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ABOUTHAKUSAN TEDORIGAWA
UNESCO GLOBAL GEOPARK

Geoparks are natural areas that aim to protect and make sustainable use of the Earth’s heritage.
The entirety of Hakusan City, Ishikawa Prefecture, is designated as the Hakusan Tedorigawa UNESCO Global Geopark.

 

Beneath the symbol of Mt. Hakusan people and nature live together,
in scenery that hides the Story of the Land.
The mountains, the rivers, the sea, and snow.
Find the Journey of Water which brings life,
and the Journey of Stone that follows.

 

Experience the workings of the Earth here, in the Hakusan Tedorigawa Geopark.

The Story of the Land, the People, and Nature

1

The Formation
of the Land

The land that makes up the Hakusan Tedorigawa Geopark records approximately 300 million years of history. From rocks formed by the collision of continents, to strata containing fossils from the time of the dinosaurs, to volcanic deposits formed during the rifting of the Sea of Japan, to recent volcanic deposits from the eruption of the still-active Mt. Hakusan.
The formation of the earth
2

The Ever-Moving,
Ever-Changing Earth

The land of the Hakusan Tedorigawa Geopark was not always located where it currently is. It was once connected to the Eurasian Plate. When the Sea of Japan began to rift open, parts of the land spread away from the continent, and were broken up, pushed, and pulled in all directions. Eventually a thin-spot formed, causing magma to erupt up from the mantle in a chain of volcanoes. These were then eroded by rain and snow, and the eroded sediment was deposited. All of the elements of this ever-evolving story are preserved here in Hakusan City.
Moving earth / changing land
3

Today's
Journey of Water

This ever-changing land brought us Mt. Hakusan, whose tall peaks block the winds that blow in from the Sea of Japan, causing huge amounts of snow to deposit. In the spring this snow melts, returning to the Sea of Japan via the Tedori River. Within this small area, the Journey of Water continues.
The current water journey
14

Today's
Journey of Stone

Intertwined with this Journey of Water - especially in regard to the Tedori River - is the Journey of Stone. The river breaks apart stones from the easily eroded mountains, and carries them downstream, carving deep into the river banks as it moves. These various stones make up the foundation of the Tedori River Alluvial Fan, and there are many stones in the river still undergoing their journey.
The current stone journey
5

Hakusan's Blessings

In this land where the Journey of Water and Journey of Stone dance endlessly with each other, ecosystems have been born, housing numerous plants, animals, and of course ourselves. People live in places graced by the blessings of water and life, but these blessings exist due to the relationship between the Journey of Water and Journey of Stone.
Bounty of the earth
6

Living with
Natural Disasters

While the Journey of Water and Journey of Stone bring with them numerous blessings, they also bring with them flooding and other natural disasters. However with wisdom born from decades of learning how to work with floods rather than against them, the people of this area coexist with these disasters, while still receiving the blessings of the land.
Disaster and coexistence

  • Geology and Terrain

    Geology and terrain

  • Ecosystems

    Ecosystem

  • History, Culture and Industry

    History ･ culture ･ industry

These three elements make up not only the natural landscapes, but also the landscapes that we see and exist in through our everyday lives. In the Hakusan Tedorigawa Geopark, the relationship between these three elements can be seen and experienced first-hand.

Geology, Ecology, and People.
Understand the Whole Picture.

In geoparks you can experience the connection between the land (Geology), the plants and animals (Ecology), and the lifestyles, culture, history and industries (People) that have grown within them.

Global and Japanese Geoparks

A geopark is a type of natural park, and it highlights geological heritage, from which we can learn about activities of the Earth such as land formation, geology and topography. It also includes and highlights sites of natural and ecological, as well as archaeological and cultural value. Linking geoheritage to the lives of people and wildlife, history and industries, and natural disaster prevention, the initiative offers educational opportunities and promotes regional development in a holistic manner. Global Geoparks have been supported by UNESCO since 2004 and became “UNESCO Global Geoparks” in November 2015. By applying to and receiving designation by UNESCO, geoparks can earn the title of UNESCO Global Geopark in their name.

 

UNESCO Global Geoparks

Global Geopark Network (GGN)

 

Within Japan there are also geoparks registered as a Japanese Geopark, who conduct activities similar to those of UNESCO Global Geoparks, and are aiming for UNESCO Global Geopark designation.

 

The Japanese Geoparks Network (JGN) was established in 2009 to support regional activities related to the promotion of geoparks. In JGN there are regular members certified as Japanese Geoparks and associate members trying to be certified as such. They are actively working on promoting Geoparks not only in Japan but also to the world. UNESCO Global Geoparks are located in 48 countries and 195 regions, mainly in Europe and China. In Japan, including the Hakusan Tedorigawa Geopark, 10 areas are designated as UNESCO Global Geoparks. 36 other areas are actively raising public awareness as Japanese Geoparks.（As of May 2023）

 

Japanese Geopark Network Website

Japanese Geopark Network

 

World Heritage sites place much value on protection and conservation as part of the World Heritage Convention, whereas geoparks put emphasis on protection and conservation as well as utilization, such as popularization of education and science, and local development. Every geopark region is doing their best to support local people’s activities, such as geo-tourism, which through regional revitalization and local economic development, can be expected to nurture culture and the environment, and lead to the protection and conservation of heritages.

 

The Three Main Purposes of Geoparks
1. Protection of geological heritage
2. Popularization of education and science utilizing geological heritage
3. Promotion of sightseeing and geo-tourism utilizing geological heritage

 

 

  UNESCO Global Geoparks World Heritage Sites
Target World-class Earth heritage (matter)
World-class activities (people)		 Unique world value (matter)
Purpose Protection and utilization
(popularization of education and science, and local development) 		Protection
Judgement Re-examination once every four years Once
Relationship with UNESCO a UNESCO program World Heritage Treaty