"Amakusa Geopark" local council decided to return "Geopark authorization" November 12, 19:23
Regarding the “Amakusa Geopark” in Kumamoto Prefecture, which has been certified as a “Japan Geopark” as a place to protect precious landforms and geological features, there is no effect of increasing the number of tourists, etc. As a result, we decided to return the certification at the end of March next year. This is the first time that Japan Geopark certification has been returned.
“Amakusa Geopark” in Kumamoto Prefecture is an area of Amakusa City and surrounding local governments that were recognized as a “Japan Geopark” in 2014.
Although “Amakusa Geopark” was recertified in the examination conducted every four years last year, it was requested to be improved as “Insufficient activities” and discussed in the local government's council. As a result, it was said that there was a series of opinions such as “the effect of increasing tourists is not seen at the expense of nearly 10 million yen per year”.
Then, at the end of March next year when the certification period expires, we decided to withdraw from the accredited “Japan Geopark Network” and return the certification.
In the future, local governments will make efforts to disseminate the appeal of the Amakusa region while utilizing the results so far.
“Japan Geopark” has been certified in 44 regions nationwide, but this is the first time that certification has been returned.
Mayor Amakusa Nakamura "Does not lead to tourism compared to operating costs"
Mayor Nakamura, Mayor of Amakusa City, said, “Since it was certified as a geopark, it has used 110 million yen in 2 cities and 1 town for project implementation. However, it has not been recognized by the public and is not linked to tourism. "This is one of the reasons for our decision."
Geopark network "It's a pity that my friends quit"
“The geopark is a new initiative and is not yet well recognized, and I knew from the beginning that the exchange population would not increase as soon as it was certified. The Tashoshoura area has been involved in Japan's geopark activities from the beginning, and it is a pity that our friends will quit. "