{"id":23805,"date":"2022-06-24T15:43:57","date_gmt":"2022-06-24T06:43:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.toya-usu-geopark.org\/english\/?page_id=23805"},"modified":"2026-02-25T13:47:33","modified_gmt":"2026-02-25T04:47:33","slug":"ugg","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.toya-usu-geopark.org\/english\/ugg","title":{"rendered":"UNESCO Global Geoparks"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

What is a UNESCO Global Geopark?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\"Basalt
Photo: Drone view of hexagonal basalt columns in Stu\u00f0lagil Canyon, Iceland \u2014 Maxim Bilovitskiy, CC BY 4.0 <\/a>, via Wikimedia Commons.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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\"Lake
Photo: Caldera of Lake Toba, Indonesia \u2014 Yudha Pohan, CC BY 4.0 <\/a>, via Wikimedia Commons. Cropped from original.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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\"Fairy
Photo: Fairy chimneys at Kula-Salihli UNESCO Global Geopark, Turkey \u2014 MetinAktan 03, CC BY 4.0 <\/a>, via Wikimedia Commons.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Designation and Periodic Review of UNESCO Global Geoparks<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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 \u2003<\/span> International Geoscience and Geoparks Programme (IGGP)<\/a> was officially approved.
At the same time, all existing Global Geoparks were formally accepted as UNESCO Global Geoparks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u2003<\/span> Official Website<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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\u2003<\/span> UNESCO Digital Library<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Toya-Usu Volcano Meister System<\/span><\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Result of the review for revalidation as a UNESCO Global Geopark<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

September 7, 2023<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n