Stories of Crystals and Rainbow Ms. Kayoko Sato, Writer
Creation Workshop
2019/1/27
It’s Tough for Hot Springs!
Ms. Noriko Ota, Boring Engineer
Mr. Shin Watanabe, Hot Spring Inn
Manager
2019/2/24
Geo Literati Café
Mr. Naoki Kenmochi, Curator
Ms. Kayo Tokuyama, Curator
Mr. Hiroo Ando, Geoguide2019/6/16
GeoCafe Spirits of the Road
Mr. Sei Tajima, Curator
Mr. Norihisa Osaka, Geoguide2019/7/6
Geo Literati Café “Men of the Mountain Ms. Kayo Tokuyama, Curator
Passes”
Mr. Hiroo Ando, Geoguide2019/9/7
Aqueduct Café in Mishima
Ms. Maki Sumi, Designer
Mr. Yusuke Suzuki, Izu Peninsula
Geopark
2019/11/30 Xenoturbella and Dr. Nakano
Dr. Hiroaki Nakano, University ofTsukuba
2020/1/26
It’s Tough for Hot Springs!
Ms. Eiko Oishi, Hot spring manager
Mr. Yuichi Ezawa, Chemical
AnalystMr. Akio Sugimoto, Chemical
Engineer
2020/4/25
It’s Tough for Hot Springs! (Online)
Dr. Wakao Fukuda, Kwansei
Gakuin University
Mr. Kazumasa Nakada, Medical
DoctorMilk Stories

10Izu Peninsula UNESCO Global Geopark Progress Report 2017 – 2020
From summer 2018, we have been working with the Kannami East
Agricultural Cooperative on a project to print short stories on 200 ml
Tanna Milk packs. Around 10 million of these 200 ml packs areproduced every year, mainly for school lunches in the Izu area. As aresult, their educational impact is remarkably strong. For the second
edition, starting in 2019, we called for submissions from people over
70 years of age. At the same time, we set up a system through whichfacilities for the elderly could arrange for visits from certified
geoguides to help with the creation of the manuscripts. In this way,
the project has promoted the Geopark and knowledge of the local
area not only to schools, but also to the elderly.
GeoTrainIzukyu Railway Corporation is continuing to run a GeoTrain in which photographic posters ofGeological Sites from across the peninsula are displayed, introducing the Geopark to visitors.
In 2019 and 2020, the Izu Hakone Railway has also been running trains as a GeoTrain. This
train displays posters designed by local high school students to introduce Geological Sites,
and was made a reality through the cooperation of the railway company, high schools, and
the Geopark Promotion Council.

Poster from the Izu Hakone Railway GeoTrain(Created by the Photography Club at Izu Sogo High School)
Geopark Children’s Picture Contest
We hold a picture contest for elementary and junior high school students who either live in the
Izu Peninsula or go to school there. The call for entries is made over a period including thesummer holidays, and we ask for pictures of geopark sites. The aim is to get children to visit
the Geopark sites with their families, learn more about the area, and feel pride in it. The contest
was first held in 2017, and the number of entries has increased year by year, reaching nearly
200 in 2019. We hold an exhibition of winning entries, which visits Georia, the central museum,visitor centers, and supporting corporations.
Research Grant
We launched a program of research grants for young scholars in 2015, with the aim of raising
the base level of academic research in the Izu Peninsula. From 2018, when we were
designated as a UNESCO Global Geopark, the policy was changed to provide grants forEnglish-language publication of peer-review scientific papers, to encourage global levelresearch. Further, by publicizing the scheme to many research organizations, a number of
cutting edge applications were able to convert it into a competitive grant program. The grant
Number of grants awarded by the Izu Peninsula Geopark Grants-in-aid for Scientific
Research over the last four years, by field of study
Earth Sciences
Biological Sciences
Human and Social
Sciences
Fiscal 2017
2
1
Fiscal 2018
2
2
Fiscal 2019
2
1
Fiscal 2020
1
1
1

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Izu Peninsula UNESCO Global Geopark Progress Report 2017 – 2020
recipients give public lectures on their results, in which they are expected to aim thepresentation at the general public and avoid technical terms, so that it is effective outreach. It
is also contributing to the spread of world-leading scientific research, and the deepening of its
connections to the region.

E.2

OTHER HERITAGE

E.2.1 NATURAL HERITAGE
Within the Izu Peninsula, there are 11 examples of vegetation, ecosystems, or wild animals
registered as national natural monuments, 32 registered by the prefecture, and 63 by themunicipalities of the area.
The Kuroshio Current flows along the coast of the Izu
Peninsula, so that it is blessed with a warm climate for its
location at latitude 35º north. For example, Cape Iro
meteorological station, at the southern tip of the peninsula,
recorded an average temperature of 16.6ºC for the period
1981–2010. As a result, it marks the northern edge of therange of a wide variety of vegetation found in the southernareas of the warm temperate zone. The grove of juniper atCape Oose in Numazu City is the most northerly location
where multiple juniper trees grow. The area also marks theJuniper at Cape Oose
northern edge of the ranges of many varieties of fern. On
the other hand, Mount Amagi, in the central mountain range,
has an annual rainfall that reaches 4000 mm, and is the cradleof a diverse natural environment. The forests of Stewartia andbeech on the ridges of this mountain are designated as a
special protection area within the National Park. Further, aprimeval beech forest in Kannami Town has been preservedwith no logging for several centuries. Beech, which prefers acool climate, colonized the Izu Peninsula during the Ice Agewhen temperatures were 6–7ºC lower, but as the temperaturerose in the post-glacial period, it retreated, so that the
woodlands at an altitude of about 1000 m on Mount Amagi
and in Kannami Town are relict populations.
The marine regions also display the distinctive features of thenatural environment of Izu. Uchiura Bay in Numazu City has
the most northerly population of Acropora coral, and thePrimeval Beech Forest at
subduction zone in Suruga Bay is home to a wide variety of
Mt. Amagi
deep-sea fish, along with the world’s largest arthropod, theJapanese spider crab.
E.2.2 CULTURAL HERITAGE
There are 669 registered cultural properties in the Izu Peninsula, of which 1 is a World Heritage
Site, 142 are national cultural properties, 69 are designated by the prefecture, and 447 aredesignated by the municipalities.
Evidence for human occupation of the Izu Peninsula goesback 37,000 years to the middle Paleolithic. The stone
tools found at the Idemaruyama site in Numazu City aresome of the oldest found in Japan, and use obsidian from
Kouzu Island in the Izu Islands, serving as valuableevidence of the movement of people by boat. Sites datingfrom the Kofun period (roughly 200 CE to 600 CE) are
Kashiya Cave Tombs
designated as sites within the Geopark, including the(Kannami Town)
Kashiya Cave Tombs and Ema Cave Tombs. There are12

Izu Peninsula UNESCO Global Geopark Progress Report 2017 – 2020
also many nationally designated historic sites, such as the place where Minamoto Yoritomo,
who was exiled to Izu and then founded the Kamakura feudal government, raised the standardof rebellion in the late twelfth century. In the mid to late nineteenth century, at the end of theTokugawa shogunate, many important events happened in the area, including the signing of
the Shimoda Treaty which is the supplemental arrangement of the Japan–US Treaty of Peace
and Amity, and remaining sites from the period include the Nirayama Reverberatory Furnaces,
where large cannon were made, and Gyokusenji Temple, the site of the first US consulate inJapan. Of these, the Nirayama Reverberatory Furnaces are part of the World Cultural Heritage
Site “Sites of Japan’s Meiji Industrial Revolution: Iron and Steel, Shipbuilding and Coal Mining”.
Izu stone and its quarries deserve particular mention in the context of the history and cultureof Izu. “Izu Hard Stone”, a hard and durable variety of andesite, was used in the walls of castles,
while “Izu Soft Stone”, a soft stone that is easy to work, was used for stone storerooms andovens, and for decorative stonework inside buildings. Among the quarries, the Usami quarry
in Ito City, which was used in the construction of Edo Castle, is designated as a historic site
by the city. Further, in the past many materials were mined in the area, including gold, and theformer Toi Gold Mine and Gantsuki Tensho Gold Mine are also registered by Izu City ashistorical sites.
E.2.3 INTANGIBLE HERITAGE
There are 58 registered intangible heritages in the Izu
Peninsula, of which one is national, ten are prefectural,and 46 are municipal. One is registered by both thecountry and the prefecture. These heritages have legal
protection, and are, for the most part, seasonal
festivals, religious rituals, and performing arts. The
land of Izu is closely bound up with volcanoes, and themain Japanese deity of the primary Shinto shrine ofIzu, Mishima Taisha Shrine, known as Mishima
Daimyojin, was given increased rank by the court
Kawakanjo (Izunokuni City)
whenever volcanic islands to the south erupted. On theother hand, every August a traditional festival called“Kawakanjo” is held at the Kano River, which saw a great deal of damage in the 1958 typhoon,
to pacify the kami of the river and make offerings to the souls of those killed by flooding. Finally,
there are many shrines that people who made a living on the sea revered as protective spirits
for safety at sea, such as Iro Jinja Shrine, at the the southernmost tip of Cape Iro.
<Authors and Izu>
Izu, blessed with hot springs, is a region where authors have often stayed to write their works,
and Izu appears with particular frequency in literature of the late nineteenth and early twentiethcenturies. 325 individual works, including novels,
essays, and poems, have been recorded as having aclose link to the peninsula, such as the works ofYasushi Inoue, the author of “Shirobanba”, who wasraised in Amagi-yugashima, the works of Yasunari
Kawabata (such as “The Dancing Girl of Izu”), whostayed in the peninsula for long periods, and works by
Osamu Dazai, who wrote such famous works as The
Setting Sun and No Longer Human while staying in inns
in Numazu and Atami. As part of the GeoCafe series
begun in 2018, we have been holding “Literati Cafes”
The Mount Amagi Tunnel,
focused on the connection between these authors andfeatured in “Dancing Girl of Izu”
works and the landscape and environment of Izu. (SeeE.1.5 for more details)

13

Izu Peninsula UNESCO Global Geopark Progress Report 2017 – 2020
E.2.4 INVOLVEMENT IN TOPICS RELATED TO CLIMATE CHANGE AND NATURAL
HAZARDS
Through the activities of the Geopark, people can learn about the origins and structure of theland. Through this, they can learn about disasters of the past, and prepare themselves fordisasters that might occur in the future. The regional disaster plans for Shizuoka Prefecture,
Ito City, and Izu City include the following provision: “In cooperation with the Izu Peninsula
Geopark, we will work to give tourists and others a broad and accurate understanding ofpotential disasters arising from volcanoes, and of how to respond to them.” Some of the sites
composing the Izu Peninsula Geopark are Disaster Sites, comprising scars and records ofpast disasters. As a concrete disaster mitigation measure, the Geopark is a member of the
Izutobu Volcano Group Eruption Emergency Landslide Mitigation Strategy Promotion
Coordination Group. In addition, we arrange for disaster mitigation staff in local municipalities
to view the Disaster Sites.
On 19th July 2019, to mark the 30th anniversary of
the Izu-tobu Submarine Volcano Eruption, a
symposium was held to preserve memories of thedisaster. In addition to keynote addresses fromuniversity professors, there was a panel
discussion including people who personallyexperienced the eruption: people responsible forthe disaster response, local fishermen, andmembers of the media. Around 370 people
attended the symposium, preventing the disaster
Symposium Panel Discussion
from being forgotten and reminding everyone of
the need for vigilance.
When natural disasters such as typhoons occur, we make information available on SNS. In
the aftermath, we investigate the situation on the ground and gather information from local
municipalities to grasp the damage to geopark sites. We update the information about disasterdamage on our website as necessary. When recovery works are undertaken, the Promotion
Council works with the local authority undertaking the works to ensure that the value of thesites is not lost.

E.3

MANAGEMENTThe Izu Peninsula Geopark Promotion Council is the management body for the Geopark, and,as of December 2020, is made up of 76 organizations, including all local municipalities,
mercantile, and transport companies. The Promotion Council is preparing to merge in April
2022 with the Izu Development Association, which undertakes a role of tourism developmentin the Izu Peninsula. The new merged body is going to have a General Incorporated
Association status. The Promotion Council is made up of a General Meeting, Executive Board,
Bureau, and working group. The General Meeting gathers representatives of all the member
organizations, and discusses and makes decisions on important issues such as theestablishment, revision, and revocation of the Council’s rules, plans for major activities, andbudgets. The Executive Board prepares proposals for the General Meeting and strategic
activity plans, while the Bureau manages day-to-day activities and serves as a contact point
for the Geopark. Working group is established when there is a need for support for these
activities from people with specialist knowledge.
The Promotion Council establishes budgets and manages its funds independently. The main
sources of income are membership fees from the members of the council (primarily the fifteen
municipalities) and grants from Shizuoka Prefecture, which support operating expenses suchas the training of geoguides, publicity activities, and the support of scientific specialists. In
addition, we have a budget for research grants and preservation activities, funded bydonations from corporations. Physical infrastructure such as the visitor centers andinterpretation panels is paid for by the municipalities and other member organizations. The

14

Izu Peninsula UNESCO Global Geopark Progress Report 2017 – 2020

budget for the Promotion Council since 2017 is given below.
The Bureau is headquartered in the center of the peninsula, in Shuzenji, Izu City, and currently
has ten staff members. The Bureau employs three scientific specialists (geology, physicalgeography, human geography) as dedicated scientific staff. These staff members, in addition
to carrying out research in the Geopark, are responsible for preparing scientific interpretationsof the Geopark and engaging in educational and outreach activities. The Geopark receives
the benefit of external academic advice from its Academic Advisor, Professor Masato Koyamaof Shizuoka University, and also establishes working groups as necessary to advice onparticular projects.
In a period 2017-2020, almost the half of the member were women, whereas two as ofDecember 2020. The President has requested municipalities to dispatch women staff to thebureau so that we are able to ensure a diversity of perspectives and it can reflect in decisionmaking.
Promotion Council Budget
Fiscal Year General
Notes
Preservation &BudgetResearch Fund2017
¥77,700.000
Operating expenses for Georia included, ¥2,070,000
increased budget for UGGp evaluation.
Shimizu Town and Nagaizumi Town
provided personnel funds in lieu of
dispatching staff
2018¥72,591,000¥1,515,000
2019¥81,494,000
Salary of bureau director added to budget ¥1,301,694
2020¥81,557,426¥1,500,000

15Izu Peninsula UNESCO Global Geopark Progress Report 2017 – 2020
Current Bureau Staff
Name
Employment

Function

1

RegularDirector

Seconded from
Kawazu Town
RegularAssistant Director

Archaeology 100%

Male

International
Relations/Scientifi
c Specialist
Tourism/Scientific
Specialist
Education/Scientif
ic Specialist
Education

PhysicalGeography

100%

Male

Human
Geography
Geology100%

Female

100%

Male

100%

Male

100%

Female

100%

Male

100%

Male

100%

Male

2
3

4
5
6
7
8
9

ShigeyaKanezashi
Hideki Ono
Prof Dr
Katsuhiko
Asahi
Dr Atsuko
Niina
DaisukeEndo
ShoHayakawa
HarunaTsukamoto
Kanji Kimura

UichiroKoshiba
10 Tetsuya Ota

E.4

Regular
Regular
Seconded from
Atami City
Seconded from
Minamiizu Town
Seconded from
Shimizu Town
Seconded from
Nishiizu Town
Seconded from
Matsuzaki Town

GeoCafe/Public
eventsGeneral admin
dutiesAdvertising/Corpo
rate relations
Generalaccounting &GeoriaSpecialty

%
Time
100%

GenderMale

OVERLAPPINGWorld Heritage Site
The Nirayama Reverberatory Furnaces, a component part of the “Sites of Japan's Meiji
Industrial Revolution: Iron and Steel, Shipbuilding and Coal Mining” World Cultural Heritage
Site (registered 2015) is within the area of the Geopark. The Nirayama Reverberatory
Furnaces were the sole surviving reverberatory furnaces (melting furnaces) that were actually
put into operation in Japan in the mid-nineteenth
century, and the furnaces make use of Izu Soft Stone(a variety of tuff), which is widely used in the Izu
region. In light of this, the Geopark cooperated with
the Cultural Properties Office of Izunokuni City, which
manages the furnaces, to register the furnaces as a
Cultural Site of the Geopark and hold a special
exhibition on “The Izu Stone” in the furnaces’
guidance center. We will continue to work to increase
our mutual value as UNESCO programs throughNirayama Reverberatory Furnaces
continued and systematic cooperation, and mutualof WCH Site (Izunokuni City)
direction of visitors between the sites.
Global Important Agricultural Heritage Systems
Mount Amagi, the central mountainous region of the Izu Peninsula, has over 4000 mm ofrainfall per year, and is the source of many high-volume groundwater springs. Against thisbackground, wasabi, Japanese horseradish, became one of the agricultural products that16

Izu Peninsula UNESCO Global Geopark Progress Report 2017 – 2020
represents the peninsula. The method of
wasabi cultivation developed in Izu 130
years ago has been passed down to thepresent day, and as it uses almost no
fertilizer or agrochemicals, it wasrecognized as a Global Important
Agricultural Heritage System in 2018, as“Traditional
wasabi
cultivationinShizuoka”. The main cultivation sites aredesignated as Eco Sites within the
Geopark on the basis of their distinctive
character. In cooperation with Shizuoka
Prefecture,which
managesthe
Agricultural Heritage System, we havecreated interpretation panels that bear the
Joint information panel together withlogos of both UNESCO and the FAO. The
UNESCO and FAO on Izu wasabisynergy of two global brands and the goalof providing explanations that are easier to understand are very popular with visitors. In
addition, we held joint workshops aimed at producers.

E.5

EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITIESSchool-Based Education
The Izu Peninsula Geopark is actively engaged
educational activities making active use of the
Geopark in schools throughout the peninsula, withthe goal of cultivating a love of and pride in theirhometown among pupils and students through theirstudy of the nature, history, and culture of the regionin which they live, ultimately supporting the creationof a sustainable society. As the new education
guidelines that came into effect from the 2020
academic year include the goal “Become creators ofa sustainable society”, we preparatorily held an ESD
explanatory seminar in the 2017 academic year,
aimed at teachers at elementary, junior high, and highschools, and members of local education boards, in thehope of supporting and advancing ESD in schools. In
November 2018, our Education Working Group was
registered as a “Regional ESD Activity Hub” by the ESD
Resource Center Japan.
Geopark education has been put into practice inseveral areas. Minamiizu Town and Matsuzaki Town
have developed a unified curriculum from elementary
to high school, while Ito City is moving forward with
Geopark studies in all elementary schools in the area,
in a program that has a budget attached. Building on these pioneers, Geopark studies are
steadily spreading to other local municipalities. These activities use the curriculum slot for
Integrated Studies, and generally deal with the origins of the peninsula, its history, anddistinctive natural features as a kind of area studies. The Geopark is also used in scienceclasses, for the observation of strata and volcanic ash, or in classes on disaster mitigation. It
is very common for the lessons to involve fieldwork. The teaching responsibilities are divided
between the Promotion Council’s scientific specialists and certified geoguides from the Izu

17Izu Peninsula UNESCO Global Geopark Progress Report 2017 – 2020
Peninsula Geoguide Association. They carried out lessons at thirty schools in the 2017
academic year, at forty in 2018, and at thirty in 2019.
As it is clearly impossible for teachers to make use of geopark studies if they do not understandwhy it is necessary, or know what content can be studied, we prepared a Geo Studies text forteachers in 2019, to encourage the further spread of Geopark studies. These texts introduce
the Geological sites near schools and explain what can be learned at each site. The texts havebeen distributed to the educational boards of each city or town, and to all schools.
We are also involved in education at high schools. We set topics for students pursuing earthsciences within the science exploration class and have them engage in research. Those
results are presented as posters at scientific conferences in Japan on earth and planetarysciences, and every year some posters win prizes. At other high schools, students havedeveloped products based on the Geopark in the inquiry-based cross-disciplinary study
classes, or conducted workshops with local residents
on evacuation in the event of a tsunami arising froman earthquake, in science exploration class.
It is important to pursue Geopark education with aconstant awareness of ESD, in order to resolve issues
facing both schools and local areas in the light of the
SDGs. We are working to show all areas that we areoffering comprehensive study that covers people’s
daily lives, as well as culture, history, and the productsof each region. In order to do this sustainably, it isnecessary to create a system within which the
Atami High School “Anscientific specialists and certified geoguides can takeEncouragement of Evacuation”
on the lessons.
Geopark Education Newsletter
We publish the “Izu Peninsula Geopark Education Newsletter” every other month anddistribute it to all schools within the area. This newsletter focuses on our activities with schools,
covering examples of educational activities with schools or local areas and information about
ESD or disaster mitigation education. Schools that are positive about Geo study still have few
opportunities to hear about activities at other schools, and so we hope to share examples ofgood practice through the newsletter and create the conditions for the spread of effective
educational practice.
Education Working GroupThe Education Working Group was established in 2017 to gather information on the conditions
for education, set policy for educational activities, and assess their success. The Education
Working Group is composed of geoguides and teachers engaged in our educational activities,
professors in the field of education, and educational support organizations (ESD Resource
Center Japan, Asia-Pacific Cultural Center for UNESCO (ACCU)). This group prepared the
Geo Studies text mentioned earlier. Further, in 2017, it hosted a group visiting under the ACCU
“Indian Teachers Invitational Program”, and introduced Geopark studies to a group of Indianteachers, improving mutual understanding through a discussion with teachers from the Izu
Peninsula.

18

Izu Peninsula UNESCO Global Geopark Progress Report 2017 – 2020

Guide Training and Development
A training course for certified geoguides is held every other year, and in the off year we holda “Skill-Up” course to further develop existing geoguides. Training courses were held in fiscal
2017 and 2019, while a Skill-Up course was held in fiscal 2018 (and will be held in fiscal 2020).
<Geoguide Training Course>
The Geoguide Training Course is a paid course, open to people who have passed Level 3 ofthe Izu GeoTest. After a five-month course, including both academic study and practicalfieldwork, the Promotion Council certifies geoguides on the basis of an exam conducted on
the field. Around 200 certified geoguides had been recognized by fiscal 2019. The certificationmust be renewed by taking additional training once every five years. Through the renewal
process, the Promotion Council maintains its awareness of the activities of individual
geoguides. The Izu Peninsula Geoguide Association has become a driving force behind theactivities of the Geopark, and is involved in many activities through its strong links to thePromotion Council.
<Skill-Up Course>
In the years when no Geoguide Training Course is held, there are Skill-Up courses for existing
geoguides. In 2018 there was a five-day course, including two days of field work led by Whole
Earth Nature School, which aimed to improve the communication and interpretation skills ofgeoguides. There was also an “Inbound Course”, which aimed to improve understanding ofdifference in cultural background and raise linguistic ability so that guides could engage more
effectively with international visitors, while training for English-language guides was carriedout in cooperation with the Promotion Council scientist.
<Regional Geoguides>
The system of “Regional Geoguides” was established in 2013, for people who had an interestin the Geopark, but whose activities were limited to a particular area, and who would find it
difficult to take a long training course. It was established with people who run businesses in
the area particularly in mind. Group training courses were held for regional geoguides by “GeoTerrace Ito”, in Izukogen, in 2018 and 2020.

E.6

GEOTOURISM

The Izu Peninsula Geopark is looking for a mode of tourism that enables visitors to experience
the history, culture, and natural environment, particularly the geological heritage, of the areaand learn from them, while contributing to their preservation. Tourism is one of the foundational
industries of the Izu Peninsula, and aims to create a sustainable regional economy. In 2019,an Overall Concept for Promoting Ecotourism was determined to promote sustainable tourism
and strengthen links between businesses. This Overall Concept for Promoting Ecotourism isdefined under the Ecotourism Promotion Act as a plan created by a region to conserve andmake use of its natural tourism resources, and these plans are approved by the government
ministers with primary responsibility for this topic (the ministers of the Environment; Land,
Infrastructure, Transport, and Tourism; Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries; and Education,
Culture, Sports, Science and Technology). Once the plan is recognized, the region can makeuse of a variety of systems to promote tourism while taking steps to preserve its natural tourism
resources. Concrete examples include special permission for geoguides to use cars totransport visitors so that they can run tours to areas with poor access, and a system for
restricting access to certain areas to prevent environmental deterioration through over-tourism.
At the Izu Peninsula Geopark, the Overall Concept for Promoting Ecotourism was settled
through workshops involving local municipalities and activity businesses, and periods for
public comment, as a means to advance sustainable tourism in the area. This concept has
been taking a prior review by the relevant ministries.

19

Izu Peninsula UNESCO Global Geopark Progress Report 2017 – 2020
To support the promotion of sustainable tourism, we are preparing a portal website for activity
companies that offer appropriate activities. This site will introduce such sustainable tourism
activities as geoguide tours, sea geotours, or e-bike tours, and will also allow people to actuallybook such activities. In addition to these, the Izu Peninsula Geoguide Association has started
to offer several tours for which no reservation is necessary, starting and finishing at fixed times.
Further, in cooperation with the Hong Kong Geopark, we invited educational trips fromoverseas, and are working to spread actual participation in geotourism.

E.7

SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT & PARTNERSHIPS

E.7.1 SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT POLICY
In the “Izu Peninsula Grand Design”, adopted by the Mayors’ Council of seven cities and six
towns in the Izu Peninsula to outline a vision for the future of the region in terms such as
economic development, disaster mitigation, and transportation, the Izu Peninsula Geopark
Promotion Council is responsible for sustainable development in the region.
E.7.2 PARTNERSHIPS
Partnerships Within the System of the Promotion Council<Corporate Supporters and Geosupporters>
The Corporate Supporter system was established in 2015. Businesses and groups that havebecome Corporate Supporters are permitted to put the Geopark’s logo on their products orservices, a benefit that encourages membership. As of the end of March 2020, 151 businesses
were Corporate Supporters, and the total annual income from membership fees was about 1
million Yen. Around forty products made use of the Geopark logo. Businesses have a variety
of motivations and requests, and we organize thorough hearings to learn the region’s needs,
and take them into account. Geosupporters are individuals with an interest in the Geopark.
Every month, the Promotion Council sends a newsletter about “Next Month’s Geo Events” to
all Corporate Supporters and geosupporters, and also sends email notifications of things thatare likely to be of interest as they come up. In addition, we publicize enthusiastic and distinctive
activities through press releases and the Geopark website. Since 2017 we have held anannual Corporate Supporters’ Gathering, where Corporate Supporters can hear about things
groups are doing in the Geopark and nurture the seeds of new schemes. This gathering has
strengthened the direct links between Corporate Supporters. While strengthening the networkof Corporate Supporters, we are also looking for new ways listen to and implement their varied
requests, so that their activities will make the economic and social vitality of the Izu Peninsula
a part of everyday life.
Partnerships with Groups Inside and Outside the Region
In 2020, the Promotion Council concluded a comprehensive cooperation agreement with
Shizuoka Gas Group. This agreement is a ten-year
long-term partnership, and aims to achieve the SDGs
while contributing to the revitalization anddevelopment of the Izu Peninsula through thepromotion of joint activities that align with the
Geopark’s mission to “explore, develop and celebrate
the links between that geological heritage and all otheraspects of the area’s natural and cultural heritage”. In
concrete terms, the partnership aims to promote
understanding of the foods and food culture of the Izu
Peninsula, encourage local production andconsumption, spread understanding of the The president made a comprehensive
agreement with Shizuoka Gas Groupenvironment and disaster mitigation, and boost the20

Izu Peninsula UNESCO Global Geopark Progress Report 2017 – 2020
regional economy. In this way, it will give the Izu Peninsula new value. As a starting point, weare holding workshops-cum-cooking classes focused on wasabi, a distinctive product of thearea, which we hope will lead to a rediscovery of and renewed appreciation for this ingredient,and a long-term increase in its popularity. Every year, the theme will change to highlight a newingredient.
Cooperation with Various Organizations Inside and Outside the Region
In addition to the comprehensive cooperation agreement implemented through the Corporate
Supporter system, we have a number of partnerships with particular goals.
<Continued Support from Tokai Bus for the Conservation andResearch Fund>
Tokai Bus Corp. has concluded an agreement with the Promotion
Council to donate ¥10 for every bottle of citrus liqueur that they sellin a year, and the Council has given them permission to use theGeopark logo on the product. These donations are placed in theConservation and Research Fund, and are the funding source forthe research grants.
<How To Enjoy the Sea Geo of Izu>
This is the name of a group of businesses that offer activities based around the sea, such as
diving, snorkeling, kayaking, SUP, and coastal walks. It aims to promote the rediscovery ofgeological features in the marine environment, through marine activities centered on the Izu
Peninsula Geoguides Association, Izu Peninsula Geo Marine Club (an association of regional
geoguides) and Geo Terrace Ito. It has held workshops in cooperation with the Promotion
Council, and produced posters and leaflets. (See E.1.5.)<Cooperation with Museums of Natural History>
The natural history museums in the different areas of the peninsula all have their own fans,depending on their themes. If these museums work together, they can appeal very effectively
to people with an interest in the natural sciences. In 2019, we worked with the two museums
listed below, loaning samples, display items, and images from Georia, and sending scientificspecialists to give courses and excursions.
MuseumFujinokuni
Environmental
History Museum

Exhibition Theme
PeriodAmazing!
15 June to 25
Overwhelming! The August 2019
Nature of the Izu
Peninsula

Cooperation Details
Loan of movie and panels
Museum talks by scientificspecialists
Bus excursions (4 times)

Gekko Observatory

The Izu Peninsula in 1 March to 31 Loan of movie
Geohistory
May 2019

E.7.3 FULL AND EFFECTIVE PARTICIPATION OF LOCAL COMMUNITIES AND
INDIGENOUS PEOPLES<Development of the Hachikubo Volcano Geological Site>
The designation of the Izu Peninsula Geopark as a UNESCO Global Geopark in 2018
prompted the local community around the Hachikubo Volcano Geological Site to form the“Hachikubo Group”, and hold study groups and fieldworks on the volcano. These activities ledthem to the conviction that they wanted a lot of people to visit the volcano, and they decided
to work together to open a mountain path to the top. They built a viewing platform at the summit
from which Mt Fuji is visible, and, in cooperation with the local Lions Club, set up a Geological21

Izu Peninsula UNESCO Global Geopark Progress Report 2017 – 2020
Site Interpretation Panel.
Further,abiologicalprofessor from Shizuoka
University, based at the
AmaGEO research hub,held a forest workshop,
which led to labels
identifying their species
being placed on the trees
alongside the path to the
top.
The
path
is
Members of the local community clearing the path andmaintainedbythe setting up the viewing platform
community,
withtheassistance of the Promotion Council.
<Site Maintenance by Local Municipalities and Local
Communities>
Cleaning and clearing of vegetation from sites and thepaths leading to them is carried out by local
municipalities. In addition, groups of geoguides patrol
the paths and hold cleaning events, which ensureseffective conservation. Teachers and students of
Matsuzaki High School, together with local residents’group, are carrying out a continuing program ofconservation and cleaning for outcrops of the oldest
strata in the Izu Peninsula, which are found near them,in Ishiki, Nishiizu Town.
<Participation of People with Disabilities in Geopark
Activities>
The Geopark Promotion Council and the Geoguide
Association are aiming to increase the visibility byhaving them wear polo shirts embroidered with the
Geopark logo, as a sign that they are involved in the
Geopark’s activities. Taking inspiration from schemes
to involve people with disabilities in society indeveloping countries, we placed an order at aworkshop which employs people with disabilities tocreate embroidery. In this way, we not only hope tohave the activities of the Geopark support disabled
people, but also hope to involve all local residents in
its plans. As overseas visitors also visit the workshop,
it has created opportunities to realize that people withdisabilities are not only citizens of the local area, butof the world. In addition to the polo shirts, we have alsoordered the embroidery of souvenirs such as towels.

E.8

The peninsulas’ oldest rock
exposure, pillow lava, ismaintained by students and local
community

Indonesian sister Geopark
trainees receive souvenirs withembroideries of geopark logos
produced by people withdisabilities

NETWORKING

Participation in International Conferences
Over the three years since 2017, we have participated in the 8th International Conference on
UNESCO Global Geoparks and the 5th and 6th Asia Pacific Geoparks Network (APGN)

22

Izu Peninsula UNESCO Global Geopark Progress Report 2017 – 2020
Symposiums. At these meetings, wehave given oral presentations on ourefforts in the Izu Peninsula, shared casestudies, and reported on our research asa Geopark. As one example, thePresident of the Geopark Promotion
Council (the Mayor of Izu City) gave an
oral presentation at the 8th International
Conference on UNESCO Global
Geoparks, held in the Adamello Brenta
Geopark in Italy. He reported on a case
Mr. Kikuchi’s presentation at the 8th GGN
in which the city had intended to preserve
Conference
geological heritage, but the results had
destroyed its value so that it could not be designated as a Geological Site. In this presentation,
he spoke as one of the people responsible for this, with a strong element of self-criticism. The
attendees strongly commended him for presenting an example of failure. Apart from this, wehave participated actively in the questions at the symposiums, and engaged in genuineinternational relationships.
Further, in 2017 we sent scientific specialist to the Lesvos Intensive Course, held by UNESCO.
We were proactive in discussions with the UNESCO/GGN advisory council, and took awaysome ideals that were shared across the Izu Peninsula after he got home. He also talked toaspiring Geoparks about what the Izu Peninsula had done, creating some ongoing
relationships.
Cooperation and Interaction with Other UNESCO Global Geoparks
The Ciletuh-Parabuhanratu UNESCO
Global Geopark, which was designatedat the same time as the Izu Peninsula
UNESCO Global Geopark, is located inIndonesia’s West Java Province, which
has a sister agreement with Shizuoka
Prefecture. A visit to the Izu Peninsula
Geopark was part of a high-level
Prefecture/Province
meeting,
andformed the starting point of an ongoing
relationship between the two Geoparks.
Signing the memorandum between two geoparks
Two staff members from their province
spent two weeks at Izu to study
UNESCO Global Geoparks, and after that there was an official visit from the Izu Peninsula totheir Geopark, to provide feedback. Then the key players of their Geopark were invited to Izu
after that for skills training, where we engaged in technology transfer for interpretation panels,
the creation of electronic maps, and the conservation of sites, with careful attention totechniques that could be implemented in Indonesia. We have also exchanged materials fordisplay in each other’s museums. In 2019 we exchanged a memorandum of understanding
about the cooperation between the two Geoparks.
In addition, we hosted a one-week school excursion from the Hong Kong Geopark, and weare now working on creating a package for such educational visits from overseas so that we
can host them on an ongoing basis. We have also provided Japanese translations of leaflets
for Tianzhushan UNESCO Global Geopark in China and Bergstrasse - Odenwald UNESCO
Global Geopark in Germany.
Activities to support starting geopark activities in Asia
In 2018, we sent an instructor to the Regional Training Course on UNESCO Global Geoparks,“Perspectives for National Commissions for UNESCO in Asia and the Pacific Region,” held by
the UNESCO Jakarta office, the Oki Islands UNESCO Global Geopark and the Japanese23

Izu Peninsula UNESCO Global Geopark Progress Report 2017 – 2020
Geoparks Network. He lectured on educational role in Geopark activities. We have also
contributed to raising awareness of Geoparks in regions where they have not yet been
implemented. We have worked with government officials and academicians from Nepal who
are interested in Geoparks, providing advice on how to introduce a Geopark and concrete
technology and skill transfer training for conservation measures. We have also sent certified
geoguides to an aspiring UGGp in Republic of Korea, to provide examples of how geoguides
can work in educational practice. We are engaged in active awareness raising and technology
transfer, making use of a range of opportunities

E.9

SELLING OF GEOLOGICAL MATERIALThe organizations composing the Promotion Council are not engaged in the working or saleof geological material.

F. CONCLUSION
Since beginning Geopark activities in 2011, the Izu Peninsula has promoted geotourism, andpursued numerous methods to introduce the history and attractions of the Izu Peninsula tovisitors: training geoguides, setting up interpretation panels, and establishing central facilities.
Further, through geo-education and local activities in schools, we have fostered a deep
connection to their hometowns, and encouraged the students to understand the Izu Peninsula,
the unique landscape in which they live, and aim to make it into a sustainable region. In 2018,
we were designated as an UNESCO Global Geopark. The people who live their lives in thepeninsula have nurtured an awareness of the area’s international value and a pride in theirregion.
Over the past three years since 2017, the activities of the Geopark have developed further. A
striking example is the spread of geo-studies among schools. They have observed the area
through fieldwork, and the study of the origins and evolution of the Izu Peninsula has led themto improve their understanding of the area. The ripple effect has led to increased awarenessof disaster mitigation too. In geotourism, we have built on existing tours that focused on
geology, and broadened their appeal to include the diverse natural environment, culture, andarts of the region. Geotours that need no reservation have been held across the peninsula,and uncovered new clients for the Geopark, successfully broadening its appeal. Further,through our proactive and multifaceted contributions to the activities of the UNESCO Global
Geoparks network, we saw synergistic effects in which visitors from overseas brought
residents of the region pride in and a new appreciation of their home. One of our achievements
is that the word “Geopark” has become established as a positive and forward-looking image
that captures the whole peninsula.
The Izu Peninsula is already seeing a decline in population. Hand in hand with corporations
and individuals who share our vision, we will put the SDGs into practice through the Geopark’s
activities, and aim to realize a sustainable society, both now and in the future.

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