Regional Activities | Oki Islands UNESCO Global Geopark

Activities

In the Oki Islands Geopark, we strive to help the local community rediscover the value of the region and its diverse resources, including geological resources, and foster a sense of pride in their hometown. We carry out conservation activities as well, to ensure that these regional resources and features of the Oki Islands can be passed along to the next generation.

Regional Education Activities

In cooperation with the community centers and other organizations in the local municipalities, we carry out both outdoor education utilizing regional resources, and indoor education to introduce geopark activities. The Geopark Management Bureau also provides support through other programs such as our Lecturer Dispatch System, in order for the local community to gain deeper interest in the value of the Oki Islands' resources and environmental issues.

Geopark Field Work Sessions (Outdoor)

In field work sessions, participants have the opportunity to go out into the geopark and experience firsthand the scenery and precious plants and animals of the Oki Islands, while learning how the power of nature shaped the land and its ecosystem.

Geopark Study Sessions (Indoor)

Geopark study sessions are held to introduce a variety of geopark-related topics, including the geopark concept, activities and endeavors carried out in the Oki Islands region, and other topics according to the needs of the local community.

Lecturer Dispatch Program

As part of our endeavors to promote geopark activities within the region, the Oki Islands Geopark Management Bureau established a lecturer dispatch program. We send lecturers into the community upon request, based on the needs indicated on the request form. Lecturers handle a variety of topics including introducing the features of the Oki Islands Geopark, study of regional resources, understanding of geopark activities and endeavors, and more.
The lecturer dispatch request form can be accessed through the page linked below.

See Request Forms

Environmental Conservation

A large portion of the Oki Islands is designated as part of the Daisen-Oki National Park, and there are environmental conservation ordinances put in place by Shimane Prefecture and the local municipalities to ensure by law the environmental conservation of the Oki Islands. The Oki Islands Geopark also carries out environmental conservation activities, through endeavors such as surveys and protection of precious plants and animals, and the removal of invasive plant species.

Invasive Species Removal

To protect the precious plants and animals of the Oki Islands, we carry out the removal of invasive alien species together with our partner organizations and the local community.

Endeavors Against Marine Debris

In order to preserve the beautiful coastal scenery and to conserve and protect the marine environment and its habitants, we carry out coastal cleanup activities together with our partner organizations and the local community.

Preserving the Natural Forests for the Next Generation

Chichi-sugi Japanese Cedar (approx. 800 years old)

Washigamine Ridge (elevation 563 m) is located in the northeast part of Dōgo Island, and along its northern slope lies 20.58 hectares of forest. This forest includes 811 Japanese cedar trees (Cryptomeria japonica) between 300–400 years old, as well as Japanese thuja (Thuja standishii), momi fir (Abies firma), and other large trees.
Former Fuse Village (now part of Okinoshima Town) established a Natural Forest Anti-Logging Ordinance, and carries out conservation activities, under the following purpose: "We wish to forever be a town rich in green; create forests of giant trees that will never be cut down, preserving them as perpetual assets of the town's people; and advocate for the preciousness of nature and abundant forests by passing them along through generations."

Okinoshima Town Natural Forest Anti-Logging Ordinance

Guide Development

In the Oki Islands Geopark, we want our guides to not only introduce the places and things of the Oki Islands, but to be able to explain the close connections between the "Geohistory," "Unique Ecosystem," and "Lifestyles and Traditions" of the region. For this reason, we carry out training of Oki Islands UNESCO Global Geopark Guides.

Certified Foreign Language Geopark Guide Training Course (2019)

On-Site Guiding Practice by Foreign Language Guide Trainees

In order to raise the visitor satisfaction of foreign tourists as well as attract more foreign visitors, we held a course to train Foreign Language Geopark Guides. The course aimed to develop high quality guides who can introduce in various foreign languages the features of the Oki Islands, including their history, geography, culture, nature, and the geopark story, as well as how to fully enjoy your stay in the Oki Islands.

Certified Geopark Guide System (est. 2015)

Established in 2015, our guide system consists of three levels: Intermediate, Advanced, and Master Guides. We provide training courses for each level, and after a guide completes the course and passes the assessment, they gain the qualifications to register as a guide. Once the guide also gains a certain amount of practical experience, they can submit their application to become a Certified Geopark Guide.