20 Sep 2015

Based on following up from the Langkawi, Hanoi, and Jeju Declarations, the 4th Asian-Pacific Geoparks Network San’in Kaigan Symposium was held from September 17 to 19, 2015 in the San’in Kaigan Global Geopark, Japan, and attended by 618 delegates from 22 countries.

After deliberation,

the delegates hereby affirm that:

1. Think Globally, Act Locally in Global Geopark Territories

Geoheritage is a precious natural resource of our dynamic earth, and provides a platform for a clear understanding our Earth from a local perspective. Global Geopark are regions with internationally significant geoheritage but where visitors can obtain a sense of value of the Earth and the relation between nature and humanity through activities by local communities. GGN and APGN members promote geoheritage conservation and sustainable economic development through the activities of local communities, empowering them with pride about their local area and its global importance.

2. Recognition of Geodiversity related to Local Culture and History

Local cultures and history have often been shaped by the geodiversity of their region. The recognition of the link between geodiversity and local culture/history is one of the important aspects allowing for conservation of nature and for sustainable economic development. Global Geoparks explore, develop and celebrate the links between geoheritage and all other aspects of the area’s natural, cultural and intangible heritages. Global Geopark activities promote awareness of key issues facing society in the context of our dynamic Earth.

3. Recognition of natural disaster awareness and education for disaster prevention

Various natural disasters, such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, tsunami, river flooding, landslides, are frequent in many regions of the world. It is important for local communities to clearly understand the geological nature of many of these natural disasters. Global Geopark promote and encourage the education of local people for natural disaster prevention by utilizing geoheritage and local culture/history of local communities.

4. Global Geopark Activity through Networking

Networking within the Global Geoparks Network is encouraged in order to strengthen the capacity of human resources through collaboration and cooperation. The GGN, APGN, and each National Geopark member organically build various levels of networks from local communities to global collaboration, and manage the conservation of geoheritage with local revitalization. There are also various ethnic groups and cultures in the Asia Pacific Region.  Collaboration and understanding each other is essential for the effective management of each geopark in this region. APGN, following the GGN status, will continue to operate as the Regional Geoparks Network of the GGN in the Asia Pacific region. APGN will also strengthen regional organization, and promote mutual exchange of human resources and various information.

5. Global Geopark for the Next Generation

Rural regions in many countries have similar problems such as depopulation, aging of society, and natural disaster risks. The involvement of the young generation, with a pride for their region, is required for the revitalization of those regions and in order to mitigate the effects of natural disasters. Global Geopark activities encourage the education of young people on the links between the nature, local culture/history, and the natural disaster prevention through a better understanding of our Earth.

6. For the establishment of UNESCO Global Geoparks during the 38th General Conference.

The Asia-Pacific Geopark Network strongly expect that the Final Statutes of the proposed “International Geoscience and Geoparks Programme” (IGGP) will be ratified at the 38th UNESCO General Conference in November 2015. Global Geopark activity including the conservation of nature, sustainable local development, and education for local communities, will be strengthen and augmented based on this new programme of UNESCO.

Done in San’in Kaigan Geopark

19 September 2015