What is a UNESCO Global Geopark?
A UNESCO Global Geopark is a clearly defined geographical area that contains sites of international geological significance, managed with a holistic concept of protection, education, and sustainable development.
UNESCO Global Geoparks promote geotourism, education, and community involvement, while conserving geological heritage in close cooperation with local communities.
They are part of a global network that encourages international exchange, collaboration, and the sharing of best practices.
Designation and Periodic Review of UNESCO Global Geoparks
UNESCO Global Geoparks are designated through a rigorous evaluation process based on criteria established by UNESCO.
Once designated, each UNESCO Global Geopark is required to undergo a periodic revalidation review every four years to ensure continued compliance with these standards and to promote ongoing improvement.
This regular review process supports quality management, sustainable development, and active participation in the global network.
From 3 to 18 November 2015, the 38th UNESCO General Conference was held in Paris, France.
During this conference, the establishment of UNESCO Global Geoparks under the framework of the International Geoscience and Geoparks Programme (IGGP) was officially approved.
At the same time, all existing Global Geoparks were formally accepted as UNESCO Global Geoparks.
Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR)
As an active volcanic region, Toya-Usu UNESCO Global Geopark places strong emphasis on disaster risk reduction.
Through close collaboration with local communities, researchers, and administrative bodies, the geopark promotes disaster preparedness, volcanic hazard education, and the transmission of lessons learned from past eruptions.
These activities contribute to building resilient communities by integrating scientific knowledge, local experience, and education for both residents and visitors.
Result of the review for revalidation as a UNESCO Global Geopark
September 7, 2023
Regarding the 4th revalidation process conducted from July 8 to 12, 2023, we have been successfully revalidated for another four years. We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to everyone involved.
On-site review for revalidation as a UNESCO Global Geopark
July 8-12, 2023
The UNESCO Global Geoparks Network, to which Toya-Usu UNESCO Global Geopark belongs, requires its members to undergo a review once every four years. The fourth revalidation review (on-site review) for Toya-Usu UNESCO Global Geopark was conducted, and two evaluators from the UNESCO Global Geoparks Network visited the geopark’s key sites and related facilities to carry out an investigation based on UNESCO’s evaluation standards.
Result of the review for revalidation as a UNESCO Global Geopark
March 24, 2020
The result of the review for revalidation as a UNESCO Global Geopark in July 2019 was announced, and Toya-Usu UNESCO Global Geopark was recertified for four more years. (the “Green Card”)
On-site review for revalidation as a UNESCO Global Geopark
July 25-29, 2019
The UNESCO Global Geoparks Network, to which Toya-Usu UNESCO Global Geopark belongs, requires its members to undergo a review once every four years. The third revalidation review (on-site review) for Toya-Usu UNESCO Global Geopark was conducted, and two evaluators from the UNESCO Global Geoparks Network visited the geopark’s key sites and related facilities to carry out an investigation based on UNESCO’s evaluation standards.
Result of the review for revalidation as a UNESCO Global Geopark
February 2, 2018
The result of the review for revalidation as a UNESCO Global Geopark in July 2017 was announced, and Toya-Usu UNESCO Global Geopark was recertified for two years.
On-site review for revalidation as a UNESCO Global Geopark
July 24-27, 2017
The UNESCO Global Geoparks Network, to which Toya-Usu UNESCO Global Geopark belongs, requires its members to undergo a review once every four years. The second revalidation review (on-site review) for Toya-Usu UNESCO Global Geopark was conducted, and two evaluators from the UNESCO Global Geoparks Network visited the geopark’s key sites and related facilities to carry out an investigation based on UNESCO’s evaluation standards.
Recertified as a Global Geopark
September 9, 2013
The Global Geoparks Network approved the continuation of the GGN membership of Toya-Usu Global Geopark on September 9, 2013 at the 3rd Asia-Pacific Geoparks Network Jeju Symposium, which took place on Jeju Island, Republic of Korea.
On-site review for revalidation as a Global Geopark
July 24-27, 2013
A once-every-four-years revalidation review (on-site review) was conducted for Toya-Usu Global Geopark.
Certified as a Global Geopark
August 22, 2009
On 22 August 2009, the Global Geopark Network officially designated the Toya Caldera and Usu Volcano Geopark as Japan’s first “Global Geopark”.
On-site review for revalidation as a Global Geopark
July 17-19, 2009
The GGN (Global Geopark Network) Validation Mission took place for three days from the 17th until the 19th of July 2009 by examiners Prof. Ibrahim Komoo and Prof. Mohd Shafee Leman from Malaysia. In a short period of time, they visited the remains of the volcanic eruption, the volcano walking trails, the exhibition facilities, the Jomon period remains, a fruit farm, and so on in the area of the Toya-Usu Geopark.