Analysis of Opportunity on Geoheritage Activities in Muroto Global Geopark : Through the Comparison Between 2 Geological Conservation Program

This research aims to clarify the differences of 2 UNESCO geological conservation programs, World heritage program and Global Geoparks program, in terms of their evaluation and monitoring system by organizing UNESCO official documents. In addition that, through the case study of Muroto grobal geopark, the author attempts to grab the perspectives toward geopark of local people related to geotourism. The data was collected through qualitative method using interviews with residents related to 3 geotourism in Muroto. In conclusion, in both programs, evaluations are performed by the professionals who have specific knowledge of geology and both are put importance on its outstanding value as geological sites. World heritage programs retain the continuous monitoring system which is operated cooperation with external NGOs, academia and scientific professionals throughout both online and onsite monitoring after inscription, on the other hand, global geoparks only perform its monitoring every 4 years through the onsite evaluation. Moreover, the interview appears the truth that some residents involve themselves into geotourism without knowing of geopark concepts and objectives. Involving not only geological aspects but wide range of perspectives like world heritage program might help to establish sustainable geoheritage activitis.Art and Design Research for Sustainable Development ; September 22, 2018Conference: Tsukuba Global Science Week 2018Date: September 20-22, 2018Venue: Tsukuba International Congress Center Sponsored: University of Tsukub