2026/04/23
Designation of Miné-Akiyoshidai Karst Plateau UNESCO Global Geopark

On April the 23rd, Miné-Akiyoshidai Karst Plateau Geopark was officially designated as a UNESCO Global Geopark at the UNESCO Executive Board meeting held at UNESCO’s headquarters in France.

This designation acknowledges and praises the ways in which Miné-Akiyoshidai Karst Plateau Geopark’s valuable geological heritage - including its “white” limestone, “black” coal, and “red” copper – as well as its natural heritage, tangible cultural heritage, and intangible cultural heritage are being utilised in local activities through learning and networking.

In other words, Miné-Akiyoshidai Karst Plateau Geopark has been globally recognised for possessing geological heritage of international significance, which the entire region is working to preserve and utilise.

This achievement is nothing other than the fruit of the hard work of many people, including local residents, geoguides, and relevant stakeholders, who have worked together to sustain these activities. To that, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude.

Achieving this UNESCO designation is by no means the end goal; it marks the starting point for our new journey. We are committed to preserving our precious geological heritage, natural heritage, tangible cultural heritage, and intangible cultural heritage, while fostering an environment where the children of the next generation can connect with the world, take pride in their local community, and shape the future.

We at Miné-Akiyoshidai Karst Plateau Geopark are committed to continuing our activities with the aim of achieving “a society that draws close to the Earth, connects with people, and thinks and acts on how the future should be”. We sincerely ask for your continued support and cooperation as we move forward as a united community.

Yoji Shinoda, President of Miné-Akiyoshidai Karst Plateau Geopark Promotion Council