Append A: Additional Information Regarding the Self Evaluation
Transcription
Append A: Additional Information Regarding the Self Evaluation
Aso is alive! A journey across time and space, experiencing the land of Aso and the lives of those who live in the Gigantic Caldera. Annex Append A: Additional Information Regarding the Self Evaluation Document Aso Geopark Promotion Council JAPAN A member of Japanese Geopark Network Append A 1 2 Append A 1. Geology, Topography, and Scenery 23 Camel mountain (Rakuda-yama) Geosite 24 Cluster of springs in Minami-Aso District Geosite 1.1 Region 25 Jigoku and Tarutama Hot Springs Geosite 26 Nango valley Geosite 1.1.1 List of Geosites 27 Mt.Rakanyama Geosite Name of Geosite 28 Tawarayama Mountain Pass Caldera geosite 1 Daikanbo Caldera Geosite 29 Tateno Gorge Geosite 2 Nakadake Geosite 30 Shiraitonotaki Falls Geosite 3 Kusasenri Geosite 31 Omine Volcano Geosite 4 Komezuka Geosite 32 Soyokyo Gorge Geosite 5 Furubochu Geosite 33 Heitate Shrine Geosite 6 Sensuikyo Gorge Geosite 7 Mt. Kijimadake Geosite 8 Fumotobochu Geosite 9 Mt. Ogidake Geosite 10 Koganotaki Fall Geosite 11 The Deity of the Volcano Geosite 12 Cluster of springs in Aso Valley District Geosite Types of rock: 13 Futaenotouge Mountain Pass Geosite Andesite, Rhyolite, Basalt, Welded tuff, Mud stone, Conglomerate, Granite, Schist, 14 Aso Yellow Ocher (Aso Odo) Geosite Serpentinite 15 Uchinomaki Hot Spring Geosite 16 Milk Road Grassland Geosite 17 Oshito-ishi Geosite, 18 North Outer Rim Pyroclastic Flow Geosite 19 Oguni-go Area Hot Spring Geosite 20 Ikeyama and Yamabuki Geosite 21 The Sankin-kotai Road Geosite 22 Kusakabe Geosite No. 1.1.2 Geological Diversity Geologic Ages represented in Aso Quaternary, Tertiary, Cretaceous, Jura, Triassic, Permian, Carboniferous, Devonian, Silurian Geological Features: Caldera (Aso Caldera), pyroclastic flow (caldera rim, area around the caldera), active volcano (Nakadake), stratovolcano (central cones), scoria cones (Komezuka, Kamikomezuka, Janoo), lava plateau (Takayubaru plateau), lake deposits (Kugino formation), fan deposits (caldera wall, foot of central cones), volcanic wasteland (Sunasenri-ga-hama), caldera-fill deposits (caldera floor, limonite), craters (Kusasennri-ga-hama, etc) , dikes (Rakudaiwa, Jizotouge), lava flows (Komezuka lava, lava Append A 1 tubes in Komezuka lava), maar (Ikenokubo), columnar joints (Tateno lava, Yusuikyo), 1.2.1 Sites with global significance pumice cone (Omine Volcano), fault scrap (Futagawa fault) Daikanbo Caldera Geosite (one of the largest calderas in the world, and a vast pyroclastic plateau) 1.1.3 Public Interpretation of the Geopark’s sites of interest Scientifically Important Sites Daikanbo Caldera Geosite, Nakadake Geosite, Aso Ocher (Aso Odo) Geosite, North Outer Rim Pyroclastic Flow Geosite, Nango Valley Geosite, Tateno Gorge Geosite, Omine Volcano Geosite Sites for education Komezuka Geosite, Furubochu Geosite, Fumotobochu Geosite, The Deity of the Volcano Geosite, Futaenotouge Mountain Pass Geosite, Uchinomaki Hot Spring Geosite, Milk Nakadake Geosite (visitors can view an active crater close up and see a variety of geographic features) Tateno Gorge Geosite (visitors can grasp the history of geological change and fault activity that caused the repeated formation and disappearance of a caldera lake) More than three Geosites with different geographic features Daikanbo Caldera Geosite (caldera and pyroclastic plateau formed by super eruptions) Nakadake Geosite (dynamic active crater) Omine Volcano Geosite (vast lava plateau and fault topography formed subsequently) Road Grassland Geosite, Oguni-go Hot Spring Geosite, The Sankin-Kotai Road Geosite, 5 Important Geosites Jigoku and Tarutama Hot Springs Geosite, Tawarayama Mountain Pass Caldera Geosite Aso Ocher (Aso Odo) Geosite (ocher produced by geothermal; limonite and its Sites for Geotourism Kusasenri Geosite, Sensuikyo Gorge Geosite, Mt. Kijimadake Geosite, Mt.Ogidake Geosite, Koganotaki Falls Geosite, Aso Valley Springs Geosite, Oshito-ishi Geosite, Ikeyama and Yamabuki Geosite, Camel Mountain (Rakuda-yama) Geosite, Minami-Aso Springs Geosite, Mt. Rakanyama Geosite, Shiraitonotaki Falls Geosite, Soyokyo Gorge Geosite, Non-Geological Sites Kusakabe Geosite, Heitate Shrine Geosite utilization) North Outer Rim Pyroclastic Flow Geosite (pyroclastic flow deposits caused by a super eruption and the diversity of topography they create) Nango Valley Geosite (terraced topography inside the caldera) Omine Volcano Geosite (vast lava plateau and fault activity) Furubochu Geosite (relics of a mountain religion centered on Mt. Nakadake’s volcanic activity; a key site revealing the relationship between local people and the volcano) Educational Yes, 33 all Geosites have value for the fields of volcanology and geology, as well as educational value for teaching about earth sciences and human culture. 1.2 GEOLOGICAL CONSERVATION Geosites map Aso GeoArt 2 Append A 1.2.2 Strategy to protect against damage of geological sites and features Name of Area Act Aso Kuju National Park Natural Parks Act Kitamukiyama Primary Forest Aso Shrine Cultural Assets Preservation Act Cultural Assets Preservation Act Komezuka and Kusasenri-ga-hama Cultural Assets Preservation Act Bungo Highway (Futaenotouge Mountain Pass Geosite, remains of Matoishi Tearoom, Benten Hill, Sakaino Matsu Hill) Caldera wall, somma slopes Cultural Assets Preservation Act Caldera wall, somma slopes Caldera wall Caldera wall Colony of Namino lily of the valley Act for Landslide Disaster Prevention in Steep Slope Areas Erosion Control Act Landslide Prevention Act Nature Conservation Act Agricultural land of the entire Aso region Agricultural Land Act Agricultural land of the entire Aso region Act on Establishment of Agricultural Promotion Regions Kumamoto Prefecture Protection of Rare Wild Animals and Plants Ordinance Ide wetland habitat protection area (Aso City), Nakae Habitat Protection Area (Aso City), Manganji Habitat Protection Area (Minami Oguni Town), Kawahara Habitat Protection Area Forest Act Reason for Protection Designated as a National Park to protect landscapes with volcanic topography such as Aso Caldera and the Central Volcanic Cone Group Designated as a national monument because this type of evergreen broadleaf forest is very rare Designated as a National Important Cultural Property because it exemplifies modern shrine architecture. The six existing pavilions were rebuilt with donations from the Hosokawa Domain between 1835 and 1850 Designated as a National Monument for its scenic beauty, upon which myths and modern poetry are based, as well as because these two volcanoes convey Aso’s 270,000-year-long volcanic history. Designated as a historical landmark because this road was used both by the local feudal lord and his followers when they travelled to their Edo (Tokyo) residence, and more recently as a main road that contributed to the politics, economy, and culture of central Kyushu. Designated as a forest reserve to maintain and improve the forest’s function as a public good, as well as to conserve the natural environment Landslide disaster prevention in a steeply sloped area Prevent disasters by controlling landslides Prevention of landslides and collapse Designated under articles 14: Wildlife Conservation Area, 22: Nature Conservation Area, 45.1: Prefecture and City Government Natural Conservation Area. Also designated under article 5 in Aso City’s ordinance for the protection of cultural properties Stabilize the standing of farmers and enhance domestic agricultural production Encourage agricultural development and the rational utilization of land and resources Animals and plants which have small or declining populations and deteriorating habitat, or high academic value are designated as rare species. Their important habitats are protected and designated as Habitat Protection Areas Append A 3 (Takamori Town), Nojiri Habitat Protection Area (Takamori Town), Turu Habitat Protection Area (Takamori Town), Hisaishi Habitat Protection Area (Minami Aso Village) Entire Aso Region Kumamoto Prefectural Landscape Regulation Entire Aso Region Kumamoto Prefecture Exterior Advertising Code Kumamoto Prefecture Ordinance for the Protection of Cultural Properties Kumamoto Prefecture Ordinance for the Protection of Cultural Properties Aso City Ordinance for the Protection of Cultural Properties Aso City Ordinance for the Protection of Cultural Properties Minami Oguni Town Ordinance for the Protection of Cultural Properties Nishihara Village Ordinance for the Protection of Cultural Properties Nakadori Burial Mound Group Kaminookura, Shimonookura cave grave Kokuzo Shrine Mt. Ogidake Oshito-Ishi, a group of andesite megaliths Shiraitonotaki Falls 4 Append A The entirety of Aso City is designated in order to preserve and develop its unique landscape. In particular, Nangodani Valley is designated as one of Minami Aso’s important landscape elements in Kumamoto Prefecture’s Landscape Plan. The entire area of Aso is designated in order to maintain scenic beauty One of largest keyhole-shaped burial mounds, Nagamezuka Mound, and 11 others are designated as a historic site in Kumamoto Prefecture. One of the largest traditional stone hut structures in Kyushu; designated as a prefecture landmark. Designated as a Tangible Cultural Asset for its modern Edo Period architecture The view from Mt. Ogidake is designated for its scenic beauty A group of andesite megaliths and the majestic landscape visible from where they stand are designated for their scenic beauty Twenty-meter-tall falls and adjacent stream are designated for their scenic beauty 1.2.3 Each Geosite and its surroundings Monthly participatory clean-up The conservation status of the park is widely known among the public. Senuikyo Geosie Annual inspection and extermination of insects [General announcement by Natural Parks Act, Cultural Assets Preservation Act] harmful to azalea Futaenotouge Mountain Pass and Signs are posted at each Geosite notifying visitors that the park is protected under the the Sankin-Kotai Road Geosite Natural Parks Act and Cultural Assets Preservation Acts. Uchinomaki Hot Spring Geosite Monitoring posts and patrols have been established in the park. The Aso Volcano Mowing in each ward at least twice a year Annual check for Legionella bacteria Disaster Prevention Committee monitors volcanic gas; the Active Rangers assistants of 1.3 Natural and Cultural Heritage rangers for native conservation, patrol the national park regularly, and managers, such as There are off-limit areas based on administrative right. municipal staff, patrol other sites. There are other controlled areas applied by Natural Parks Act, Cultural Assets Preservation Act and The Aso Volcano Disaster Prevention Committee. Notifications are posted on websites, flyers, and public relations magazine in each 1.3.1 Official Designation of Natural Heritage municipality. Aso Kuju National Park is designated by the Environment Ministry under the Natural Collection of samples is regulated according the the Natural Parks Act and Cultural Assets Parks Act. Preservation Act. 1.3.2 Official Designation of Cultural Heritage 1.2.4 Aso Grasslands have been designated as a Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Sites and facilities are regularly maintained and cleaned by management bodies System (GIAHS) by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). (municipalities etc), property owners and local volunteers. 1.3.3 Promotion of Natural and Cultural Heritage The Aso Geopark Guides Association organizes events for the public to help clean the Geosites. Interpretation and Guiding -Interpretation by full-time staff at each exhibition in each exhibition facilities. (Full For example: Daikanbo Caldera Geosite Annual Daikanbo Clean-Up Nakadake Geosite Daily check overseen by Aso City Kusasenri Geosite Annual Kusasnri Clean-Up opening day) -Interpretation and guiding by Aso Geopark Guides Association (paid service). Append A 5 Educational programs - Lectures delivered at local elementary and junior high schools by curator at Aso Volcano Museum, student presentations is held at the Volcano and Environment Symposium -Research projects by the science club at Aso Chuo High School - Geoguide’s training program organized by the Aso Geopark Guides Association Communication -Collaboration with Aso Ecotourism Association (13 local guide groups), Globally Important Agriculture Heritage Systems (GIAHS), UNESCO World Heritage Center, and Aso Geopark brand certified restaurants and stores. Promotion to the general public -Regional educational activities (lectures and workshops) -Regular educational symposiums (keynote lectures and panel discussions) -Free newapaper for Aso residents (quarterly publication distributed to all households) -Information distributed through municipal magazines and public announcement system. 6 Append A 2. Management Structure 2.1 How is the Applicant’s management structure organised? Areas of responsibility are clearly defined. Aso Geopark Promotion Council is made up of representatives from 8 local municipalities, as well as educational, research, tourism, environment and economic organizations that share our aims and support our activities and projects. The council also commissions advisers such as scholars and experts from national and prefectural governments to give advice on Aso Geopark’s strategies and activities. Administrative meeting to deliberate measures and policies for operation of the council are organized by representatives from the local municipalities or from other groups centrally involved with various council activities. We are effectively organized to promote conservation and sustainable development The administrative functions of the Aso Geopark Promotion Council are handled by the Aso Local Development Design Centre Foundation (ASODC). ASODC devotes part of the income from its 3-billion-yen endowment to Aso Geopark, providing a sustainable funding source. The municipalities making up the park have responsibility for preserving and developing Geosites. Their budgets are independently controlled. Overview of Aso Geopark Promotion Council’s budget (yen) Income Breakdown Year Total Income National Gvt Prefecture Municipality ASODC Expenditures Other 2009 0 0 0 2,000,000 249 2,000,249 1,974,562 2010 0 0 0 4,300,000 196,139 4,496,139 3,970,195 2011 7,005,000 0 1,623,000 10,000,000 527,033 19,155,033 18,597,563 2012 5,800,000 63,000 3,514,000 10,200,000 708,663 20,285,663 19,625,038 2013 6,992,000 7,592,000 7,310,000 10,000,000 661,625 32,555,625 31,274,000 ※Expected amounts for 2013 Append A 7 2.2 Does a management or Master Plan exist? Yes. Please refer to Aso Geopark Promotion Plan(2011) Measures taken to regulate and reduce traffic - Tour buses are prohibited on Mt Aso toll road, parking facilities are provided, and a ropeway is operated on Mt Aso. Environmentally-friendly hiking path system 2.3 Master Plan Components -Boardwalks (Sunasenri-ga-hama, Mt.Eboshi), stone paths (Futaenotouge), and wood 1. Current status, 2. Challenges, 3. Future vision, 4. Evolution of Aso Geopark activity chip paths (Oshito-Ishi) have been installed. Clearly defined cycling, horse, and river trails 2.4 Does a 3 or 5-year action plan exist? -A total of 60 electric-powered rental bicycles are available at 15 key locations (route map also available). Aso Geopark Action Plan (2013) 2.5 Does your Application have a Marketing Strategy? 2.7 Are there any initiatives or working groups who discuss promotion of natural and cultural heritage? Aso Kuju Sightseeing Area Development Plan (2013) Under a World Heritage Registration Promotion Council (Aso Environment Design Planning Committee), the council sets up regular ‘working group’ meetings on 2.6 Applicant should protect its geological heritage and createsustainable geotourism.What has been done to fulfil this duty? biodiversity, forest resources, food, agriculture and livestock Industry and landscape Definition of areas that will be the focus of tourism development 2.8 Awards -Mt Aso (5 peaks), Daikanbo planning to deliberate policies for preservation management with experts and other related groups as advisers. st -1 October 2012 Commendation from the chief of the Japan Tourism Agency (Ministry Definition of areas where no tourism is allowed, with focus on protection and research of Land, Infrastructure and Transportation) -Area surrounding Aso Nakadake Crater (off-limits area), farm association management project zone (off-limits area) (grasslands) -25 February 2011 Special Prize from the Regional Regeneration Awards th -12 March 2011 Selected for the Second UNESCO Heritage for the Future Movement th th -4 February 2010 Award for Contribution to Society, Kumamoto Prefecture Agriculture Concourse 8 Append A th -Mr Noriyuki Minami, Specially Appointed Professor, Laboratory of National Land th Conservation, Division of Research Innovation Cooperation, Research Faculty of -24 June 2009 Kumamoto Nichinichi Shimbun (Local Newspaper) Award -28 November 2008 Grand Prix, 4th Ecotourism Awards Agriculture, Hokkaido University 2.9 -Mr Nobuhiro Tanaka, Kumamoto Prefecture Special Advisor on Groundwater Advisory expert who is a practicing geoscientist: -Mr Ikuo Miyabuchi, Associate Professor, Earth Science Department, Faculty of Education, -Mr Kazunori Watanabe, Honorary Professor, Kumamoto University (Doctorate of Kumamoto University Science) -Mr Kiyoshi Shimamura, Professor, Kumamoto Center for Culture and Education, Tokai 5 or more staff with an academic background in geoscience Conservation University -Mr. Shin’ichiro Ikebe, Director, Aso Volcano Museum (Doctorate of Science) Advisors with experience in geoscience -Mr. Shozo Yokoyama, Academic Advisor, Aso Volcano Museum (Doctorate of Science) -Mr Hitoshi Tanaka, Chair, Kumamoto Geoscience Society -Mr. Yasuaki Sudo, Academic Advisor, Aso Volcano Museum (Doctorate of Science) -Mr Ryoichi Inaga, Vice president, Kumamoto Geotechnical Consultants Association -Ms. Miyuki Yoshikawa, Curator, Aso Volcano Museum (Doctorate of Science) -Mr. Katsunori Toyomura, Curator, Aso Volcano Museum (Master’s Degree in Science) -Mr. Akira Katayama, Coordinator, Aso Geopark Promotion Council An experts network has been established ( the Aso Geopark Expert Committee) with representatives from different scientific disciplines -Animals, plants, folklore, archaeology, water, volcanoes, earthquakes, geology, Additional experts geography, disaster prevention -Mr Hisaya Tamaki, Curator, Aso Volcano Museum (Master’s Degree in Agriculture) Marketing expert Regular and formal joint activity with the following academic organizations: -Mr. Akinobu Ishimatsu, Planner, Aso Geopark Promotion Council -Education / Science Department, Kumamoto University -Ms. Mariko Yamauchi, Staff, Aso Geopark Promotion Council Press officer -Aso Volcanological Laboratory, Kyoto University -National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology Product Manager -Mr. Keita Kunitani, Manager, Aso Geopark Promotion Council Regular consulting with the following individuals: -Mr. Setsuya Nakada, Professor, Earthquake Research Institute, the University of Tokyo -Mr Mahito Watanabe, Advisory Committee member of the Asia Pacific Geoparks Other staff qualified to lead walks and outdoor tours -42 members of the Aso Geopark Guides Association Network Append A 9 Administrative staff -Mr. Akira Katayama, Coordinator, Aso Geopark Promotion Council Museum staff -Mr Shin’ichiro Ikebe, Director, Aso Volcano Museum (Doctorate of Science) and 19 additional staff members 2.10 Does your Applicant area have the following infrastructure? Museums -Aso Volcano Museum, Minami Aso Visitor Centre, Aso Den’en Kukan Eco Museum Information Centres -Aso Information Centre, Ichinomiya Information Centre, Minami Oguni Town Tourist Information Centre, Takamori Town Tourism Communication Centre, Minami Aso Village Tourist Information Centre Info-Kiosks - Aso Den’en Kukan Eco Museum, Hana-Asobi, Kagura-En, Kiyora Kaasa, Michi-no-eki Oguni ‘Yu Station’, Ubuyama Farm, Asobo-no-Sato Kugino, Moe-no-Sato, Soyokaze Park Information Panels -See separate sheet (Reference.1) Geological Trails -Mt Nakadake and Takadake Course, Mt Eboshi Course, Mt Kijima Course, Daikanbo Lookout, Mt Ogidake Trail, Sankin-Kotai Road, Oshito-Ishi Trail, Nabegataki Falls Trail, Yamabuki Natural Spring Trail, Yusuikyo 10 Append A 3. Information and Environmental Special programs for secondary/high school classes Education Special program for University students -Class field trips are accepted - Internships available 3.1 Research, information and education scientific activity within the territory University campus/education centres within the applicant area 3.2 Do you operate programs for environmental education? 3.3 Education Materials Permanent staff engaged in environmental education New educational materials have been developed for school classes, including: -Ms. Yuka Mori, Assistant Curator, Aso Volcano Museum -Mr. Akira Katayama, Coordinator, Aso Geopark Promotion Council -Faculty of Agriculture, Tokai University -Learning Centre, Sujo University -Caldera experiment teaching materials -Videos (on geology, grasslands and water) Formal Education Program -Interactive materials (Skype learning materials) - The Geopark is part of the required curriculum for first-year students at Aso Chuo High -Special exhibition (four Aso Volcano Museum Exhibitions/year) School -Special educational equipment (disaster prevention experiment teaching materials) Formal educational programs developed by other organizations 3.4 Published Information - Volcano and Environment Symposium (lectures aimed at elementary and junior high -See separate sheet (Reference.2) school students) Programs open to individual children -Volcano Experience Activity Program Special programs for elementary school classes -Class field trips are accepted 3.5 Professional Marketing of the area -See separate sheet (Reference.2) 3.6 Languages provided in marketing materials -6 languages (English, French, Korean, Taiwanese, Chinese and Japanese) Append A 11 3.7 Provisions made for geology education for school groups -Museum tours (curator’s guided tour), experiments and talks 3.8 Education -- Guides Advisory expert for guides who is a practicing geoscientist -Mr Shin’ichiro Ikebe, Director, Aso Volcano Museum (Doctorate of Science) Experts providing guided tours -Aso Geopark Guide Association members (42membres) Guides providing tours for individuals or small groups -Members of Aso Eco Tourism Association including Aso Geopark Guides Association. Freelance guides -Aso Geopark Guide Association members, Aso Interpreters (Aso Museum) Training course -Aso Geopark Guide Association members, Aso Interpreters (Aso Museum) 3.9 Information provided to schools and educational groups - School curriculum material has been prepared related not only to science but also to social studies and mathematics 12 Append A 3.10 Internet for school program -An internet learning program taught by curators is available 4. Geotourism area and encouraged to use it before they come? Encouragement is provided in leaflets and websites. Links to detailed information are 4.1 Information Centres and Exhibitions Five information centres provided on websites and mobile phone systems. Interactive displays (digital signage systems) at public transport nodule points provide information as well. Aso Information Centre, Ichinomiya Information Centre, Minami Oguni Town Tourist Information Centre, Takamori Town Tourism Communication Centre, Minami Aso Village Tourist Information Centre 4.5 Guided tours Regular seasonal tours for a broad audience and groups with a special interest in geology and geomorphology Nine Info Points or similar facilities Aso Den’en Kukan Eco Museum, Hana-Asobi, Kagura-En, Kiyora Kaasa, Michi-no-Eki Oguni ‘Yu Station’, Ubuyama Farm, Asobo-no-Sato Kugino, Moe-no-Sato, Soyokaze Park Five model geotourism routes hosted by Aso Geopark Guides Association (Collaboration with Aso Geopark Promotion Council) see more details in a dossier 4-4-1 All facilities are open more than six days a week and are easily accessible by public transport On-site training hosted by Aso Volcano Museum (Qualified staff are also available for disabled visitors. 4.2 How is information and interpretation presented? Nakadake Geosite / Mt. Kijimadake Geosite / Kusasenri Geosite -Static display materials, panels, films and videos, interactive displays (digital signage Guided tours for disabled visitors are also carried by qualified staff at Aso systems), as well as regularly changing exhibitions Museum For limited groups and alternatives due to bad weather conditions 4.3 Public Access and Facilities - The proposed Geopark is accessible by public transport (railways and buses) A comprehensive system of loop line buses is available. Parking and public toilets are -Museum tours (Aso Volcano Museum) -Lectures on Aso and volcanoes -Experiments for learning about caldera formation and natural disasters available at key locations. A flexible registration system (day-to-day basis) is available for tours, as well as a drop-in system. 4.4 Are visitors informed about public transport in the Append A 13 4.6 Twelve gate signs are posted for Aso Geopark, at all entrances via main national roads. Paths are maintained around Mt Nakadake Crater for easy access and observation of geographic features. Regular inspections and clean-ups are carried out under the supervision of the Ministry of Environment and Kumamoto Prefecture 4.7 municipality has hotels and inns. The existing accommodation networking is well developed. 4.11 -Staff members promote geotourism through personal meetings with travel agencies and school teachers. 4.12 Sustainable trails Information is shared at regular meetings with members of the Aso Geopark Promotion -Geo trails (Daikanbo Geosite), cultural trails (The Sankin-kotai Road Geosite),forest trails Council (Kyushu nature trails) and other trails (Old Japan National Railway Miyahara Line) -Trails by electronically assisted rental bicycles. 4.8 -See separate sheet (Reference.2) 4.9 The multilingual Aso Geopark Official Website provides a link to a website with general 4.13 Visitor Evaluation -See separate sheet (Reference.3) 5.1 information about the Aso region. Geopark management may be reached by email. -Beef from Aso Brown Cattle, a specialty of the specialities, is for both its health and Information on excursions is provided on Facebook and by email bulletins. conservation value, as the animals are essential to preserving Aso’s grasslands. A certification system is available to restaurants serving Aso Brown Cattle beef, which 4.10 What kind of infrastructure is available for activities such as horse riding, canoeing and cycling? helps promote it as a high-quality product. Each municipality has at least one market offering direct sales of locally grown food. A system for online purchase of regional food products also exists. -Several trekking courses exist, including the Sankin-Kotai Road and former national Miyahara railway line walking course. Regular inspections and maintenance of these courses are carried out by the relevant management bodies. Maps are available of each 5.2 course at our base facilities. Guided tours and geo-camping tours (including meals and -Aso Caldera model kits are being developed in collaboration with Hokkaido Chizu accommodation) are also available, and new courses are being planned. Each Corperation for local community. Clear file folders, notebooks and other stationary is 14 Append A system is in place by which consumers win prizes by collecting stamps from branded 5.5 What kind of contracts are regularly signed with businesses in your area? products, and other promotional experiments have been carried out as well. -Aso Geopark Promotion Council contracts with local businesses for design and print jobs sold, and an Aso Geopark brand has been established, with 20 products certified so far. A using images by local photographers. Geotourism is also carried out in collaboration with 5.3 local travel agencies. The council buys stationary and other equipment from local suppliers. -The main regional crafts are pottery and woodworking. Regular exhibitions take place to promote a range of regional crafts. Aso Folk School and Takamori Town Tourism Communication Centre also organize special exhibitions. 5.6 Networking - The Aso Geo Sketch Exhibit takes place on a regular basis in collaboration with the local 5.4 Junior Chamber of Commerce. - Projects to prepare the region for international tourism are carried out with funding -Aso Caldera Tour, a tourism program hosted by the Aso Hot Spring Inn Association, connects visitors with geotours by the Aso Geopark Guides Association. This plan is only from Kumamoto Prefecture and local municipalities as part of a large prefectural program. available to those who stay in the Aso area. Append A 15 5. Reference.1 Geopark Information Panels Informational signs № Title Contents Installation site Municipality Installation year 1 General Information General information about Aso Geopark Michi-no-eki Aso(Road station) Aso city 2011 2 Nakadake crater Area Entire feature of Nakadake crater Surroundings of Nakadake crater Aso city 2011 3 Yusuikyo Gorge Landscape formed by pyroclatic flow Yusuikyo Camping site Oguni town 2012 4 Mt.Eboshidake Trail Path Map of Mt. Eboshidake Trail path Mt.Eboshidake Trail Route Aso city 2012 Gate signs № Title Contents Installation site Municipality Installation year 1 Gate signs basic №1 Indication of Aso Geopark National Route212(Daikanbo) Aso city 2011 2 Gate signs basic №2 Indication of Aso Geopark Prefectural road 339(Futaenotouge Mountain path) Aso city 2011 3 Gate signs basic №3 Indication of Aso Geopark National Route 57(Namino) Aso city 2011 4 Gate signs basic №4 Indication of Aso Geopark Prefectural road 11(Sanai plateau) Minami-Oguni town 2011 5 Gate signs basic №5 Indication of Aso Geopark National Route 212(Tsuetate) Oguni town 2011 6 Gate signs basic №6 Indication of Aso Geopark National Route 325(Takamori mountain path) Takamori town 2011 7 Gate signs basic №7 Indication of Aso Geopark National Route 325(Loop bridge) Takamori town 2011 8 Gate signs basic №8 Indication of Aso Geopark National Route 57(Tateno) Minami-Aso village 2011 9 Gate signs basic №9 Indication of Aso Geopark Prefectural road 28(Kain) Minami-Aso village 2011 10 Gate signs basic №10 Indication of Aso Geopark Prefectural road 28(Komori) Nishihara village 2011 11 Gate signs design №1 Indication of Aso Geopark National Route 212(Hanaasobi) Aso city 2012 12 Gate signs design №2 Indication of Aso Geopark National Route 57(Tateno) Minami-Aso village 2012 16 Append A 13 Gate signs design №3 Indication of Aso Geopark Michi-no-eki Aso(Road station) AsoDen’en Kukan Eco Aso city 2012 Museum 14 Gate signs design №4 Indication of Aso Geopark Aso Volcano Museum Aso city 2012 15 Gate signs design №5 Indication of Aso Geopark Minami-Aso Railway Tateno station Minami-Aso village 2012 16 Gate signs design №6 Indication of Aso Geopark Aso Kumamoto Airport Mashiki town 2012 17 Gate signs design №7 Indication of Aso Geopark National Route 57(Hakuun Sansou) Aso city 2013 18 Gate signs design №8 Indication of Aso Geopark JR Aso station Aso city 2013 19 Gate signs design №9 Indication of Aso Geopark Mt.Aso Ropeway (Mt.Aso station) Aso city 2013 20 Gate signs design №10 Indication of Aso Geopark Mt.Aso Ropeway(West crater station) Aso city 2013 Geosites Interpretation Panels № Title Contents Installation site Municipality Installation year 1 Daikanbo Formation of Aso caldera and 5peaks Front of Daikambo tea room Aso city 2010 2 Komezuka / Kamikomezuka Scoria formed 3,000 years ago Prefectural road 298(Kamikomezuka) Aso city 2010 3 Aso Yellow Soil Sediment layer of limonite Site of Japan Limonite Co. Ltd Aso city 2010 4 Cluster of Springs in Miyaji District Utilizing groundwater (flowing wells) Gate of Temple town shopping centre Aso city 2010 5 Ikeyama Fountainhead Utilizing groundwater (flowing wells) Ikeyama Fountainhead Park Ubuyama village 2010 6 Camel Mountain Dikes and topography formed by erosions Middle of Camel mountain Takamori town 2010 7 Shirakawa Fountainhead Utilizing groundwater (flowing wells) Shirakawa Fountainhead Park Minami-Aso village 2010 8 Tawarayama Lookout View of Nangodani valley inside Aso Caldera Tawarayama Lookout Minami-Aso village 2010 9 Tateno Gorge An only valley, a river flows outside caldera Left of Aso Choyo Bridge Minami-Aso village 2010 10 Omine Volcano and Takayubaru Formation of Omine Volcano and Takayubaru Prefectural road 28(Komori) Nishihara village 2010 Plateau Plateau Nakadake First Crater Crater Surroundings of Nakadake Crater Aso city 2011 11 lake (yudamari) and red heat phenomenon Append A 17 12 Structure of Nakadake crater Triplex structure near Nakadake crater Surroundings of Nakadake Crater Aso city 2011 13 Agglutinates Topography of rapidly sediments of high urroundings of Nakadake Crater Aso city 2011 Sunasenri-ga-hama Aso city 2011 temperature scoria 14 Sunasenri-ga-hama Magma fragment and volcanic ash covered platesu 15 Volcanic Desert Land only limited plants grow Sunasenri-ga-hama Aso city 2011 16 Cross Section of Columnar Joints Geographic feature formed by Aso pyroclastic Yusuikyo camping site Oguni-town 2012 Yusuikyo camping site Oguni-town 2012 Mt. Eboshidake route Aso city 2012 Mt. Eboshidake route Minami-Aso village 2012 Mt. Eboshidake route Minami-Aso village 2012 Mt. Eboshidake route Minami-Aso village 2012 Mt. Nakadake and Mt.Takadake route Aso city 2012 Mt. Nakadake and Mt.Takadake route Aso city 2012 Mt. Nakadake and Mt.Takadake route Aso city 2012 flow 17 Flat Riverbed of Welded Tuff Geographic feature formed by Aso pyroclastic flow 18 Tateno Barranco Distant view from Mt.Eboshidake towards Tateno Barranco 19 20 Nangodani valley and Distant view from Mt.Eboshidake towards The Southern Somma Nangodani valley View of Mt. Nakadake Distant view from Mt.Eboshidake towards Mt.Nakadake 21 Mt.Eboshi and Kusasenri-ga-hama Panoramic view from Mt.Eboshi towards Kusasenri-ga-hama 22 View of Northern Aso Caldera Distant view from Mt.Nakadake towards Asodani valley 23 View from Mt. Nakadake Panoramic view from Mt.Nakadake towards central cones 24 18 The Crater of Mt. Takadake Append A Stratovolcano formed about 20,000 years ago Reference .2 Interpretative Materials Free guiding materials Contents Image ●Aso Geopark leflets Issued:March 2012 Standards:A4, full-coloured eight pages, Japanese and English Purpose:Introduction of Aso Geopark Place to take:Tourist Informations, Michi-no-eki(road station), Exhibition spaces, Public facilities ●Aso Geotourism route maps Issued:March 2012 Standards:A3, full-coloured double-side printing, Japanese and English Purpose:Guiding 5 model routes of Aso Geopark Place to take:Tourist Informations, Michi-no-eki(road station), Exhibition spaces, Public facilities ●Aso Guide Map Issued:March 2012 Standards:A2, full-coloured double-side printing, Japanese, English, Korean, Simpilified Chinese, Traditional Chinese and French Purpose:Guiding general information of Aso Caldera and access Place to take:Tourist Informations, Michi-no-eki(road station), Exhibition spaces, Public facilities ●Aso Trekking Route Map Issued:March 2013 ( Reprints and redesigned) Standards:B2, full-coloured double-side printing, Japanese and English adscript Purpose:Guiding trekking routes on Aso central cones Place to take:Tourist Informations, Michi-no-eki(road station), Exhibition spaces, Public facilities Append A 19 Paid guiding materials Contents ●Aso Geopark Guide Book / 500JPY Issued:March 2012 Standards:A5, full-coloured 120 pages Purpose:Guiding brief of Aso Geopark Place to take:Tourist Informations, Michi-no-eki(road station), Exhibition spaces, Public facilities ●Aso Geoart (Map) / 1,000JPY Issued:March 2013 Standards:B1, full-coloured double-side printing, Japanese and English adscript Purpose:Birds-eye view map of Aso Geopark including geosites Place to take:Tourist Informations, Michi-no-eki(road station), Exhibition spaces, Public facilities ●Aso Geoart (Clear file folder) / 300JPY Issued:March 2013 Standards:A4, full-coloured double-side printing, Japanese and English adscript Purpose:Birds-eye view map of Aso Geopark including geosites Place to take:Tourist Informations, Michi-no-eki(road station), Exhibition spaces, Public facilities 20 Append A Image PR materials for local community Contents Image ●aso lulu Issued:Issue 7, November 2013 (Quarterly newspaper) Standards:Tabloid, full-coloured 8pages Purpose:Introduction of Aso Geopark activity Place to take:Distributed throughout the area of Aso Geopark ●WAVE Issued:Issue 20, July 2013 (Annualy paper) Standards:A4, Mix of full-coloured and 2coloured 12pages Purpose:Activity report of Aso Local Development Design Centre Foundation (ASODC) Place to take:Distributed throughout the area of Aso Geopark Append A 21 Skill-up materials for guides and information staffs Contents Image ●Aso Geopark Guides Manual Issued:August 2013 Standards:A5, Black and white 120 pages Purpose:Guiding manual of geosites for Aso Geopark Guides Association Place to take:Aso Geopark Promotion Office (Aso Geopark Guides Association) ●Aso Conversation book Issued:March 2006 Standards:A5, Full coloured 80 pages Purpose:Leaning conversation in English, Korean and Chinese Place to take:Aso Local Development Design Centre Foundation (ASODC) (Public Interest Incorporated Foundation) Awareness rising on disaster prevention matelials Contents ●Disaster prevention program ~volcanic disaster and earthquake disaster~ Issued:March 2013 Standards:A4, Full coloured 16 pages Purpose:Understanding on natural disaster and disaster prevention at home. Utilising disaster prevention kits Place to take:Aso Volcano Museum (Public Interest Incorporated Foundation) ●Sediment disaster ~12 July Kumamoto Torrential Rains~ Issued:March 2013 Standards:A4, Full coloured 24 pages Purpose:Understanding on damage situation on Kumamoto torrential rains Place to take:Kumamoto Prefecture Local Development Civil Engineering Division 22 Append A Image Tourist Information materials Contents Image ●Aso Caldera Tourism Issued:December 2012 Standards:A4, full-coloured 36 pages Purpose:Introduction of major 48 tourism program including Aso Geopark guided tour Place to take:Tourist Informations, Michi-no-eki(road station), Exhibition spaces, Public facilities ●ASO Billet! Issued:April 2013 Standards:A2, full-coloured 20 pages Purpose:Aso city tourism guided leaflet Place to take:Tourist Informations, Michi-no-eki(road station), Exhibition spaces, Public facilities ●Exploring Minami-Oguni town Issued:April 2009 Standards:A4, full-coloured double-side printing Purpose:Minami-Oguni town tourism guided leaflet Place to take:Tourist Informations, Michi-no-eki(road station), Exhibition spaces, Public facilities ●Oguni Tourism Guide Issued:April 2013 Standards:297mmx846mm, full-coloured double-side printing Purpose: Oguni town tourism guided leaflet Place to take:Tourist Informations, Michi-no-eki(road station), Exhibition spaces, Public facilities Append A 23 ●Aso Ubuyama Village Issued:September 2010 Standards:A4, full-coloured 6pages Purpose: Ubuyama village tourism guided leaflet Place to take:Tourist Informations, Michi-no-eki(road station), Exhibition spaces, Public facilities ●Takamori Town Tourism Guide Map Issued:August 2013 Standards:A3, full-coloured double-side printing Purpose: Takamori town tourism guided leaflet Place to take:Tourist Informations, Michi-no-eki(road station), Exhibition spaces, Public facilities ●Minami-Aso no kaori Issued:August 2012 Standards:A4, full-coloured 12pages Purpose: Minami-Aso village tourism guided leaflet Place to take:Tourist Informations, Michi-no-eki(road station), Exhibition spaces, Public facilities ●Nishihara village of water, green and light Issued:July 2011 Standards:210mm x 420mm, full-coloured double-side printing Purpose: Nishihara village tourism guided leaflet Place to take:Tourist Informations, Michi-no-eki(road station), Exhibition spaces, Public facilities ●Kokoro-ni-kizamu-tabi / Yama-no-tabi Issued:July 2013 Standards:A4, full-coloured 16pages Purpose: Yamato town tourism guided leaflet Place to take:Tourist Informations, Michi-no-eki(road station), Exhibition spaces, Public facilities 24 Append A Publications Contents Image ●Geological map of Aso volcano(1:50,000)/ 1,181JPY Issue:30 August 1985 Standards:B5, full-coloured foldable 8pages Contents:Subsurface geological map of inside and outside Aso caldera Published by:Geological Survey of Japan(Ono, K. Watanabe, K) ●Aso Kuju National Park / 2,800JPY Issue: March 1993 Standards:A4, mix of colour and black and white 93 pages Contents:Images and brief of Aso Kuju National Park Published by:Mainichi Shimbun ●1:30,000 land condition map of volcano・Mt. Aso / 1,200JPY Issue: 1 May 1994 Standards:A4, full-coloured foldable 16pages Contents:topographic category, organizations and distribution of facilities Published by:Geospatial Information Authority of Japan ●New Aso studies / 1,550JPY Issue: June 1994 Standards:A5, black and white 216pages Contents:Community study vol.1 Published by:Kumamoto nichinichi shimbun Append A 25 ●Natural history and antiquities of Aso / 1,995JPY Issue: September 2002 Standards:A5, black and white 249pages Contents:Introduction of great nature of Aso where wild animals live Published by:Ashisyobou ●Exploring Myths of Aso / 1,500JPY Issue: March 1996 Standards:A5, black and white 156pages Contents:Folklore and Myths of Aso regions Published by:Shin-jinbutu-ourai-sya (Sakai, K.) ●Geology of Aso volcano. Ichinomiya Chosi (history of Ichinomiya town, Kumamoto prefecture, Japan) Issue:15 March 2001 Standards:112mm x 172mm, black and white 221pages Contents:Geographic and topographic features of the entire area s of Aso mainly old Ichinomiya town Published by:Ichinomiya town (Watanabe,K.) ●Universe of Aso / 2,100JPY Issue:20 November 2009 Standards:A5, black and white 244pages Contents:Brief of relations between humans lives and nature in Aso Published by:Gensyobo (Ota, S.) 26 Append A ●Aso Kuju National Park; Park Guide / 500JPY Issue:July 2011 Standards:B5, full-coloured 48pages Contents:Raising awareness on Aso Kuju National park Published by:Natural Parks Foundation Aso Branch ●Aso and grasslands / 2,100JPY Issue:6 November 2012 Standards:A5, black and white 174 pages Contents:Brief of Aso in terms of grasslands, society and culture Published by:Kyushu Folklore Association ●Religion and regional society of Aso caldera / 9,975JPY Issue:25 March 2013 Standards:A5, black and white 420 pages Contents:Research achievement by Kumamoto university base formation research Published by:Seibundo (Yoshimura,T. Haruda, N) ●Crisis of grasslands /1,400JPY Issue:1 April 2013 Standards:A5, black and white 224 pages Contents:Activities of preservation and regeneration of Aso’s grasslands Published by:Kumamoto nichinichi shimbun Append A 27 Others Contents ●Umakabai, tanoshikabai,omoshirokabai of Aso Issue:September 2013 Standards:A3, ull-coloured double-side printing st Contents:self-outputs by 1 grade students of Aso Uchinomaki elementary school Published by:Uchinomaki Elementary School, Aso city ●Story of Aso Issue:March 2006 Standards:B6, black and white 16 pages Contents:Prepared for elementary school students for school trip Published by:Aso City Tourism Association ●Aso Eco Tourism Guideline Issue:March 2009 Standards:A5, full coloured 32pages 16 pages Contents:Guidelines on natural environment in the entire area of Aso for guides Published by:Aso Local Development Design Centre Foundation (ASODC) (Public Interest Incorporated Foundation) ●Blessings of Aso = blessings of the the Earth Issue:November 2012 Standards:A4, Mix of coloured and black and white Contents:PR leaflets for Aso Geopark branding products Published by:Kumamoto Prefecture Aso Local Development ●Aso Geoprk PR-DVD Issue:May 2012 Standards:4minutes PR images, Japanese and English Contents:Introduction of Aso Geopark base facilities and official HP Published by:Aso Geopark Promotion Office 28 Append A Image Reference.3 Performance table of Geotourism Unit:person Name of Group Aso Nature Guide Association 2010 2011 2012 131 87 27 5,425 11,080 12,027 Aso Museum 802 1,328 1,353 ASO Den’en Kukan Museum 450 553 799 Namino Plateau Yasuragi Recreation and Rest Centre 7,270 226 127 Minami-Aso Village Tourism Association 9,957 26,535 12,300 Aso Tanibito Eco Museum 1,454 - - Institute for Outdoor Activity and Environmental Education 1,200 900 329 203 900 600 Oguni Nature School - 188 112 Aso Green Stock Foundation - 2,838 2,814 5,000 50,921 31,205 Minami-Aso Guides Association - 1,000 1,000 Aso Geopark Guides Association - - 402 31,892 96,556 63,095 Aso Volcano Museum Aso Northern Somma Trekking Association National Aso Youth Friendship Centre Total ※Perforamance of 2012 declined compare to prior year due to Northern Kyushu Torential rains disaster. Append A 29 Append A: Additional Information Regarding the Self Evaluation Document Aso Geopark Promotion Council, JAPAN 30 Append A A member of Japanese Geopark Network